Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Nanjing, Southern China

There is little information on the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in China. The prevalence of HCV infection was determined in 998 subjects (398 with liver disease and 600 without) in the city of Nanjing in southern China. Subjects were tested for anti-HCV antibodies by a second generation assay. We also determined serological HCV genotypes and HCV RNA sequences. Among the 600 subjects without liver disease, 3 (0.5%) were seroreactive for anti-HCV. All were less than 12 years of age and had a history of transfusion. Of the 398 liver disease patients, 20 (5.0%) were seroreactive for anti-HCV. Of 16 patients in whom serological HCV genotype was determined, 10 (62.5%) were infected with HCV type 1, 5 (31.3%) with type 2 and 1 (6.3%) undetermined. HCV genomes sequenced from 2 patients belonged to genotype 2 and were closely related to strains in Beijing and Japan by molecular evolutionary analysis. These results suggest that HCV infection is rare and not a major cause of liver disease in southern China.     

海口地区丙型肝炎病毒基因分型研究

目的 为制定治疗方案提供参考,了解海口地区丙型肝炎病毒基因分型的特征.方法 选择2010年1月～2011年1月某院经临床检测HCV-RNA阳性的72例患者血清,回顾分析HCV测序分型结果、套式PCR结果,对照分析不同HCV-RNA阳性人群HCV基因分型及不同基因型HCV-RNA定量检测值.结果 本组共72份血清标本,基因型构成比次序依次为:1b型构成比为62.5％ (45/72);2a型构成比为29.2％ (21/72); 3a型构成比为8.3％ (6/72).不同HCV-RNA阳性人群HCV基因分型结果对照显示,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).1b型HCV-RNA定量检测值显著高于2a型和3a型(P＜0.05),2a型HCV-RNA定量检测值显著高于3a型(P＜0.05).结论 海口地区丙型肝炎病毒基因分型和国内多数地区相同,以1b型为主,2a型次之,同时基因分型也有助于了解患者体内病毒复制情况,为治疗提供参考.     

Vertical transmission of hepatitis C Virus: An epidemiological study on 2,980 pregnant women in Italy

The risk of mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) varies according to the population studied and the tests used. Aim of the current study was to investigate HCV vertical transmission rate in children born to 30 HCV positive/HIV negative pregnant women in Italy. We investigated the potential vertical transmission of HCV by identifying HCV antibody seropositive pregnant women, by analyzing HCV-RNA in the peripheral blood using PCR and by prospectively following their offspring until 24 months of age. During the third trimester, 2,980 consecutive pregnant women were examined for anti-HCV antibodies by a second generation Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (EIA2) and re-assayed by a second generation Recombinant Immunoblot Assay (RIBA2). A total of 32 mothers (1.07%) were positive for EIA2 test; 30 out of 32 had a reactive confirmatory RIBA2 test for HCV All anti-HCV positive mothers were negative for HIV. These 30 mothers and their 30 babies formed the study cohort. Of the 30 anti-HCV positive mothers, 10 were also positive for serum HCV-RNA by PCR. All the babies born to the 30 anti-HCV positive mothers were initially negative for HCV-RNA (cord blood specimens), but three babies became positive at three months of age and remained positive thereafter. These babies had been born to 3 of the 10 mothers with viremia during the third trimester of pregnancy. These results suggest that HCV vertical transmission is possible in 10% of anti-HCV positives and in about 33% of the HCV-RNA seropositive mothers.     

Hepatitis C virus genotypes among HCV-chronic liver disease patients in Egypt: a leading trial

In this trial, we have checked 50 anti-HCV positive, HCV-RNA PCR positive chronic liver disease cases, 44 males, 6 females with a mean age of 51 years. HCV-RNA extraction and genotyping was carried out at the Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Edinburgh, U.K. results showed that 47 (94%) of patients were of genotype 4 and 3 (6%) were of genotype 1. Liver biopsies were performed in 22 only out of the 50 patients studied. The 3 genotype 1 patients were biopsied, 2 had cirrhotic profile and one had CAH. Of 47 genotype 4 patients, 19 were biopsied, 3 were CPH, 2 had CLH, 9 had CAH, 4 had cirrhosis and one patient had HCC. CONCLUSION: It appears that Egypt hosts predominantly HCV genotype 4 and less commonly genotype 1. This finding might have important implications concerning the epidemiological aspects, pathogenesis and response to antiviral therapy.     

