Infection by hepatitis B and C virus in non-intravenous drug using female prostitutes in Spain

We have studied the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) serologic markers in female blood donors and in female prostitutes and the relationship of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and of antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) with the presence of treponemal antibodies (FTA-ABS) in non-intravenous drug using female prostitutes. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was found in 1.0% of the female blood donors, anti-HBc in 15.6% and anti-HCV in 0.7%. In the prostitutes, the prevalence of HBsAg was 6.1%, anti-HBc was positive in 29.0% and anti-HCV in 8.8%. No significant statistical association between the prevalence of anti-HBc or anti-HCV and the age of prostitutes (p = 0.9111 and p = 0.8254 respectively) or the length of time as prostitutes (p = 0.3583 and p = 0.5770) was found. FTA-ABS positive prostitutes had a significantly higher prevalence of anti-HCV than FTA-ABS negative prostitutes (p < 0.001). No statistical association was found between anti-HBc antibodies and positive FTA-ABS prostitutes (p = 0.336).Corresponding author.     

Prevalence of hepatitis B markers in patients with hepatitis C infection in north-eastern Poland: Risk factors and vaccine use

We evaluated the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers and established HBV vaccination status among 111 patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A history of HBV immunisation was recorded in 30 patients (27.0%) and only 17/30 (66.7%) had anti-HBs level 10 mIU/ml. All patients were HBsAg-negative and 22.2% of nonvaccinated subjects had evidence of HBV infection as determined by anti-HBc presence. Among patients with anti-HBc in 7/18 cases (38.9%) anti-HBc was the only marker of HBV infection (without anti-HBs). The prevalence of anti-HBc was significantly higher among patients who reported a history of acute hepatitis. In conclusion the prevalence of HBV markers in patients with HCV infection in north-eastern Poland is similar to the prevalence in general population, which suggests no increased risk for nosocomial HBV infection among those individuals. HCV infection seems to favour unusual serological pattern of HBV infection with anti-HBc as the only marker. HBV vaccine use is low among patients with HCV infection in north-eastern Poland.     

Prevalence and risk factors of HIV,hepatitis B and hepatitis C in a forensic population of rapists and child molesters

The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence as well as the possible risk factors of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, in 194 male prisoners who had been convicted for rape (n = 105) or child molestation (n = 89). HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and anti-HIV-1/2 were tested for. The participants also completed a standard sociodemographic questionnaire, indicating possible risk factors, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and the life-time history of aggression. Anti-HIV antibodies were not found in any of the prisoners. HBsAg was found in 25 (13%), anti-HBc in 94 (49%), anti-HBs in 40 (21%) and anti-HCV in 13 (6.5%) subjects. Logistic regression analysis showed that anti-HCV positivity was associated with intravenous drug use (OR 20.7, 95% CI 1.1-4.9, P<0.001), while HBsAg positivity was associated separately with being foreign (OR 4.0, 95% CI 0.2-2.5, P<0.1), as well as with impulsiveness score (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.11, P<0.02). The prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in this sex offender sample was highly increased in relation to the general population. Since it has been proved that sex offenders are a high-risk group for reoffending, monitoring their health is a necessary step towards prevention of sexually transmitted diseases being spread.     

北京市昌平区自然人群乙型肝炎血清流行病学调查研究

目的探讨北京市昌平区自然人群乙型病毒性肝炎（乙肝）病毒（HBV）血清学感染状况。方法在全区范围内,按照多阶段整群随机抽样的方法调查1岁以上各年龄组自然人群,对538名对象的乙肝疫苗接种情况以及主要危险因素进行问卷调查。采集每名对象静脉血,利用雅培微粒子酶免疫分析法检测HBV五项血清学指标。结果乙肝HBsAg、抗-HBs、抗-HBc阳性率以及HBV总感染率分别为3.16%（95%CI：1.68-4.64）,39.22%（95%CI：35.09-43.35）,29.74%（95%CI：25.88-33.60）,30.11%（95%CI：26.23-33.99）;年龄标化率分别为2.94%、47.5%、22.96%和23.21%。HBV感染率的年龄组、城乡及职业的差异有统计学意义（P值分别为0.000、0.041和0.000）。结论 0-14岁儿童的HBsAg阳性率大幅下降;应加强成人乙肝疫苗的接种工作。     

