HBsAg无症状携带者乙型肝炎病毒核心基因启动子突变的研究

目的了解HBsAg无症状携带者乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)核心基因启动子双突变(nt1762 A→T,nt1764 G→A)发生情况及其与基因型、病毒量和HBeAg的关系。方法 HBsAg无症状携带者从隆安研究队列中选择,用套式聚合酶链反应(nested PCR)对研究对象血清HBV核心基因启动子、S基因扩增、序列分析及基因分型,用HBV引物和双标记的TaqMan探针扩增和定量病毒DNA。结果观察开始时核心基因启动子为野毒株的109例观察对象,3年后双突变平均年发生率为2.8%;观察开始时已发生nt1762或nt1764点突变的59例对象,3年后另一个位点也发生突变的平均年发生率为6.8%,两率差异有统计学意义(χ2=5.109 0,P<0.05)。nt1762 A→T突变组HBeAg阳性率(45.5%,10/22)与nt1764 G→A突变组HBeAg阳性率(10.8%,4/37)差异有统计学意义(χ2=9.149,P<0.05)。20例基因型B未发生双突变,重组基因型年双突变率为4.8%(2/14),基因型C年突变率为3.1%(7/75),各基因型间突变率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。5例双突变发生后HBeAg仍然阳性者病毒量有下降趋势,而另5例突变发生后HBeAg阴性者其病毒量有升有降。结论 HBV核心基因启动子双突变年发生率较高,这两个位点中的任何一个发生突变是双突变的过渡形式,双突变与基因型无关,nt1764 G→A突变与HBeAg阴性有关。     

The nucleotide changes within HBV core promoter/precore during the first 12 weeks of nucleos(t)ide treatment might be associated with a better virological response

ObjectivesWe aimed to study the dynamic changes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) core promoter/precore (CP/preC) sequences during antiviral treatment and their associations with virological responses.Materials and methodsThe baseline and 12-week CP/preC sequences (nts 1655–2014) were obtained from 52 chronic hepatitis B patients with positive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), who received a 104-week lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil combination therapy. The mutations within the CP/preC were analyzed against genotype specific reference sequences. The nucleotide change rates in individuals during therapy were analyzed in a pairwise comparison manner.ResultsThere was no significant difference of the mutation rate at each nucleotide site between baseline and week 12 of treatment (P > 0.05). The mutation rates of A1762T/G1764A and G1896A were found to decrease from 46.2% (24/52) at baseline to 36.5% (19/52) at week 12 (P = 0.426) and from 28.8% (15/52) to 21.2% (11/52) (P = 0.497), respectively. The nucleotide change rates varied from 0.0% - 7.8% in individuals [0.0% in Group 1 (N = 26); 0.3% - 7.8% in Group 2 (N = 26)] during the first 12-week treatment. HBV DNA levels in Group 2 were significantly lower than those in Group 1 throughout therapy (P < 0.01) (e.g., 1.5 ± 1.3 log₁₀ IU/ml vs. 2.6 ± 1.0 log₁₀ IU/ml at week 104, P = 0.001). At week 104 the rates of HBV DNA undetectable and HBeAg loss in Group 2 were significantly higher than those in Group 1 (P < 0.05). Along with the increased nucleotide change rates, the rate of HBV DNA undetectable at week 104 tended to increase (odds ratio = 0.323, 95% confidence interval = 0.138–0.758, P < 0.001).ConclusionOur findings suggested that the nucleotide changes within HBV CP/preC region during the first 12-week treatment might be associated with a better virological response.     

