Innovating the fight against syphilis: SIM Project

Introduction: Syphilis is a major public health problem. Its incidence has increased in Brazil, particularly in the Southern Region. New tools are available, and immediate action is necessary. Objective: To describe the pilot study of an investigation aimed to assess the prevalence of syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and HIV and evaluate three strategies for adherence to syphilis treatment. Methods: A spontaneous sample of participants was evaluated with a structured questionnaire and underwent rapid tests for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B and C after signing an informed consent form (ICF). Rapid tests reagent for syphilis were confirmed by quantitative venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA). Participants with confirmation of syphilis were randomized into three groups for follow-up: telephone calls, SIM app, and usual care at the health unit. Results: During a two-day pilot, 68 participants were included. Fourteen (20.6%) had tests reagent for syphilis, 1 (1.5%) for hepatitis B, 3 (4.4%) for hepatitis C, and 1 (1.5%) for HIV. Eight (57.1%) of the initial 14 individuals with rapid tests reagent for syphilis agreed to participate in the study. Out of the 8 rapid tests for syphilis, 2 (25%) were confirmed as active syphilis (>1/8). Conclusion: The prevalence of active syphilis estimated in this population was 3.5%. The demand for tests was high. The COVID-19 epidemic had a negative impact on the development of the study, which is ready for implementation. Discussions on the role of such a testing unit and the coverage of the research project in a context that requires increasing COVID-19-focused testing are fundamental for the future development of the project.

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Eliminating Hepatitis B from Bangladesh by the Year 2030

Journal of Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons ◽

10.3329/jbcps.v38i3.47062 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 38 (3) ◽

pp. 145-149

Author(s):

Md Golam Mustafa ◽

Md Shahinul Alam ◽

Md Golam Azam ◽

Md Mahabubul Alam ◽

Md Saiful Islam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Health Workers ◽

Health Sector ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Integrated System ◽

Hbv Infection ◽

Diagnosis And Treatment ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Medical Institutions ◽

The Government

Worldwide, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still a major public health problem. Bangladesh having a large burden of HBV infection, should be a major contributor towards it’s elimination by 2030. The country has been making progress in reducing incidence of HBV infection during the past decades. The progresses are mainly due to large vaccination coverage among children and large coverage of timely birthdose vaccine for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HBV. However, Bangladesh still faces challenges in achieving target of reduction in mortality from HBV. On the basis of targets of the WHO’s Global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis 2016–2021, we highlight priorities for action towards HBV elimination. To attain the target of reduced mortality we propose that, the service coverage targets of diagnosis and treatment should be prioritized along with vaccination. Firstly, improvements are needed in the diagnostic and treatment abilities of medical institutions and health workers. Secondly, the government needs to reduce the costs of health care. Thirdly, better coordination is needed across existing national program and resources to establish an integrated system for prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of HBV infection. In this way, we can make progress towards achieving the target of eliminating HBV from Bangladesh by 2030 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2020; 38(3): 145-149

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Sero-epidemiology and risk factors of syphilis in Makassar, Indonesia

Serbian Journal of Dermatology and Venerology ◽

10.2478/sjdv-2019-0006 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 43-49

Author(s):

Maryam Kusumawaty ◽

Khairuddin Djawad ◽

Muh Nasrum Massi ◽

Andi Muhammad Adam ◽

Siswanto Wahab ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Treponema Pallidum ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Sexual Relationships ◽

Capital City ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Transmitted Infection ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Introduction. Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum spirochete and is mainly transmitted by sexual contact. Syphilis has the potential to cause serious complications and is closely related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection thus making syphilis still a major public health problem. In Indonesia, surveys of high-risk populations in 2007 and 2011 reported an increase in the prevalence of syphilis, especially in men who have sexual relationships with other men (MSM). Moreover, studies have described risk factors for HIV transmission including MSM, heterosexual contacts, Intravenous (IV) drug use, and infected partners. Objectives. To assess the epidemiological aspects and risk factors for syphilis in Makassar, as well as the correlation with a coinfection of other sexually transmitted infections. Material and Methods. This study is a multi-centre cross-sectional descriptive study with consecutive sampling. We evaluated cases for eligibility by confirming the diagnosis based on the serological result using rapid plasma reagin assay (RPR), Treponema pallidum haemagglutination (TPHA), and HIV screening kit. The cases were analyzed based on epidemiological features, risk factors and clinical findings, co-infection with other sexually transmitted infection (ST), and stadium of the disease. Results. A total of 79 serologically confirmed syphilis cases were collected between January 2017 and December 2018 in Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi province in Indonesia. Of the 63 male subjects (79.7%), 38 (48.1%) were homosexual/MSM, and in 41 cases of HIV-infected subjects, 25 (60.9%) of them were also MSM. Conclusion. Our study showed there was a significant correlation between syphilis and an increased risk of HIV transmission in MSM groups. The higher number of cases of syphilis and HIV co-infection among MSM can increase transmission of both infections and should be considered a major risk factor for syphilis in Makassar.