Prevalence study of different hepatitis markers among pregnant Albanian refugees in Greece

Aim of the study was to record the prevalence of the various types of viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis B, in pregnant Albanian refugees in Greece. The study comprised 500 pregnant refugees of mean age 25:1 ± 4,6 years. In Albania, all women had lived in overcrowded houses and had been exposed to non throw-away needles and syringes. Various indices for all hepatitis types were determined. The prevalence of HBsAg was 13.4%, of anti-HBs 53%, of total anti-HBc 70.8%, of anti-HBc IgM 0.4%, of HBeAg 1.2%, of anti-HBe 58.6%, of anti-HAV 96.2%, of anti-HAV IgM 1%, of anti-HDV 0.4%, of anti-HCV 0.6% and of anti-HEV 2%. HBeAg was found positive in 7.5% of HBsAg carriers. Prevalence of hepatitis B markers, as determined by HBsAg and/or anti-HBs and/or total anti-HBc was significantly higher in those with a history of previous hospitalization in Albania (p = 0.01) and those with previous history of hepatitis (p = 0.02). The high prevalence of hepatitis B markers in pregnant Albanian refugees proves that HBV infection is highly endemic in Albania and the possibility of perinatal transmission to the offsprings urges for HBV vaccination programmes. On the other hand improvements in the socioeconomic conditions and the sanitation system in Albania is anticipated to reduce the incidence of HAV and HBV infections.     

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.     

A ten year serological survey of hepatitis A, B and C viruses infections in Nepal

BACKGROUND: In 1987, we reported that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Nepal was low, as compared to hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, and that no human T-lymphotropic type-1 (HTLV-1) infection was found in Nepal. OBJECTIVES: To determine changes in the prevalence of HAV, HBV, and HCV infections between 1987 and 1996 in inhabitants of Bhadrakali (suburban) and Kotyang (rural) villages in Nepal. STUDY DESIGN: We did a cross-sectional survey of 458 inhabitants of two Nepalese villages, to assess the prevalence of antibody to HAV (anti-HAV), antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to HCV (anti-HCV), and antibody to HTLV-I (anti-HTLV-I). RESULTS: Anti-HAV was detected in 454 (99.1%), HBsAg in 5 (1.1%), anti-HBc in 33 (7.2%) and anti-HCV in 8 (1.7%) of serum samples tested in 1996. Statistically significant differences by gender or age group were nil. The prevalence of HCV infection was significantly higher in 1996 than in 1987 after adjusting for age of subjects living in the two villages (p < 0.01). The prevalence of HBsAg was significantly higher in 1996 than 1987 in Bhadrakali after adjusting for the factor of age (p < 0.05). Between 1987 and 1996, evidence for HTLV-1 positive residents was nil. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that HAV has been endemic in Nepal for long time while not of HBV, and that HCV infection tends to be increased recently.     

福建省正常人群病毒性肝炎血清流行病学调查

按照全国肝炎流行病学调查统一方案，我省于1992年在国家疾病监测点正常人群中开展病毒性肝炎血清流行病学调查。以家庭为单位整群抽样，采血2210人，采血率91.6%，进行五型病毒性肝炎8项指标测定。HBsAg、抗-HBs、抗-HBc用RIA法检测，HBeAg、抗-HBV、抗-HCV、抗-HDV、抗-HEV用EIA法检测。检测结果5个疾病监测点各型肝炎病毒标化感染率为HAV76.9%、HBV73.6%、HCV3.4%、HDV1.3%、HEV16.6%、HBsAg阳性率17.2%、抗-HBs30.6%、抗-HBc67.0%、HBeAg6.7%。调查揭示了我省病毒性肝炎流行病学的一些规律和特征。如HBsAg阳性率男性高于女性；它的年龄分布曲线显示出儿童峰和成年峰；HBsAg家庭聚集率为37.2%；接种乙肝疫苗者抗-HBs阳转率升高，而HBsAg、抗-HBc阳性率降低；青壮年HEV感染率高，调查结果表明我省是HAV、HBV、HEV的高感染区。     