132例乙型肝炎病毒感染者基本核心启动子变异分析

目的研究乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）感染者基本核心启动子（BCP）变异情况。方法收集HBV感染者血清标本132份(HBV DNA均阳性),用半巢式聚合酶链反应扩增HBV C基因部分片段,产物纯化后直接测序,检测BCP T1762/A1764变异。用S基因错配聚合酶链反应（PCR RFLP）法确定HBV基因型。结果51例乙型肝炎e抗原(HBeAg)阳性患者BCP T1762/A1764双变异检出率为27.45%,81例HBeAg阴性患者BCP T1762/A1764双变异检出率为62.96%,两组比较,差异有高度显著性（χ2=15.79,P＝0.00）。 BCP T1762/A1764双变异的HBV感染者B基因型检出率为33.85%,明显低于C基因型的检出率66.15%（χ2=24.25,P＝0.00）。结论HBV感染者普遍存在BCP T1762/A1764双变异,以C基因型感染者多见。     

Subgenotype D5, BCP and MHR mutations in hepatic complications among hepatitis B virus infected patients from Orissa,India

The study was undertaken to investigate the clinical implications of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes, basal core promoter (BCP), precore (PC) and surface gene mutations in HBV infected patients from Orissa, southeastern India. HBV infections were identified by serology testing and HBV DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction among the 152 patients. After sequencing, surface gene mutation were studied by sequence analysis as well as by using BLOSUM scores and BCP mutations were studied only by sequence analysis. A high proportion of HBV/D5 (66.0%) was found among the study samples having significant relation with liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients (p < 0.05). The BCP mutation, TA (81.4%) and C1753/TA (75.0%) was found in significant proportion (p < 0.05) among HCC cases and in fact a gradual increase in these mutations were noted between inactive carriers (IC) to HCC group and also showed higher viral load. An increasing trend of major hydrophilic region (MHR) mutations in S gene was also observed from IC (56.0%) to chronic liver disease (CLD) (60.4%) to LC (72.4%) to HCC (95.0%) patients. In conclusion, our study suggests that the predominant HBV subgenotype HBV/D5 with high viral load and BCP mutations (double and triple) and high mutations in MHR region was significantly associated with advanced liver disease (LC and HCC) and might act as predictor of severe hepatic complications.     

贵州省乙型肝炎病毒前C区及基本核心启动子变异分布

目的调查贵州省乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)前C区A1896、基本核心启动子区(BCP) T1762/A1764变异分布。方法收集贵阳、遵义、凯里、都匀4地区不同民族无症状携带者(ASC)、慢性肝炎(CH)、肝炎肝硬化(LC)、肝细胞肝癌(HCC)患者血清482份,用测序及限制性片段长度多态性检测A1896、T1762/A1764变异,用S基因PCR-RFLP确定基因型。结果A1896、T1762/A1764变异检出率分别为23.03%和29.67%。汉族感染者A1896、T1762/A1764变异检出率为27.64%和36.04%,高于侗、苗、布依族感染者合并后的7.96%、8.85%(P<0.01)。A1896变异在B、C基因型中的分布为20.34%和27.13%(P>0.05),T1762/A1764变异为18.97%和46.28%(P<0.01)。A1896、T1762/A1764变异在HBeAg阴、阳性组间的分布差异有统计学意义(P值均<0.01)。从ASC到HCC组,A1896、T1762/A1764变异分布逐渐增高,LC、HCC组的检出率明显高于CH和ASC组(P值均<0.01)。A1896、T1762/A1764变异的分布:贵阳(分别为31.79%和41.06%)高于遵义(10.94%和14.06%)、都匀(8.64%和11.1I%)及凯里(2.86%和2.86%),但多因素logistic回归分析在控制了HBeAg、HBV基因型及临床类型影响后,在地区间分布差异无统计学意义。结论A1896、T1762/A1764变异在贵州省不同民族间分布有一定差异。C型感染者易发生T1762/A1764变异,两种变异均与疾病进展有关。     

Genotyping and molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus in liver disease patients in Kenya

