Characterizing hepatitis B stigma in Chinese immigrants

Health-related stigma is a cause of stress, alienation and discrimination that can serve as a barrier to prevention and care for infectious diseases such as HIV. Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related stigma is common in Asian immigrants, but has not been formally evaluated. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the first HBV stigma instrument and to begin to evaluate HBV stigma in Chinese immigrants. The HBV stigma instrument was developed based on constructs from validated HIV stigma scales and organized into five domains. A written survey was compiled to include demographic data, HBV knowledge questions and stigma items. The survey was pilot tested in English and Chinese and then finalized. Data were obtained from 201 patients seen in an urban Chinatown Internal Medicine practice. The stigma items showed a high degree of reliability when assessed in aggregate (α = 0.85) as well as within individual domains. Stigma was greatest in the Fear of Contagion domain. Knowledge questions showed a corresponding deficit in understanding of modes of HBV transmission. An inverse relationship between stigma scores and familiarity with HBV provided evidence of construct validity. In multivariable analysis, having a family member with HBV and higher HBV knowledge subset scores were associated with lower degrees of stigma. In conclusion, the hepatitis B stigma instrument showed reliability and construct validity. The relationship identified between familiarity and knowledge regarding HBV with lower stigma scores provides the basis for the development of interventions to reduce HBV stigma.     

HBeAg状态及乙型肝炎病毒载量对慢性重型乙型肝炎预后的影响

目的 探讨HBeAg状态及HBV DNA载量对慢性重型乙型肝炎预后的影响.方法 回顾分析2002年1月至2007年12月在南方医科大学南方医院住院的慢性重型乙型肝炎患者406例,研究HBeAg状态、HBV DNA载量对疾病预后的影响.计量资料采用t检验,率的比较采用X2检验.结果 406例重型肝炎患者中,HBeAg阳性208例,占51.2%,HBeAg阴性198例,占48.8%.HBeAg阳性组与HBeAg阴性组比较,两组间男女构成比、TBil峰值及平均凝血酶原活动度谷值差异均无统计学意义;HBeAg阴性组平均年龄(46.7±12.8)岁,显著高于HBeAg阳性组(38.3±13.5)岁(t=6.43,P＜0.01);HBeAg阴性组肝硬化患者占67.7%,亦显著高于HBeAg阳性组的45.7%(X2=19.97,P＜0.01);HBeAg阴性组好转率为32.3%,显著低于HBeAg阳性组的44.7%(X2=6.56,P＜0.05).在208例HBeAg阳性与198例HBeAg阴性患者中,均显示随着HBV DNA载量的升高,其好转率下降,呈显著负相关(X2=22.98,X2=26.04;均P＜0.01).结论 HBeAg阴性重型乙型肝炎较HBeAg阳性者预后差;无论HBeAg状态如何,HBV DNA载量越高,其预后越差.     

The impact of the hepatitis B mass immunisation campaign on the incidence and risk factors of acute hepatitis B in Italy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the campaign for hepatitis B mass immunisation of children and teenagers, introduced in 1991, on the incidence of and risk factors for hepatitis B in Italy. METHODS: Hepatitis B cases reported to the surveillance system for type-specific acute viral hepatitis (SEIEVA) during the period 1987-1997 were used to estimate incidence. To assess the association between potential risk factors and hepatitis B cases, hepatitis A cases generated by the same surveillance system were used as controls. RESULTS: During the period 1987-1997, 8275 acute hepatitis B cases were reported to SEIEVA. Hepatitis B incidence declined from 10.4/100,000 in 1987 to 2.9/100,000 in 1997. The fall was more evident before than after the introduction of compulsory vaccination against hepatitis B. The results of multivariate analysis showed that during the years 1995-1997, blood transfusion, intravenous drug use, surgical intervention, dental therapy, other parenteral exposures, multiple sexual partners, and being in the household of a chronic HBsAg carrier were all exposures independently associated with hepatitis B. CONCLUSIONS: The strong association linking acute hepatitis B with iatrogenic exposures, which are more common in adults, suggests that the present immunisation strategy should be combined with the implementation of non-immunologic preventive measures.     