Viral co-infections in hepatitis C: HBV, HBV-C/HGV and TTV studies

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The prevalence of co-infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and novel hepatitis viruses GBV-C (Hepatitis G virus, HGV) and TT virus (TTV) in chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection has been studied. In patients with chronic hepatitis C and in asymptomatic healthy HCV carriers, the influence of these agents on the course of HCV infection was assessed. METHODS: a total of 110 HCV-positive individuals, among them 77 patients with chronic hepatitis C--50 of them treated with interferon (IFN)--and 33 HCV carriers with normal alanine aminotransferase have been investigated. HBV-DNA, HGV RNA and TTV DNA were detected by PCR, to determine HBsAg and anti-HBc ELISA technic has been used. RESULTS: In the healthy population, the prevalence of anti-HCV was 0.3%, HBsAg 0.09%, anti-HBc 2.5%, HGV RNA 8.0% and TTV DNA 18.5%, respectively. In chronic hepatitis C HBsAg (accompanied with HBV-DNA) occurred in 1.29%, anti-HBc 25.97%, HGV RNA in 9.09% and TTV DNA in 40.25% of cases. In IFN-treated patients with sustained remission, the frequency of TTV was 20% vs. 45.7% found in non-responders. Among asymptomatic HCV-carriers, the prevalence of anti-HBc was 27.27%, HGV RNA 9.09% and TTV DNA 75.7% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Neither previous HBV infection, nor HGV RNA and TTV DNA had apparent effect on the course of chronic HCV infection. TTV was detected with the lowest frequency in persons with sustained remission due to IFN, suggesting antiviral effect of IFN on TTV.     

Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus infections among drug addicts in Bangladesh

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among 266 drug users attending a drug-addiction treatment centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 1996 to April 1997. Of the 266 addicts, 129 were injectable drug users (IDUs), and 137 were non-injectable drug users (non-IDUs). The seroprevalences of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV antibodies among the IDUs were 8 (6.2%), 41 (31.8%), 15 (11.6%), and 32 (24.8%), and among the non-IDUs were 6 (4.4%), 33 (24.1%), 9 (6.6%), and 8 (5.8%) respectively. None of the drug users were positive for anti-HIV antibody. Although the prevalence of HBV infection did not significantly differ between the IDUs and the non-IDUs, the prevalence of HCV infection was significantly higher among the IDUs. Among the IDUs, the prevalence of both HBV and HCV infections was associated with sharing of needles and longer duration of injectable drugs used. The seroprevalence of HBV infection in both IDUs and non-IDUs was significantly higher among those who had a history of extramarital and premarital sex. The prevalence of HCV infection was not associated with sexual promiscuity. There was no association between the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections and age. Active preventive programmes focusing on educational campaigns among the youths against substance abuse should be undertaken.     

Association of hepatitis C virus with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma compared with hepatitis B virus in Egyptian patients

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy and carries a poor prognosis. Documentation of the wide geographical variation in its incidence has led to clear identification of several risk factors. These include hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in endemic areas. The present study investigated the association of HBV with HCV and cirrhosis, the latter is regarded as a premalignant lesion and underlies most cases with HCC. Serum samples from 94 patients with HCC (n=25) and cirrhosis (n=69) were tested for hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) and serum alphafetoprotein (AFP). Of the 94 patients, 71 (75.5%) had anti-HCV, 6 (6.4%) were positive to HBsAg, while 64 (68.1%) were positive to anti-HBc. These viral markers were more prevalent among HCC patients, 19 (76.0%) had hepatitis C antibody, 3 (12.0%) were positive to HBsAg and 22 (88.0%) were positive to anti-HBc compared with 52 (75.4%), 3 (4.3%) and 42 (60.9%), respectively in patients with cirrhosis. Regarding serum AFP measurement, 14 (56%) of patients with carcinoma and 35 (50.7%) of patients with cirrhosis demonstrated levels above 7 ng/ml. In patients with cirrhosis, elevated serum AFP and presence of anti-HCV in serum were significantly associated. In conclusion, this study shows that viral hepatitis is strongly associated with the development of cirrhosis and HCC in Egyptian patients. Hepatitis C virus seems to play a predominant role compared with hepatitis B virus.     