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes are important in both the clinical manifestation of disease and treatment response. Although Kenya belongs to the African Region (AFR-E) characterized by high mortality and hyperendemicity of HBV, there is a paucity of HBV genotyping data. The aim of this study was to molecularly characterize the basic core promoter/precore (BCP/PC) and complete surface (S) regions of HBV isolated from 61 HBsAg-positive liver disease patients attending Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi. HBsAg, HBeAg and viral loads were determined. HBV DNA was amplified and sequenced from 58/61 patients. In addition to the complete genome of two isolates, the BCP/PC and the complete S regions of 43 and 38 isolates, respectively were sequenced. Following phylogenetic analysis of the S region, 38 isolates clustered with subgenotype A1, whereas two isolates clustered with genotype D, one with subgenotype D1 and another as an outlier of the clade containing subgenotype D6 and the D/E recombinant. When the complete genome of the latter isolate was sequenced it clustered with D6. The majority of isolates belonged to serological subtype adw2 and only four to ayw2. Three distinct groups of subgenotype A1, distinguished by different amino acid motifs, circulate in Kenya: two in the African cluster and a monophyletic clade in the “Asian” cluster. HBeAg-negativity was a result of G1896A in genotype D isolates, whereas in subgenotype A1, the HBeAg-negativity was a result of mutations in the Kozak region (1809–1812) or precore start codon (1814–1816). Mutations at positions 1762 and 1764 occurred more frequently in HCC patients (p < 0.05). In conclusion, subgenotypes A1, D1 and D6 circulate in liver disease patients in Kenya, with A1 predominating.     

Association of IPS1 polymorphisms with peginterferon efficacy in chronic hepatitis B with HBeAg-positive in the Chinese population

AimsTo investigate whether IPS1 polymorphisms affect peginterferon alpha (PEG-IFN) efficacy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients using a tag- single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) approach.MethodsA total of 212 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients treated with a 48 weeks of PEG-IFN monotherapy were enrolled initially and 127 patients were followed for 48 weeks posttreatment. Genotype analysis was performed for 10 tag-SNPs in IPS1.ResultsThe end of virological response (EVR) rate was 45.8% (97/212) and the sustained virological response (SVR) rate was 45.7% (58/127). Meanwhile, 35.4% (75/212) achieved HBeAg seroconversion at the end of treatment. In a multivariate analysis, the rs2464 CC genotype was independently associated with EVR (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.23–3.98, P = 0.008) and SVR (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.05–5.20, P = 0.037) after adjustment for sex, age, HBV genotype, baseline levels of HBV DNA and ALT. Meanwhile, rs2464 CC genotype were also independently associated with decline of HBsAg levels below 1500 IU/mL at 12 weeks of treatment (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.01–6.29, P = 0.047). Furthermore, three SNPs were found to be independently associated with HBeAg seroconversion at the end of treatment. (1) The rs2326369 CC genotype was independently associated with no HBeAg seroconversion (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.29–0.95, P = 0.034); (2) The rs6515831 TT genotype was independently associated with HBeAg seroconversion (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.14–3.90, P = 0.017); (3) The rs2464 CC genotype was independently associated with HBeAg seroconversion (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.26–4.42, P = 0.007).ConclusionsPolymorphisms in IPS1 are independently associated with treatment response to PEG-IFN among Chinese HBeAg-positive CHB patients.     

Hepatitis B vaccine alone may be enough for preventing hepatitis B virus transmission in neonates of HBsAg (+)/HBeAg (−) mothers