HCV and GBV-c/HGV infection in HIV positive patients in southern Italy

Flaviviridae–hepatitis C virus (HCV) and GB virus C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) – and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) frequently show similar modes of transmission. HCV and GBV-C/HGV infection was assessed in 134 consecutive patients with evidence of HIV infection, living in Campania, Italy. Data obtained from this cohort were compared with those obtained from 252 age- and sex-matched HCV infected patients without evidence of HIV infection (HCV control group). Following enzymatic immunoassays, samples were tested for the presence of HCV-RNA by RT-PCR. The HCV-RNA positive sera were genotyped by LiPA procedure. The prevalence of HCV infection in HIV patients was 19.40% and the largest group of HIV–HCV co-infected patients (84.62%) was represented by intravenous drug users (IVDU). The distribution of HCV genotypes in HIV–HCV patients was different, compared to that observed in HCV control group. HCV genotypes 1a (50%) and 3a (23.08%) were more frequently detected in HIV–HCV patients, compared to HCV control group (5.16 and 5.56% for 1a and 3a, respectively). Conversely, HCV genotypes 1b (55.70%) and 2a/2c (30.26%) were more represented in HCV control group, compared to HIV–HCV patients (15.38 and 0% for 1b and 2a/2c, respectively). GBV-C/HGV seroprevalence was 41.04% in HIV patients and 6.54% in healthy control individuals. Differently from HCV, GBV-C/HGV infection did not correlate to a preferential risk behaviour in the HIV cohort. Comparative analysis of HCV and GBV-C/HGV infection indicates that the use of injecting drugs might play a key role in the epidemiology of HCV and, in particular, of 1a and 3a HCV genotypes, in HIV patients.     

HCV transmission in family members of subjects with HCV related chronic liver disease

To investigate the risk of sexual and intrafamilial transmission of HCV, 220 family members of 76 patients (index cases) with chronic type C viral liver disease were tested for serological markers of HCV Of the family members, 129 were offspring, 64 sexual partners, 15 parents and 12 siblings of the index cases. Anti-HCV was tested in all the household contacts; HCV-RNA was tested in antibody positive samples. The serologic markers of HCV were tested in a control group of 168 family members of 81 patients with chronic hepatitis unrelated to HCV. The overall prevalence of anti-HCV was 8.2% compared to 0.6% in the control group (p < 0.001). Sexual partners were anti-HCV positive more frequently than the other contacts (20% vs 2.2%; p < 0.001), without any difference in males or females. No correlation was observed between the occurrence of HCV infection in contacts and age, severity of liver disease or risk factor for the acquisition of HCV in the index cases. Seven of the 18 (39%) anti-HCV positive family contacts had biochemical evidence of chronic liver disease, histologically confirmed in the 6 patients who underwent a liver biopsy. Liver chemistry was normal in all the HCV-negative contacts. Ten of the 18 anti-HCV positive contacts (55%) were HCV-RNA positive. Genotypes were the same (lb) in 4 of the 7 viremic couples of subjects: in 3 of the 6 couples of sexual partners and in the only mother/son couple. These data suggest the occurrence of intraspousal transmission of HCV, while intrafamiliar acquisition of HCV in non-sexual contacts seems to be rare.     