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection among adults in Singapore: A 12-year review

We undertook a national hepatitis B seroprevalence study to assess the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers in the adult population in Singapore in 2010 and make comparisons with the seroprevalence in 1998 and 2004. The study involved residual sera from national health surveys conducted every six years since 1998. The tests for HBV markers were carried out using commercial chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. In 2010, the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among 3293 Singapore residents aged 18–79 years was 3.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9–4.2%). Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) was detected in 4.2% of those who were HBsAg positive. About 22.5% (95% CI 21.1–23.9%) were positive for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). The overall population immunity to HBV, as determined by antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) ≥ 10 mIU/mL, was 43.9% (95% CI 42.2–45.6%). Among young adults below 30 years of age, HBsAg prevalence (1.1%) was half that in 1998 and 2004, and in those positive for HBsAg, none was positive for HBeAg in 2010, compared to 20.8% in 1998 and 15.8% in 2004. In this age group, anti-HBc prevalence also decreased significantly from 22.1% in 2004 to 4.4% in 2010, while anti-HBs (≥10 mIU/mL) prevalence increased significantly from 27.9% in 1998 to 43.3% in 2010 (p < 0.001). The national childhood HBV immunisation and catch-up programmes implemented in 1987 and 2001–2004, respectively, had a significant impact in reducing HBV infection and in raising the immunity of the adult population 18–29 years of age.     

Incidence of hepatitis B, C and D infection in chronic liver diseases]

The authors tested hepatitis B (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, IgM anti-HBc, HBe, anti-HBe), C (anti-HCV) and D (anti-HD, IgM anti-HD) virus markers in the sera of 204 patients, who suffered from histologically confirmed chronic liver diseases (age: 18-72, average: 46.8 y) by Sorin Biomedica RIA and Abbott ELISA kits. On the basis of detailed virus serological tests, they obtained data indicating viral etiology in 62% of the cases. 33.3% of the patients were anti-HCV, 52.5% of the patients were HBV marker seropositive and 11.2% of the HBV seropositive cases were anti-HD seropositive. In 2% of the cases seropositivity of all the three viruses was proved. In 26% of the patients seropositivity of two viruses (HBV and HCV, or HBV and HDV) was proved. They observed severe, progressing liver diseases in patients with HBV, HCV and HDV marker seropositivity in a higher ratio than in seronegative patients. In the cases of combined virus marker seropositivity the incidence rate of chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis was higher than in only HBV marker seropositive patients, but did not differ significantly from those only anti-HCV seropositive. In the cases of fought-off HBV infection the severity of the liver disease was milder than in the cases of replication and integration stage. Anti-HD seropositivity occurred in all stages of HBV infection, but active HDV infection, in most of the cases, was observed only in cases in the integration stage. Anti-HCV seropositivity was observed mainly in the fought-off HBV infection stage. Their results suggest that HCV infection, like HDV infection, may suppress HBV replication.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

住院精神病患者HBV与HCV感染状况调查

[目的]了解住院精神病患者HBV与HCV感染状况，为制订减少HBV、HCV在医院的传播措施提供依据。[方法]对2003年6月至2005年6月住人山东省精神卫生中心的3896例精神病患者，检测HBsAg、抗-HBs、HBeAg、抗-HBe、抗-HBc、抗-HCV，抗-HCV阳性结果者再进行HCVRNA定量测定，并以4191名体检者为对照。[结果3nBV阳性率，3896例住院精神病患者为60．99％，4191名健康体检者为44．35％（P〈0．01）；HCV感染率住院精神病患者为0．82％，健康体检者为0．45％（P〈0．05）；HBV阳性率和HCV感染率，3108名精神分裂症患者分别为60．55％、0．80％，其他精神病患者分别为61．43％、0．89％（P〉0．05）。3896例精神病患者中，HBsAg、HBeAg、抗-HBc阳性的占4．96％，HBsAg、抗-HBe、抗-HBc阳性的占4．70％，HBsAg、抗-HBc阳性的占3．99％，抗-HBs、抗-HBc阳性的占22．23％，抗-HBc阳性的占12．73％，抗-HBs、抗-HBe、抗-HBc阳性的占9．03％，抗-HBe、抗-HBc阳性的占3．31％，抗-HCV阳性的占0．77％，抗-HBs、抗-HCV阳性的和抗-HBc、抗-HCV阳性的各占0．03％。[结论]精神病人HBV、HCV感染率较高。     

Occupational risk of blood-borne viruses in healthcare workers: a 5-year surveillance program.