Background and aimTo prospectively evaluate the efficacy of vaccine alone compared with vaccine plus HBIG for preventing HBV transmission in neonates of HBsAg (+)/HBeAg (−) mothers.MethodsCombined immunization is currently recommended for neonates of HBsAg (+) mothers in China. As a result, a randomized design is infeasible due to ethical reasons. In practice, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Jiangsu Province implement vaccine alone and vaccine plus HBIG strategies for neonates born to HBsAg (+)/HBeAg (−) mothers, respectively. We alternatively enrolled neonates of HBsAg (+)/HBeAg (−) mothers from these two regions. Three doses of a recombinant yeast-derived hepatitis B vaccine were given at 0, 1 and 6 months with or without HBIG at birth.ResultsAt 7 months, sera were collected from 132 neonates in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and 752 neonates in Jiangsu Province. Baseline characteristics of both mothers and neonates were comparable in the two regions. No differences were revealed regarding the occurrence of perinatal HBV transmission with or without HBIG at birth [0.1% (1/752) vs. 0.0% (0/132), p = 1.000]. The anti-HBs response rates were 97.7% (129/132) and 98.5% (740/751) for the neonates with vaccine alone and with HBIG (p = 0.758), respectively. Vaccine alone induced a significantly higher anti-HBs GMC as compared to vaccine plus HBIG at 7 months of age (1555.3 mIU/mL vs. 654.9 mIU/mL, p < 0.0001). At 12 months of age, protective levels of anti-HBs remained in 97.4% (596/612) and 98.3% (118/120) of the neonates receiving and not receiving HBIG, respectively (p = 0.771). The neonates receiving combined prophylaxis had a markedly lower anti-HBs GMC (210.7 mIU/mL vs. 297.0 mIU/mL, p = 0.011). Horizontal HBV transmission occurred in none of the successfully immunized neonates for both compared groups at 12 months of age.ConclusionsVaccine alone may be enough for preventing HBV transmission in neonates of HBsAg (+)/HBeAg (−) mothers.     

Naturally occurring deletion/insertion mutations within HBV whole genome sequences in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients are correlated with baseline serum HBsAg and HBeAg levels and might predict a shorter interval to HBeAg loss and seroconversion during antiviral treatment

ObjectivesDeletion/insertion (Del/Ins) throughout hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome has not been well studied for HBeA-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. This study aimed to characterize the HBV Del/Ins mutations in full-length genome quasispecies sequences in such patients at antiviral baseline and to reveal their potential impacts on HBV serological markers and responses to nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) treatment.Materials and methodsA total of 30 HBeAg-positive CHB patients with genotype C infection receiving a 104-week lamivudine (LMV) and adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) combination therapy were enrolled. HBV whole genome sequences in serum samples at baseline were clone sequenced and analyzed using bioinformatics tools.ResultsAmong 306 unspliced clone sequences, 61.8% (189/306) had Del/Ins mutations, 38.2% (117/306) were full-length genomes without any Del/Ins. Due to different combinations of 125 deletion types and 45 insertion types, we identified 55 Del/Ins-harboring HBV genome patterns, which affected a single or several functional genomic regions. Importantly, the proportion of Del/Ins-harboring clones was found to be significantly negatively correlated with HBsAg (r = −0.3985, P = 0.0292) and HBeAg (r = −0.3878, P = 0.0342) at baseline. Higher percentage of Del/Ins-harboring clones at baseline was found to predict a shorter interval to HBeAg loss and seroconversion.ConclusionDel/Ins mutations within HBV whole genome were prevalent in HBeAg-positive CHB patients prior to antiviral treatment. A higher detection rate of these mutations at baseline might correlate with a better response to LMV and ADV combination therapy.     

广西壮族自治区肝癌高发区HBV基因型、BCP/前C区突变与肝癌相关性的研究

目的 研究广西壮族自治区(广西)扶绥县肝癌高发区HBV基因型、基本核心启动子(BCP)/前C区突变与肝癌的关系。方法 采用病例对照方法收集53例肝癌患者和70例HBV健康携带者的血清,提取HBV DNA,用巢式PCR扩增 HBV S区、BCP/前C区,扩增产物纯化后测序,分析基因型、基因突变与肝癌发生的关系。结果 BCP区A1762T/G1764A及前C区T1858C在病例组中的突变率高于对照组,分别为94.3% vs. 75.7%(P=0.006)和50.9% vs. 31.4%(P=0.029);A1775G在对照组中的突变率高于病例组28.6% vs.13.2%(P=0.041)。多因素logistic回归分析显示,HBV A1762T/G1764A和T1858C突变是肝癌发生的危险因素,OR值分别为5.459(95%CI:1.397~21.332,P=0.015)和3.881(95%CI:1.462~10.305,P=0.006);A1775G突变是肝癌发生的保护因素,OR=0.192(95%CI:0.059~0.622,P=0.006)。结论 HBV C基因型是广西肝癌高发区的主要流行株,HBV BCP区A1762T/G1764A、A1775G、前C区T1858C 突变与HBV相关肝癌的发生有密切关系。     