Evaluation of risk factors for intrafamilial transmission of HCV infection in Egypt

The objectives of this study were to define the prevalence of intrafamilial transmission of HCV and evaluate the risk factors in this setting. A cross-sectional, family-based seroepidemiological study was performed in Cairo Liver Center and Oncology Diagnostic Unit, Ain Shams University. A total of 102 index patients (72 males and 30 females) with type C chronic liver disease and their 305 family contacts were studied. Only 265 family contacts were eligible for the study as they showed no previous history of exposure to risk factors. Overall, 15 family contacts (5.7%) were positive for anti-HCV, indicating a lower anti-HCV prevalence among family contacts than the general population in Egypt. Spouses were at higher risk of infection (16.7%) than family members (2.6%). Among the repeatedly positive samples for anti-HCV, only 3 samples were HCV-RNA positive (1.1%), all were spouses. Logistic regression analysis revealed that spouses reporting promiscuous sexual relations were at higher risk than those with normal sexual relations. Contacts sharing personal objects were also at higher risk to develop HCV infection. Index cases reporting previous blood transfusion (18.6%), i.v. antibilharzial therapy (33.3%), multiple sex partners (1.0%) or advanced liver diseases were more infective to their family contacts. The contacts of index cases had increasing risk of HCV infection with increase in age and duration of contact. The prevalence rate of intrafamilial spread of HCV infection is low compared to the rate among general population, emphasizing its limited role in transmitting HCV infection. Long duration of sexual contact and promiscuous sexual activities were major risk factors in this setting.     

丙型肝炎患者血清及肝穿组织标本的分析

[目的]探讨感染丙型肝炎病毒的患者血清标本及肝穿组织标本的关系。[方法]通过对HCV感染后抗-HCV、HCV-RNA、ALT和肝组织病理改变等相关项目检查,分析这些指标之间的相关性。[结果]抗-HCV、HCV-RNA、ALT和肝组织病理变化有明显相关性。[结论]抗-HCV、HCV-RNA、ALT和肝组织病理变化等项目的分析,是了解HCV感染者健康状况和监测疾病进程的合适重要指标。     

河南省2020年1～69岁人群丙型肝炎流行状况调查

目的了解2020年河南省1～69岁人群丙型肝炎(丙肝)流行状况和特征。方法估计样本量为5 827人。采用多阶段抽样, 于2020年8-12月在河南省抽取8个县(区), 每个县(区)抽取2个调查点, 对1～69岁的人群进行问卷调查, 并采集静脉血液标本进行HCV抗体、核酸和基因型检测。结果调查5 165人, 其中男性占44.76%(2 312/5 165), 女性占55.24%(2 853/5 165)。1～69岁的人群抗-HCV、HCV RNA调整阳性率分别为0.69%(95%CI:0.68%～0.70%)和0.20%(95%CI:0.19%～0.21%)。男性抗-HCV和HCV RNA调整阳性率分别为0.48%(95%CI:0.46%～0.50%)和0.09%(95%CI:0.08%～0.10%);女性为0.86%(95%CI:0.85%～0.87%)和0.30%(95%CI:0.28%～0.32%)。抗-HCV和HCV RNA阳性率均呈随年龄增长而增加的趋势。城市人群抗-HCV和HCV RNA调整阳性率分别为0.87%(95%CI:0.86%～0.88%)和0.28%(95%CI:...     

Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus in hemodialysis patients and renal transplant recipients

This work was carried out to study the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, its associated risk factors and possible routes of transmission in hemodialysis patients and renal transplant recipients. Ninety five patients and 15 normal controls were included in this study. Patients were classified into 3 groups: Group I (64 hemodialysis patients), Group II (16 renal transplant recipients) and Group III (15 patients with chronic renal insufficiency on conservative treatments). Each individual was subjected to full clinical examination, estimation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), testing for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and core antigen (anti-HBc) by modified ELISA technique. Anti-HCV was found in 87.5% of hemodialysis patients, 81.25% of renal transplant patients, 53.3% of the conservative group and in 13.3% of the control group. There was a significant correlation between the presence of anti-HCV and the duration on dialysis in groups I and II (p < 0.05), while no significant correlation was detected between HCV positive cases and the number of units of transfused blood in groups I and II (p > 0.05). Serum ALT was elevated in patients with HCV infection, but there was no significant correlation between the presence of anti-HCV and elevated ALT level among the examined groups of patients (p > 0.05). The prevalence of HCV infection was not correlated with the duration of renal transplantation and the type of immunosuppressive therapy (p > 0.05). Coinfection with HBV and HCV could occur, as previous infection with HBV was demonstrated. Anti-HBc was found in 51.8%, 66.7%, 37.5% of anti-HCV positive patients in groups I, II, II respectively. Anti-HBs was detected in 24.1% and 15.4% of anti-HCV positive in groups I and II. HBsAg was found only in 4.7% of anti-HCV positive hemodialysis.     