OBJECTIVE: This study presents the results of a 5-year surveillance program involving the prospective follow-up of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the Veneto region of Italy exposed to blood-borne viruses. DESIGN: All HCWs who reported an occupational exposure to blood-borne infection joined the surveillance program. Both HCWs and patients were tested for viral markers (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen [anti-HBs], antibody to hepatitis B core antigen [anti-HBc], antibody to hepatitis C virus [anti-HCV], HCV RNA, and antibody to human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) and had these markers plus transaminases assayed at 3, 6, and 12 months and then yearly thereafter. Moreover, a program of hepatitis B virus (HBV) prophylaxis was offered to those whose anti-HBs levels were less than 10 IU/mL. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred forty-five HCWs (156 women and 89 men) with a mean age of 37 (+/- 10) years who reported occupational exposure during the 5-year period. RESULTS: At the time of exposure, 1 HCW was positive for HBsAg (0.4%) and 2 were positive for HCV RNA (0.8%). Among the patients involved, 28 (11.4%) were positive for HBsAg, 68 (27.8%) were positive for HCV RNA, 6 (2.4%) were positive for HIV, and 147 (60.0%) were negative for all viral markers (4 patients were positive for both HCV and HIV). During the follow-up period after exposure (mean, 2.7 [+/- 1.6] years), there was no increase in transaminases or seroconversions to any of the viral markers. CONCLUSION: Our accurate postexposure follow-up revealed a lack of transmission of HBV, HCV, and HIV.     

Prevalence,risk factors and evaluation of a screening strategy for chronic hepatitis C and B virus infections in healthy company employees

A cross-sectional study was carried out in employees of 17 Greek companies with the aim of assessing the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) virus, identifying associated prognostic/risk factors and evaluating the effectiveness of a questionnaire as a pre-screening tool. All participants were asked to complete a questionnaire and a random sample of them was asked to provide a blood sample for hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis C (anti-HCV) testing. Individual questions or combinations of them were evaluated in terms of their ability to detect HBV or HCV(+) cases. Of 9085 eligible employees, 6074 (67%) completed the questionnaire. Of 990 samples obtained, 19.9% were anti-HBc(+), 2.6% HBsAg(+) and 0.5% anti-HCV(+). All anti-HCV(+) cases had multiple parenteral risk factors. Multiple logistic regression identified associations between anti-HBc and older age, family members with chronic hepatitis, job category and history of transfusion before 1992. HBsAg(+) was associated with older age and history of transfusion before 1992. None of the risk/prognostic factors had sufficient sensitivity and specificity for HBV but report of at least one risk factor identified all HCV(+) cases. Anti-HCV screening of those with at least two parenteral risk factors not only identified all anti-HCV(+) cases but also resulted in 86% decrease in the screening cost. Under the light of recent treatment advances, targeted questionnaire-based screening of asymptomatic people may prove to be a cost-effective way to face hepatitis C.     

HBV and HCV infection among non-European Union immigrants in North-East Italy.

The status of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among non-European Union (non-EU) immigrants in North-East Italy was evaluated. Among the 1683 individuals tested the prevalence of HBsAg was 8.9% (150 subjects) and of HBV antibodies (anti-HBc with/without anti-HBs) was 38.9% (654 subjects). The distribution of HBV serological markers showed significant differences according to region of origin; the highest prevalence of infection (76.9%) and carriage (16.1%) was found in immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa. Among the 933 individuals screened for HCV infection, prevalence of antibody was much lower (0.9%) than that observed in the Italian general population (3.2-12.6%). The large number of HBV carriers among immigrants could increase the number of new adult infections due to life-style habits or professional risks in the host population. In contrast, the risk of HCV spread from non-EU immigrants is very low.     