乙型肝炎病毒核心基因启动子变异与患者血清病毒载量和标志物及肝功能的关系

目的探讨乙型肝炎病毒核心基因启动子(HBV BCP)变异与患者血清病毒载量(HBV DNA)和标志物及肝功能的关系。方法采用PCR微板核酸杂交结合ELISA检测显示技术,对176例HBV慢性感染者血清进行检测BCP区核苷酸(nt)1762A→T和1764G→A联合突变。结果BCP变异在HBeAg阴性病例的阳性率为49.4%,显著高于HBeAg阳性病例的阳性率33.3%(P<0.05);BCP变异阳性组的HBV DNA含量显著高于阴性组的含量(P<0.01);BCP变异阳性组HBV DNA含量在HBeAg阳性病例及HBeAg阴性病例中均较BCP变异阴性组高(P<0.01);BCP变异阳性组对肝功能的损害明显高于阴性组(P<0.01)。结论BCP变异可引起HBeAg阴转,病毒复制水平提高;HBV血清标志物联合HBV DNA同步检测,具有重要的临床应用价值;对HBsAg阳性、HBeAg阴性患者需要进一步检测HBV DNA,以免由于基因变异导致将HBeAg阴性者误认为病毒的免疫清除或静息而延误抗病毒治疗时机;BCP变异可使病情加重。     

海南岛乙型肝炎病毒BCP/PreC基因突变及临床意义的研究

目的探讨乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)前C区G1896A、基本核心启动子(BCP)A1762T/G1764A与HBV复制水平和肝功能之间的关系。方法提取患者血清DNA,采用聚合酶链反应(PCR)方法扩增包含HBV C基因启动子和前C区的核苷酸链(nt1643-nt2112)对PCR产物进行DNA测序。结果在83例CHB患者中,共检出BCP A1762T/G1764A突变株25例(30.12%)。BCP突变组ALT(211.56±81.58)U/L和TBIL(55.17±28.50)μmol/L显著地高于BCP区未突变组(P﹤0.05)。前C区G1896A突变组HBV DNA的水平(4.86±1.30)显著地低于前C区未突变组(5.42±1.15)(P﹤0.05)。结论 BCP突变A1762T/G1764A双突变可能导致HBV致病力增强,更易引起严重的肝脏损害;前C区G1896A突变可能会降低HBV的复制能力。     

Genetic analysis of precore/core and partial pol genes in an unprecedented outbreak of fulminant hepatitis B in India

SUMMARY We investigated an unprecedented outbreak of fulminant hepatitis B virus (HBV) that occurred in Modasa, Gujarat (India) in 2009. Genomic analysis of all fulminant hepatic failure cases confirmed exclusive predominance of subgenotype D1. A1762T, G1764A basal core promoter (BCP) mutations, insertion of isoleucine after nt 1843, stop codon mutation G1896A, G1862T transversion plus seven other mutations in the core gene caused inhibition of HBeAg expression implicating them as circulating precore/BCP mutant virus. Two rare mutations at amino acids 89 (Ile→Ala) and 119 (Leu→Ser) in addition to other mutations in the polymerase (pol) gene may have caused some alteration in either of four pol gene domains to affect encapsidation of pregenomic RNA to enhance pathogenicity. Sequence similarity among patients' sequences suggested an involvement of a single hepatitis B mutant strain/source to corroborate the finding of gross and continued usage of HBV mutant-contaminated syringes/needles by a physician which resulted in this unprecedented outbreak of fulminant hepatitis B. The fulminant exacerbation of the disease might be attributed to mutations in the BCP/precore/core and pol genes that may have occurred due to selection pressure during rapid spread/mutation of the virus.     