The changing epidemiology pattern and frequency distribution of hepatitis C virus in Pakistan

Information regarding the changing pattern in hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes/subtypes and resulting disease outcome is not well known. The specific objective of this study was to find out the frequency distribution of HCV genotypes and changing pattern of various HCV genotypes overtime in well-characterized Pakistani HCV isolates. The genotype distribution of HCV from all the four provinces of Pakistan was tracked for a period of 10 years (2000–2009) on total 20,552 consecutive anti-HCV and HCV RNA positive patients sample using type-specific genotyping assay. Of these, 16,891 (82.2%) samples were successfully genotyped. Of these 11,189 (54.4%) were males and 9363 (45.55%) were females. Of the successfully genotyped samples, 12,537 (74.2%) were with 3a, 1834 (10.9%) with 3b, 50 (0.24%) with 3c, 678 (3.3%) with 1a, 170 (0.83%) with 1b, 49 (0.24%) with 1c, 431 (2.1%) with 2a, 48 (0.23%) with 2b, 3 (0.01%) with 2c, 13 (0.06%) with 5a, 12 (0.06%) with 6a, 101 (0.49%) with 4, and 965 (4.7%) were with mixed-genotype infection. A changing pattern of HCV genotypes prevalence was observed in Pakistan overtime, with an increase in the relative proportion of genotype 3a and mixed genotypes and a decrease of genotypes 3b, 2b, 4, 5a and 2a. This changed HCV genotype pattern might have direct impact on HCV disease outcome and new therapeutic strategies may be needed.     

广东地区丙型肝炎患者几种常见HCV基因型的快速检测

目的快速准确检测广东地区广泛分布的主要HCV基因型，为HCV的临床诊断和治疗提供依据。方法收集53例HCV—RNA阳性血清标本，选取丙型肝炎病毒（HCV）基因组保守序列为扩增靶序列，设计通用引物和特异型别探针（1，2，3，6型），通过逆转录将RNA逆转录为cDNA后，利用通用引物对cDNA进行PCR扩增，将扩增产物利用反向点杂交（RDB）技术进行基因分型。结果HCVRNA阳性血清53例，共检出标本52例，4种基因型所占的比例为1b型32例占60．38％，2a型4例占7．55％，3b型8例占15．09％，6a型8例占15．09％。结论所测患者的HCV基因型分布以1b为主，6a和3b次之，2a相对较低；反向点杂交技术能对其进行快速分型，符合率高达98．11％。     

广西某美沙酮维持治疗门诊HCV抗体阳性就诊者病毒载量及相关因素分析

目的 检测广西某美沙酮维持治疗(methadone maintenance treatment,MMT)门诊丙型肝炎病毒(hepatitis C,HCV)抗体阳性者的HCV病毒载量探讨其相关影响因素.方法 对广西南宁市MMT门诊HCV抗体阳性就诊者进行调查,收集一般人口学信息、吸毒及HIV感染情况等,并进行HCV病毒载...     

中国部分地区丙型肝炎病毒核心区基因分型的研究

〔目的〕了解中国部分地区丙型肝炎病毒的基因分型。〔方法〕采用HCV核心区的型特异性引物PCR检测并以基因序列系统进化树法对中国部分地区人群的HCV进行基因分型。〔结果〕在来自中国福建、山东、台湾等9个省、市的HCV-RNA阳性标本中共发现4种HCV基因型和6种HCV基因亚型,各型名称为:1b、2a、3b、6a、6n和6。其中1b型占29.7%(19/64);2a型占4.7%(3/64);3b型占28.1%(18/64);6a型占34.4%(22/64);6n型占1.6%(1/64);6型占1.6%(1/64)。另从1名巴基斯坦藉入境人员血清标本中检出HCV1a型。〔结论〕HCV核心区的型特异性引物PCR和基因序列系统进化树法可较好地对HCV进行基因分型,中国与相邻的东南亚国家或地区一样存在着HCV基因多样性。     