对四种国产乙型肝炎酶联免疫试剂盒的灵敏度和特异度分析

目的 比较4种国产乙型肝炎(乙肝)ELISA试剂盒的灵敏度和特异度.方法 取慢性乙肝患者和不合格献血员血液样本594份,应用4种国产乙肝ELISA试剂盒检测HBsAg、抗-HBs、HBeAg、抗-HBe和抗-HBc,并与1种国外乙肝化学发光试剂盒(Abbott公司Architect)比较,对结果不一致的样本再用各试剂盒做双孔重复检测,对HBsAg 临界值附近的样本用Abbott HBsAg确证试剂盒(Architect HBsAg confirm)验证;以Abbott试剂盒(Architect)的检测结果为标准,计算4种国产ELISA试剂盒的灵敏度、特异度、总符合率和约登指数.然后用上述试剂盒榆测HBV 5项标志物的灵敏度参比品,比较不同试剂盒的灵敏度.结果与Abbott公司Architect试剂盒相比,国产HBsAgELISA试剂盒的灵敏度低4～10倍;抗-HBs、HBeag、抗.HBe和抗-HBc ELISA试剂盒的灵敏度低4～16倍;且有假阳性.HBsAg、抗-HBs、HBeAg、抗-HBe和抗-HBc的总符合率分别为96.46%～98.15%、94.28%～98.15%、98.15%～99.49%、90.07%～96.30%、92.09%～96.80%.结论国产乙肝ELISA试剂盒的灵敏度和特异度有待进一步提高.     

Comparison between self-reported hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV antibody status and oral fluid assay results in Irish prisoners

Self-reported hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV infection status was compared with the results of oral fluid assays of antibodies to these viruses in prisoners from nine of the 15 prisons in the Republic of Ireland. A total of 1205 out of 1366 prisoners completed a confidential questionnaire and 1193 provided analysable oral fluid specimens for testing for antibodies to HBV core antigen (anti-HBc), HCV (anti-HCV), and HIV (anti-HIV). The self-reported prevalence of hepatitis infection (hepatitis B: 5%; hepatitis C: 19%) was lower than that derived from oral fluid assays (anti-HBc: 9%; anti-HCV: 37%). The self-reported prevalence of HIV infection was similar to that found by oral fluid assay (2%). Many discrepancies were found between self-reported results and the results of oral fluid assays. Of those who reported being positive for HBV, HCV, or HIV, 48%, 5%, and 58%, respectively, tested negative on the oral fluid assay. Of those who reported a previous negative test result for HBV, HCV, or HIV, 10%, 37%, and 2%, respectively, had positive oral fluid assays. Self-reports of hepatitis and HIV infection status are unreliable and should not be used as a basis for planning preventive and treatment services for prisoners. All prisoners should have the opportunity to be tested for HBV, HCV, and HIV infection.     

Hepatitis-C and hepatitis-B co-infections in patients with human immunodeficiency virus in Tehran, Iran

We carried out a study to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections in HIV positive patients at a main referral center for HIV/AIDS in Iran. Serum samples from 201 HIV positive patients referring to a referral center for HIV/AIDS were analyzed for the presence of some hepatitis B (HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs) and Hepatitis C (anti-HCV) markers, during 2004- 2005. HBsAg was positive in 27 patients (13.4%), anti-HBc was positive in 60 patients (29.8%) and anti-HBs in 23 patients (11.4%). Anti-HCV Ab was positive in 135 of 201 (67.2%). HBV and HCV coinfection was observed in 73 of 201 (36.3%). The maximum prevalence of HBV-HIV and HCV-HIV coinfections were seen in intravenous drug users; 61.2% and 85.1%, respectively (P<0.0001). The minimum prevalence of HBV-HIV and HCV-HIV were seen in HIV patients' wife (HIV(+) patients who were infected by monogamous sexual contact with their HIV positive husband) both of them were 8% (P<0.0001). This study showed that HBV-HIV and HCV-HIV coinfections are significant in patients with HIV/AIDS in Iran. A greater relevance was observed in the association between HCV and HIV. This study suggests that it is necessary to investigate risk factors and risk groups for these infections in Iran.