慢性乙型肝炎患者HBV前C区及BCP区变异与血清细胞因子的关系

目的探讨乙型肝炎e抗原(HBeAg)阴性和阳性慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)前C区、基本核心启动子(BCP)区变异特点以及与血清细胞因子干扰素(IFN)-γ、白细胞介素(IL)-10水平的关系。方法将120例HBV DNA阳性CHB患者(HBeAg阴性和阳性各60例)与60例健康体检者(对照组)纳入研究。荧光定量聚合酶链反应(PCR)法检测HBeAg阴性和阳性组患者HBV DNA水平,直接测序法检测两组前C区G1896A变异及BCP区A1762T和G1764A变异,双抗夹心酶联免疫吸附试验检测血清细胞因子IFN-γ/、IL-10的水平。结果 120例HBV DNA阳性CHB患者HBV前C区和BCP区变异总检出率为60.00%(72/120),其中HBeAg阴性组变异检出率为80.00%(48/60),HBeAg阳性组变异检出率为40.00%(24/60),两组比较,差异有显著性(x~2=20.00,P=0.000)。HBeAg阴性组G1896A变异(38.33%)和联合变异(G1896A、A1762T和G1764A同时变异,25.00%)的检出率明显高于HBeAg阳性组(16.67%、0.00%)(分别x~2=7.06,P=0.008;x~2=17.14,P=0.000)。变异组血清IFN-7水平为(102.33±27.20)pg/mL,明显高于无变异组(79.18±16.43)pg/mL及对照组(35.77±4.23)pg/mL(分别t=5.72,t=19.33,均P=0.000);变异组血清IL-10水平为(28.13±7.00)pg/mL,明显高于无变异组(13.91±5.42)pg/mL及对照组(13.68±2.27)pg/mL(分别t=12.50,t=15.65,均P=0.000)。结论 G1896A变异和联合变异更常见于HBeAg阴性CHB;G1896A和A1762T/G1764A变异与血清细胞因子IFN-γ和IL-10水平升高有关。     

Impacts of human leukocyte antigen DQ genetic polymorphisms and their interactions with hepatitis B virus mutations on the risks of viral persistence,liver cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ genetic polymorphisms have been associated with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) outcomes. We aimed to determine impacts of HLA-DQ polymorphisms and their interactions with HBV mutations on the risks of liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). rs2856718 (A > G) and rs9275319 (A > G) were genotyped in 1342 healthy controls, 327 HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance subjects, 611 asymptomatic HBsAg carriers (ASCs), 1144 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, 734 LC patients, and 1531 HCC patients using quantitative PCR. HBV mutations were detected by direct sequencing. Logistic regression analyses were utilized to assess the factors and/or multiplicative interactions significantly associated with liver diseases. rs9275319 variant genotypes were inversely associated with HBV persistence compared to HBV natural clearance subjects. rs2856718 variant genotypes significantly increased LC risk compared to ASCs plus CHB patients (GG vs. AA: odds ratio [OR], 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17–1.97 and AG + GG vs. AA: OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.04–1.54) and decreased HCC risk compared to HCC-free HBV-infected subjects (AG vs. AA: OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.65–0.89 and AG + GG vs. AA: OR, 0.78, 95% CI, 0.68–0.90). rs2856718 variant genotypes were significantly associated with an increased frequency of HBV A1726C mutation, a LC-risk, HCC-protective mutation, in genotype C. A rs9275319 variant genotype (GG) was significantly associated with an increased frequency of preS1 start codon mutation, an HCC-risk mutation, in genotype C. The interaction of rs2856718 AG + GG genotype with T1753V, a HCC-risk mutation, significantly reduced LC risk, with an OR of 0.26 (95% CI, 0.09–0.78); whereas the interaction of rs2856718 AG genotype with C1673T, a LC-risk mutation, significantly increased HCC risk, with an OR of 2.80 (95% CI, 1.02–7.66) in genotype C HBV-infected subjects. Conclusively, the HLA-DQ polymorphisms affect the risks of LC and HCC differently in chronic HBV-infected subjects, possibly via interacting with the HBV mutations.     