Maternal knowledge of the risk of vertical transmission and offspring acquisition of hepatitis B

Introduction and objectivesUniversal vaccination at birth and in infancy is key to the elimination of chronic hepatitis B infection. We aimed to assess hepatitis B immune-prophylaxis and perinatal transmission knowledge, in a large and ethnically diverse cohort of previously pregnant North American women, chronically infected with hepatitis B.Materials and methodsThe Hepatitis B Research Network (HBRN) is comprised of 28 Clinical Centers in the United States and Canada. Female cohort participants were administered a questionnaire to assess: (1) their assertion of knowledge regarding HBV prophylaxis at birth, testing, and diagnosis of hepatitis B in their children, and (2) the percentage of affirmative to negative responses for each of the HBV-related interventions her child may have received. The relationship between asserted knowledge, actions taken and maternal demographics were assessed.ResultsA total of 351 mothers with 627 children born in or after 1992 were included. Median age at enrollment was 39.8 years. Mothers were mostly foreign-born with the largest percentage from Asia (73.4%) and Africa (11.7%). Of the 627 children, 94.5% had mothers who asserted that they knew whether their child had received HBIG or HBV vaccine at birth, for 88.8% of the children, their mothers indicated that they knew if their child was tested for HBV and for 84.5% of children, their mothers knew if the child was diagnosed with HBV infection. Among children whose mothers asserted knowledge of their HBV management, 95.3% were reported to have received HBIG or HBV vaccine, 83.4% of children were said to have been tested for HBV, and 4.8% of children were said to have been diagnosed with HBV. Younger maternal age was the only factor significantly associated with higher percentage of children for whom mothers reported knowledge of testing (p = 0.02) or diagnosis of HBV (p = 0.02).ConclusionsWhile high percentages of North American children had mothers asserting knowledge of HBV prophylaxis and testing, knowledge gaps remain, with mothers of 5.5–15.5% of children lacking knowledge of key components of the HBV prevention and diagnosis in the perinatal setting. Targeted education of HBsAg-positive mothers may aid in closing this gap and reducing vertical transmission.     

Efficacy of a Chinese herbal formula on hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B patients

BACKGROUND No guideline recommends antiviral therapy for hepatitis B e antigen(HBe Ag)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels and a high hepatitis B virus(HBV) DNA viral load.AIM To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a Chinese herbal formula as a therapeutic option for chronic HBV infection.METHODS In total,395 patients(30–65 years old) with confirmed HBe Ag-positive chronic hepatitis B infection and persistently normal alanine aminotransferase were randomized to receive either Chinese herbal formula or placebo for 96 wk.Endpoints to evaluate therapeutic efficacy included:(1) HBV DNA levels decreased to less than 4 log10 IU/m L at weeks 48 and 96;and(2) HBe Ag clearance and seroconversion rates at weeks 48 and 96.RESULTS HBV DNA levels ≤ 4 log10 IU/m L were 10.05% at week 48 and 18.59% at week 96 in the treatment group.The HBe Ag clearance and conversion rates were 8.54% and 8.04% at week 48 and 16.08% and 14.57% at week 96,respectively.However,HBV DNA levels ≤ 4 log10 IU/m L were 2.55% and 2.55% at weeks 48 and 96,respectively,and the HBe Ag clearance rates were 3.06% and 5.61% at weeks 48 and 96,respectively,in the control group.The quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen and HBe Ag levels at baseline and changes during the treatment period as well as the alanine aminotransferase elevation at weeks 12 and 24 were strong predictors of HBe Ag clearance.CONCLUSION High rates of HBV DNA reduction,HBe Ag clearance and seroconversion could be achieved with Chinese herbal formula treatments,and the treatments were relatively safe for HBe Ag-positive chronic hepatitis B-infected patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase.The ability of the compound to modulate host immune function probably contributed to this effect.     

Vietnamese community screening for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus

Summary. Asian Americans represent an important cohort at high risk for viral hepatitis. To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and HBV vaccination in a Vietnamese community, a total of 322 Vietnamese subjects from a local doctor’s office and annual Vietnamese Health Fair were included in this study. Demographic and clinical data were collected. 2.2% of the screened cohort tested positive for anti‐HCV and 9.3% tested positive for HBsAg. Unlike HBV‐positive subjects, HCV‐positive subjects had significantly higher liver enzymes (P = 0.0045 and P = 0.0332, respectively). The HBV‐positive group was more likely to report jaundice (P = 0.0138) and a family history of HBV (P = 0.0115) compared to HBV‐negative subjects. Forty‐eight patients (15.5%) reported a family history of liver disease (HBV, HCV, HCC, cirrhosis, other). Of this 48, 68.8% reported no personal history of HBV vaccination and 77.1% reported no family history of vaccination for HBV. Among the 183 subjects without a family history of liver disease, 156 (85.2%) reported no personal history of vaccination and 168 (91.8%) reported no family history of vaccination. HBV vaccination rates in those reporting a family history of liver disease were significantly higher (P = 0.020). There was a high prevalence of HBV infection in this community screening. Nevertheless, the rate for HBV vaccination was low. The low prevalence of abnormal liver enzymes in HBV‐positive subjects emphasizes the need for screening to be triggered by risk factors and not by abnormal liver enzymes.     