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Simple and Feasible Detection of Hepatitis B Virus via Combination of Multienzyme Isothermal Rapid Amplification and Lateral Flow Dipstick Strip

Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences ◽

10.3389/fmolb.2021.763079 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Mao-Ling Sun ◽

Hai-Yun Lai ◽

Na-Yu Chong ◽

Dong-Fan Liu ◽

Zhen-Yi Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B Virus ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Lateral Flow ◽

Detection Sensitivity ◽

Clinical Samples ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Lateral Flow Dipstick ◽

B Virus ◽

Rapid Amplification

Hepatitis B virus infection is not only a huge burden in the field of social health but also a major public health problem that affects the lives and health of the people. Simple, rapid, feasible detection of HBV is critical for its prevention and spread, especially in the developing countries with low-resource laboratories. To this end, we combined multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification (MIRA) and lateral flow dipstick (LFD) strip to detect HBV. A pair of primers targeting the conserved region of HBV genome was designed and used in MIRA-LFD assay. Our results found that the entire amplification of MIRA-LFD only takes 10 min at 37°C and the dilution of the amplification products was added in the LFD strip and observed by the naked eye after 10 min. The detection sensitivity of this method can reach 10 pg. The 45 clinical samples were detected by MIRA-LFD and real-time PCR. The accuracy rate of MIRA-LFD was 100%. Therefore, these characteristics of our newly developed MIRA-LFD assay make it particularly useful and suitable for detecting HBV in the resource-limited condition.

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Study on prevalence of hepatitis B in pregnant women and its effect on maternal and fetal outcome at tertiary care centre

International Journal of Reproduction Contraception Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20172069 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (6) ◽

pp. 2238

Author(s):

Sunita Mishra ◽

Priyali Purandre ◽

Ratna Thakur ◽

Shweta Agrawal ◽

Madhuri Alwani

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Mode Of Delivery ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Pregnant Patient ◽

Control Measures ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Tertiary Care Centre ◽

Vaccination Programs

Background: Hepatitis-B is caused by double stranded DNA virus. Prevalence of hepatitis B in pregnant woman worldwide is 2.5 to 1.5% whereas in India it is 2 to 7.7%.Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted at SAMC and PGI, Indore between January 2016 to December 2016. Hepatitis- B prevalence and outcome was assessed by doing routine screening of hepatitis B antigen in our indoor patients and finding out their maternal and fetal outcome.Results: Total 3567 deliveries were conducted during study period, out of them 39 were diagnosed as HbsAg positive pregnant patient; so, prevalence was found to be 1.09%. out of these, 84.6% were booked cases, mode of delivery was vaginal in 66.67% cases, preterm Delivery was in 10.26% of cases, meconium stained liquor was found in 5.13% cases, maternal mortality was nil, perinatal mortality was found in 2.56% cases and 5.13% cases were admitted in NICU.Conclusions: Screening of all pregnant women for HbsAg irrespective of risk factors will definitely help to know the correct prevalence and reduce the transmission of hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is a major public health problem in India and will continue to be until appropriate nationwide vaccination programs and other control measures are established.

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Trends in Prevalence of Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) virus infection among blood donors in Apollo Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2007-2011

Pulse ◽

10.3329/pulse.v6i1-2.20330 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6 (1-2) ◽

pp. 27-32 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

KM Huda ◽

TA Nasir

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Blood Donors ◽

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Infection Prevalence ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Transmitted Infection ◽