Impact of PCV7/PCV13 introduction on invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in young children: Comparison between meningitis and non-meningitis IPD

BackgroundThe worldwide introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) into National Immunization Programs resulted in rapid and substantial reduction of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) rates in children. However, the reduction of meningitis vs. non-meningitis IPD (nm-IPD) was not yet fully elucidated. We compared 7-valent and 13-valent PCV (PCV7 and PCV13) impact on pneumococcal-meningitis vs. nm-IPD in Israeli children <5 years.MethodsWe conducted an ongoing nationwide, prospective, population-based, active surveillance. PCV7 and PCV13 were implemented in Israel in July 2009 and November 2010, respectively. All pneumococcal isolates (blood and/or CSF) from IPD episodes in children <5 years from July 2000 through June 2015 were included. Extrapolation for missing serotypes (34.7% of all isolates) was conducted.Results4163 IPD cases were identified; 3739 nm-IPD (89.8%) and 424 meningitis (10.2%). During the pre-PCV period (2000–2008), children <12 months constituted 52.1% and 33.7% of meningitis and nm-IPD, respectively (p < 0.001). The respective proportions of non-PCV13 serotypes (non-VT) were 18.2% vs. 10.1%, (p < 0.001).Comparing the last study year (2014–2015) to the mean of pre-PCV period, meningitis incidence in children <5 years decreased non-significantly by 27%, while nm-IPD decreased significantly by 69%. Dynamic rates of meningitis and nm-IPD caused by PCV13 serotypes were similar, with 93% and 95% overall reductions, respectively. However, non-VT increased in meningitis relatively to nm-IPD, mainly in children <24 months. Serotype 12F rose sharply and significantly since 2009–2010 through 2014–2015 (28.6% of all non-VT meningitis in children <24 m).ConclusionsThe overall impact of PCV7/PCV13 in children <5 years in Israel was less prominent in meningitis than in nm-IPD. This could be attributed to the younger age of children with meningitis and differences in causative serotypes between the two groups, as the decline of the incidence of meningitis and nm-IPD caused by vaccine-serotypes is similar. Continuous monitoring of meningitis and nm-IPD is warranted.     

Rapid impact of rotavirus vaccine introduction to the National Immunization Plan in Southern Israel: Comparison between 2 distinct populations

BackgroundRotavirus vaccines were licensed in Israel in 2007, and in 2011 the pentavalent-vaccine (RV5) was introduced into the Israeli National Immunization plan.AimTo determine the effect of rotavirus-vaccines on the incidence of hospital visits due to rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) and all-cause diarrhea in Jewish and Bedouin children <5 year residing in southern Israel.MethodsWe conducted a population-based, prospective, observational study. Data from 2006 through 2013 were analyzed. Our hospital is the only medical center in the region, enabling age-specific incidences calculation.ResultsIn the pre-vaccine period, the overall RVGE hospital visits rates per 1000 in children <12, 12–23 and 24–59 m were 16.1, 18.6 and 1.4 in Jewish children, respectively. The respective rates in Bedouin children were 26.4, 12.5 and 0.7 (P < 0.001 for <12 m).Hospitalization rates were higher among Bedouin than among Jewish children (60.0% vs. 39.7%, P < 0.001). Vaccine uptake was faster in the Jewish vs. the Bedouin population.In the year following RV5 introduction, RVGE hospital visits rates declined by 82%, 70% (P < 0.001 both) and 36% (P = 0.092) in Jewish children <12, 12–23 and 24–59 m, respectively. In Bedouin children, the respective RVGE rates declined by 70% (P < 0.001), 21% (P = ns) and 14% (P = ns).Throughout the study, RVGE rates declined significantly in children <12, and 12–23 m by 80% and 88% in Jewish children, respectively, and by 62 and 75% in Bedouin children, respectively (P < 0.001 for all declines). In children 24–59 m, RVGE rates declined by 46% (P = 0.025) in Jewish children, but no reduction was observed in Bedouin children. The dynamics of all-cause diarrhea rates were similar to that of RVGE.ConclusionsSignificant reductions of RVGE rates were observed, following Rota-vaccine introduction in southern Israel in both Jewish and Bedouin children. However, the impact was faster and more profound in Jewish children, probably related to higher vaccine uptake and possibly to lifestyle differences.     