Sexual behaviour and multiple infections in drug abusers

We have studied the prevalence and the serological profile of HBV, HCV, HDV and HIV infections in 137 Italian subjects addicted to the intravenous use of heroine and correlated the virological findings with sexual behaviour. HBV and HCV viremia were also measured in 114 patients. Anti-HCV was detected in 81% of the addicts, and one or more markers of HBV infection were detected in 62.8% (4.4% were carriers of HBsAg, 58.4% had evidence of past HBV infection and 13.1% of the latter also had HDV markers). Anti-HIV was positive in 23.4%; 26% of those positive for anti-HCV and 4.6% of those positive for HBV markers had no other viral marker: none had only anti-HIV. HBV-DNA was negative in the carriers of HBsAg, and HCV-RNA was not detected in any of the HBsAg carriers who also had circulating anti-HCV Overall, 34% of the anti-HCV positive addicts had HCV-RNA in their blood. The prevalence of the virus infection correlated with the duration of drug addiction but not with sexual behaviour, and sexual behaviour did not influence the acquisition of any virus. HCV infection was most frequent and probably the first infection to occur, but exposure to HBV was also common despite a low rate of HBsAg carriage. The prevalence of HDV infection was high (50%) in the HBsAg carriers, while the overall prevalence of HIV was lower (23%) than expected. Lack of HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA in carriers of HBV with anti-HCV in serum may indicate that HBV and HCV mutually inhibit their own replication.     

6 280例体检人员丙型肝炎病毒感染调查分析

目的了解普通（体检）人群HCV感染状况.方法应用酶联免疫法检测6 280例体检人员血清中HCV抗体;对HCV抗体阳性者,检测其血清中HCV RNA及肝功能,并进行流行病学史调查.结果6 280例体检人员HCV感染率为2.17%;男性感染率为2.58%,高于女性1.86%（P〈0.05）.HCV抗体阳性者肝功能及相关生化指标54%在正常范围;HCV RNA阳性率为47%;42%的人主诉有肝区不适等症状;曾有输血史、毒瘾史、手术史、献血史、血吸虫病史者分别占22%,6%,35%,3%,12%;确诊为肝硬化者占4%,肝癌1%.结论普通人群HCV感染率男性高于女性;其感染除与易感因素有关外,大多为不能诉述易感因素的“不明原因”感染.HCV抗体阳性者大多无症状,肝功能及相关生化指标多正常;易转化为肝硬化、肝癌.     

Hepatitis C virus genotypes in southern Taiwan: prevalence and clinical implications

The role of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still controversial. To determine the distribution and clinical implications of HCV genotypes in southern Taiwan, we analysed 418 patients with chronic HCV infections. HCV genotypes were determined using an HCV Line Probe Assay. The predominant HCV genotype was 1b (45.5%), followed by 2a/2c (30.9%) and 2b (6.9%). The prevalence of genotype 1b in HCC patients (60.3%) was significantly higher than in those with liver cirrhosis (38.7%) and chronic hepatitis (38.7%) (P=0.003 and P<0.001, respectively). Patients with chronic HCV 2a/2c infection had higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels than those with chronic HCV 1b infection (P<0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that disease severity was significantly correlated with older age, genotype 1b, lower ALT levels and lower viral load. Based on multiple logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for age and serum HCV RNA levels, HCV 1b infection was still a significant risk factor for HCC. In conclusion, the predominant genotypes in southern Taiwan were 1b and 2a/2c, and disease severity was associated with genotype 1b.     