Recruitment And Selection

Transfusion transmitted infection (TTIs) is still a concern associated with blood transfusion as hepatitis B and hepatitis C remains a major public health problem in a country like Bangladesh. The trends of the prevalence of HBsAg and HCV infection among the healthy blood donors even in a tertiary level hospital could be a guide for planning and implementing programs for preventive measures. All samples of a total 18,381 unit of blood were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies at Apollo Hospitals Dhaka over a period of 5 years (2007-2011). The prevalence of HBV and HCV infection was calculated by year to demonstrate the trends. The overall sero prevalence rate of HBV and HCV among all blood donors at Apollo Hospitals, Dhaka during 2007 to 2011 was 1.42% and 0.10% respectively. There was decreasing trend observed in sero prevalence of HBV (1.77% vs 1.64%) and HCV (0.13% vs 0.02%) over five years of time, although this change was not statistically significant (p=0.16 for HBV and p=0.20 for HCV). However, a significant decreasing trend was observed in the sero prevalence of HBV among blood donors aged 30 years and above, which was 1.04% in 2011 against 1.73% in 2007 (p=0.04). The decreasing trend in the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection might be the result of improvement in donor recruitment and selection, replacement donation exclusion in transfusion services, and possibly decreasing HBV infection prevalence in general population. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pulse.v6i1-2.20330 Pulse Vol.6 January-December 2013 p.27-32

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Prevalence of Hepatitis B amgonst Asymptomatic Persons Visiting Braithwait Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH), Nigeria

Asian Journal of Medicine and Health ◽

10.9734/ajmah/2019/v15i130110 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

B. U. Fajoyomi ◽

C. D. Onwukwe ◽

G. Alukara

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B Virus ◽

Virus Infection ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Surface Antigen ◽

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Test Strip ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Hepatitis B Virus Infection ◽

B Virus

Hepatitis B virus infection is a major public health problem; it infects more than 400 million people worldwide. In recent years, the overall prevalence of this virus has declined due to its vaccine that is now in circulation. Hepatitis B virus causes liver injury by an immune response against the virus-infected liver cells but it’s not directly cytopathic, but immunosuppression enhances replication and can lead to direct cytotoxicity. In this study, A survey was conducted amongst 200 randomly selected general out-patients within the ages of 10-80 years with pregnant women inclusive who are attending the Braithwait Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) Nigeria, in order to ascertain the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection among patients attending Braithwait Memorial Specialist Hospital in Rivers State, Nigeria and the general knowledge of the people about this highly infectious disease. Sera collected were screened for the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen () using Labacon Diagnostic Test Strip (Hangzhou Biotest Biotech Co., Ltd China) and a total of 32 out of the 200 respondents tested positive of Hepatitis B surface antigen, giving a percentage of 16% (32/200).Questionnaires were distributed to the subjects in order to ascertain their perceptions about the disease, and to obtain useful socio-demographic information. There was a poor management and prevention control of the disease and this may have accounted for the prevalence of 16% in the study population.

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Chitosan and Sodium Alginate Combinations Are Alternative, Efficient, and Safe Natural Adjuvant Systems for Hepatitis B Vaccine in Mouse Model

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2016/7659684 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Nourhan H. AbdelAllah ◽

Nourtan F. Abdeltawab ◽

Abeer A. Boseila ◽

Magdy A. Amin

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Mouse Model ◽

Sodium Alginate ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Poor Response ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Effective Measure ◽

Hbv Vaccine ◽

Adjuvant System ◽

Current Vaccine

Hepatitis B viral (HBV) infections represent major public health problem and are an occupational hazard for healthcare workers. Current alum-adjuvanted HBV vaccine is the most effective measure to prevent HBV infection. However, the vaccine has some limitations including poor response in some vaccinee and being a frost-sensitive suspension. The goal of our study was to use an alternative natural adjuvant system strongly immunogenic allowing for a reduction in dose and cost. We tested HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) adjuvanted with chitosan (Ch) and sodium alginate (S), both natural adjuvants, either alone or combined with alum in mouse model. Mice groups were immunized subcutaneously with HBsAg adjuvanted with Ch or S, or triple adjuvant formula with alum (Al), Ch, and S, or double formulations with AlCh or AlS. These were compared to control groups immunized with current vaccine formula or unadjuvanted HBsAg. We evaluated the rate of seroconversion, serum HBsAg antibody, IL-4, and IFN-γlevels. The results showed that the solution formula with Ch or S exhibited comparable immunogenic responses to Al-adjuvanted suspension. The AlChS gave significantly higher immunogenic response compared to controls. Collectively, our results indicated that Ch and S are effective HBV adjuvants offering natural alternatives, potentially reducing dose.