Fructo-oligosaccharides enhance the mineral absorption and counteract the adverse effects of phytic acid in mice

ObjectiveWe explored the effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and phytic acid (PA) on the absorption of minerals and their interaction.MethodsA 3 × 2 factorial experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of FOS (in the presence or absence of PA) on the apparent absorption rate of minerals and the mineral status (plasma, hepatic, and bone) in mice. Sixty Kun-Ming mice were randomized into six groups: basal diet group; basal diet + 1% PA group (PA); basal diet + 0.8 g/kg of body weight FOS group (FOS1); FOS1 + 1% PA group (FOS1 + PA); basal diet + 2.5 g/kg of body weight group (FOS2); and FOS2 + 1% PA group (FOS2 + PA). The mice received FOS by gavage for consecutive 4 wk, and the PA was added in the diet. The mice were housed individually in the last week. The food intake was recorded and the feces were collected for calculation of the apparent absorption rate. Then the mice were sacrificed, the ceca were removed and weighed, and the cecum contents were used for the detection of pH and short-chain fatty acids. The blood, liver, and the left femur were collected for the measurement of the minerals.ResultsFOS supplementation resulted in the enlargement of the cecum and increased cecal acidification (P < 0.01). In addition, FOS effectively boosted the apparent absorption rate of calcium (FOS1, +7%; FOS2, +9%, P < 0.05), magnesium (FOS1, +26%; FOS2, +19%, P < 0.05), and iron (FOS1, +17%; FOS2, +22%, P < 0.05), and restored the PA-impaired magnesium and iron apparent absorption rates (P < 0.01). In addition, FOS significantly increased hepatic zinc levels (P < 0.01) and femoral magnesium levels (P < 0.01).ConclusionThese data indicate that FOS effectively enhances the mineral apparent absorption rate and counteracts the deleterious effects of PA.     

Association of major dietary patterns with socioeconomic and lifestyle factors of adult women living in Tehran,Iran

ObjectivesTo detect major dietary patterns and their relation with demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors in adult women living in Tehran, Iran.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 460 women 20–50 y of age were selected by a stratified random-sampling method. Factor analysis was conducted to ascertain the major dietary patterns, and analysis of covariance was fitted to assess the relation between demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle variables and adherence to major dietary patterns.ResultsTwo major dietary patterns were extracted: healthy and unhealthy. After adjustment for confounders, age (b = 0.31, P < 0.01), university degree (b = 0.85, P < 0.01), housing size >20 m²/head (b = 0.30, P < 0.01), total family income US >$500/mo (b = 0.25, P < 0.05), physical activity (b = 0.01, P < 0.05), and history of hypertension (b = 0.36, P < 0.05) were positively associated and duration of residence in Tehran (b = ?0.01, P < 0.05) was negatively associated with a healthy dietary pattern. Conversely, ethnicity (Turk versus Fars; b = 0.30, P < 0.01) and smoking (b = 0.64, P < 0.01) were positively associated and age (b = ?0.33, P < 0.01) was negatively associated with an unhealthy dietary pattern.ConclusionOur findings support the association between demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle factors and dietary patterns of the studied women. Therefore, it is suggested these factors should be considered in future studies on the association between dietary patterns and disease.