江苏省宜兴地区丙型肝炎病毒基因分型研究

目的了解江苏省宜兴地区丙型肝炎病毒（HCV）基因型分布特征和病毒变异情况。方法对宜兴市人民医院收治的158例HCV抗体阳性患者血清进行HCV RNA检测，对阳性标本进行Simmonds分型，采用5’非编码区（5’NCR）1、2、3、1b型特异性引物进行PCR扩增，并对1b型和2型各1株的PCR产物测序验证。分析不同性别、临床类型的丙型肝炎患者基因型分布差异。结果158份血清中，有95份为HCV RNA阳性，其中1b型80份（84．2％），2型5份（5．3％），1b／2型的混合感染5份（5．3％），不能分型的5份（5．3％），1b型的序列与GenBank J-4株的同源性为99．2％，2型与GenBank J-6株的同源性为97．7％。男性和女性在基因型总体分布上存在差异（P〈0．05），并且在单一型感染和混合型感染的分布上差异亦有统计学意义，不同临床类型的丙型肝炎中HCV基因型分布未显示差异。结论江苏省宜兴地区HCV以1b型为主，男女患者HCV基因型分布差异有统计学意义，而不同临床类型的HCV基因型分布无显著差异，基本反映了本地区HCV感染的特点。     

Incidence and risk factors for community-acquired hepatitis C infection from birth to 5 years of age in rural Egyptian children

A prospective study in three Egyptian villages (A, B and C) having a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection examined incidence of community-acquired HCV infection in children; 2852 uninfected infants were prospectively followed from birth for up to 5.5 years. Fifteen seroconverted for either HCV antibodies and/or HCV-RNA (incidence of 0.53%). Ten had both anti-HCV and HCV-RNA; four had only anti-HCV; and one had HCV-RNA in the absence of antibody. The incidence rate at all ages was 2.7/1000 person-years (PY). It was 3.8/1000 PY during infancy and 2.0/1000 PY for the 1-5-years age group. Hospitalization and low birth weight increased the risk of infection; while living in village B, the family having a higher socioeconomic status, and advanced maternal education were protective. Six of eight HCV-infected infants reported iatrogenic exposures (e.g. hospitalization, therapeutic injections, ear piercing) prior to infection whereas only 2/7 children older than 1 year reported these exposures. Having an HCV-positive mother was the only other reported risk in two of these older children. The virus cleared in six (40%) children by the end of follow-up. Health education targeting iatrogenic exposures and focusing on risk factors could reduce HCV infection in children in high-risk populations.     

Hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnant women in North-East Italy: A seroepidemiological study

Background: Pregnant women can be considered a sentinel population, because they are a relatively unselected population whose prevalence data may be extended to the general population. Methods: A seroepidemiological study was carried out in Padua (North-East Italy) to assess the epidemiological aspects of HCV, HBV and HIV infection in 2059 pregnant women consecutively seen at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology during 1996. Out of them, 1804 (87.2%) were indigenous and 255 (12.8%) immigrants. Sociodemographical and sanitary data were collected for each woman. Results: The overall prevalence of anti-HCV was 1.9% (42.5% with detectable HCV-RNA); HBsAg was found in 1.0%; the prevalence of anti-HIV was 0.3%. Findings are substantially consistent with the epidemiological picture of such infections in the general population of our geographic area. A parenteral risk factor for HCV infection was found in 19 subjects (47.5%): 18 were intravenous drug users and 1 a blood transfusion recipient. HBsAg seroprevalence was higher in immigrants than in autochthonous (3.1% vs. 0.7% respectively, p < 0.01). One of the 6 anti-HIV positive women was intravenous drug user. Logistic regression analysis was carried out for each viral agent to determine which characteristics were independently associated with infection: anti-HCV prevalence resulted independently associated to Italian origin (OR: 3.7), unmarried status (OR: 2.7), unemployed condition (OR: 6.1) and history of previous abortion (OR: 2.8). HBsAg prevalence was independently associated to unemployed condition (OR: 10.8), whereas HIV positivity was significantly related to the unmarried status (OR: 18.5). Conclusion: Our study pinpoints the need of screening all pregnant women for HCV and HIV infection, in addition to the HBsAg screening which is compulsory in Italy.