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Toward an Ecosocial Epidemiological Approach to Goiter and Other Iodine Deficiency Disorders: A Case Study of India's Technocratic Program for Universal Iodization of Salt

International Journal of Health Services ◽

10.2190/hs.39.2.g ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 343-362 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ritu Priya ◽

Atul Kotwal ◽

Imrana Qadeer

Keyword(s):

Iodine Deficiency ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Evidence Base ◽

World Health ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Iodine Deficiency Disorders ◽

Iodine Nutrition ◽

The Government ◽

Epidemiological Approach

The program of universal salt iodization (USI) was intensified in the 1990s. Unfortunately, a recent World Health Organization review finds that there was a global increase of 31.7 percent in total goiter rate from 1993 to 2003. However, the WHO review places only 1 country as severely, 13 as moderately, and 40 as mildly deficient in populations' iodine nutrition, and places 43 countries at optimal, 24 at high, and 5 at excessive levels of iodine nutrition. Thus, it is imperative to weigh the benefits and risks of intensifying USI further. The WHO review places India in the category of “adequate” iodine nutrition, but in 2005 the Government of India promulgated a universal ban on sale of non-iodized salt, calling iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) a major public health problem. This article attempts to understand these contradictions and weigh the benefits and costs of USI. Based on a review of studies since the 1920s, the authors reconstruct the evolution of IDD control in India. Conceptual and methodological limitations challenge the evidence base and rationale of stricter implementation of USI now. Finding evidence for its negative impact, the authors recommend a reexamination of the USI strategy and propose a safer, people-centered, ecosocial epidemiological approach rather than a universal legal ban.

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Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C among Healthcare Workers in Dutse Metropolis Jigawa State, Nigeria

10.1101/327940 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

N.M. Sani ◽

I. Bitrus ◽

A.M. Sarki ◽

N.S. Mujahid

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Health Care Workers ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Chromatographic Technique ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Care Workers ◽

Sub Saharan

AbstractHepatitis is one of the neglected infectious diseases in sub Saharan Africa and most of the available data is based on blood donors. Health care workers (HCWs) often get infected as a result of their close contact with patients. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C among this group of professionals with a view to improving the quality of care to their patients. Hepatitis B and C infections pose a major public health problem worldwide. While infection is highest in the developing world particularly Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, healthcare workers are at higher risk of acquiring blood-borne viral infections, particularly Hepatitis B and C which are mostly asymptomatic. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C infections and associated risk factors among health care workers in Dutse Metropolis, Jigawa State - Nigeria. A standard rapid immuno-chromatographic technique i.e. rapid ELISA was used to screen all sera for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C viral antibody (HCVAb) respectively. Strips containing coated antibodies and antigens to HBV and HCV respectively were removed from the foil. Strips were labeled according to samples. Using a separate disposable pipette, 2 drops of the sample (plasma) were added into each test strip and allowed to run across the absorbent pad. Results were read after 15 minutes. The prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in 100 healthcare workers was determined by testing the plasma collected from the clients during their normal checkup using HBsAg and HCVAb test strips. Results were subjected to statistical analysis using chi-square test. The prevalence of HBV among HCWs was 19 out of 100 (19.0%) and that of HCV was 5 out of 100 (5.0%) where in both cases, higher prevalence was observed among female nurses. It was also observed that all HCV positive cases were recorded among nurses only. The study revealed that nurses are at greater risk of contracting HBV and HCV due to their frequent contact with patients. It is therefore recommended that effective vaccination and other infection control measures be encouraged among healthcare workers.

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Pleural Effusion Related to Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation: A Rare Association

European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine ◽

10.12890/2021_002270 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ana Oliveira ◽

Diana Valadares ◽

Filipe Nery

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B Virus ◽

Pleural Effusion ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Antiviral Treatment ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Hbv Infection ◽

Viral Reactivation ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Chronic Hepatitis B Virus ◽

B Virus

Despite worldwide vaccination campaigns, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health problem. The natural history ranges from asymptomatic infection to severe liver injury or failure, chronic complications or reactivation episodes. The effects of HBV on the organism are immunomediated, possibly triggering extrahepatic manifestations. Since 1971, only a few cases of pleural effusion related to HBV infection have been described. We report HBV-associated pleural effusion occurring during a viral reactivation episode. Antiviral treatment directed towards pleural effusion related to HBV infection should be dictated by underlying liver disease severity and not pleural effusion severity.

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