黑龙江省农村居民乙型病毒性肝炎与艾滋病非传播途径知晓率比较研究

目的了解并比较黑龙江省农村居民对乙型病毒性肝炎（HepatitisB,HB,简称乙肝）和艾滋病非传播途径知识的掌握情况,为减少对病人及病毒感染者的歧视,并为今后在农村一般人群中开展有针对性的宣传教育提供依据。方法在黑龙江省齐齐哈尔市富裕县和牡丹江市海林县,运用整群抽样的方法随机抽取3个村,对村中15～69岁的全部村民采用人户面对面询问,或自填调查问卷的方式进行不记名的问卷调查。结果共发放问卷2000份,收回有效问卷1958份。农村居民对乙肝、艾滋病非传播途径知识的总体知晓率分别为6．54％和9．96％,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。对乙肝和艾滋病均一无所知者为21人,占1．07％。除蚊虫叮咬这一非传播途径的知晓率为乙肝（25．83％）高于艾滋病（21．91％）外,其余各非传播途径的知晓率均为乙肝低于艾滋病（P〈0．01）。不同人口特征的调查对象（除年龄为60～69岁组及本地居住低于2年组外）,对4种非传播途径的总知晓率均为乙肝低于艾滋病。结论黑龙江省农村居民对乙肝、艾滋病非传播途径的认知水平均低,且尤以乙肝严重,需加大此两种疾病尤其是乙肝非传播途径的宣传教育。     

Measuring stigma associated with hepatitis B virus infection in Sierra Leone: Validation of an abridged Berger HIV stigma scale

Stigma associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common in endemic countries; however; instruments are lacking to accurately measure HBV-related stigma. We therefore aimed to develop and validate a concise instrument for measuring perceived HBV-related stigma in Sierra Leone. We enrolled 220 people living with HBV (PWHB) aged ≥18 years from August to November 2022. The initial Likert-scale instrument entailed 12 items adapted from Berger's HIV Stigma Scale. We included four additional items adapted from the USAID indicators for enacted stigma. The proposed scale's psychometric properties were assessed. After item reduction, the final HBV Stigma Scale consisted of 10 items and had good internal consistency (overall Cronbach's α = 0.74), discriminant, and construct validity. Exploratory factor analysis produced a three-dimensional structure accounting for 59.3% of variance: personalized stigma driven by public attitudes (six items), negative self-image (two items), and disclosure concerns (two items). Overall, 72.8% of respondents reported perceived HBV-related stigma (mean score 29.11 ± 4.14) and a similar proportion (73.6%) reported at least one instance of enacted stigma. In assessing criterion-related validity, perceived HBV-related stigma correlated strongly with enacted stigma (r = 0.556) and inversely with having family/friends with HBV (r = −0.059). The 10-item HBV Stigma Scale demonstrated good internal consistency and validity and is suitable for screening for HBV-related stigma in Sierra Leone. The psychometric properties of the scale can be optimized with item additions/modifications and confirmatory factor analysis. The scale may help in combating stigma as a barrier to achieving HBV global elimination goals.     

Advances in treatment and prevention of hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B(CHB) continues to contribute to worldwide morbidity and mortality significantly. Scientists, clinicians, pharmaceutical companies, and health organizations have dedicated substantial Intellectual and monetary resources to finding a cure, increasing immunization rates, and reducing the global burden of CHB. National and international health-related organizations including the center for disease control, the national institute of health, the American Association for the study of liver disease(AASLD), The European association for the study of the Liver(EASL), The Asia Pacific association for the study of the Liver(APASL) and the world health organization release periodic recommendations for disease prevention and treatment. Our review of the most recent guidelines by EASL, AASLD, APASL, and Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver revealed that an overwhelming majority of cited studies were published before 2018. We reviewed Hepatitis B-related literature published 2018 onwards to identify recent developments and current barriers that will likely direct future efforts towards eradicating hepatitis B. The breakthrough in our understanding of the hepatitis B virus life cycle and resulting drug development is encouraging with significant room for further progress. Data from high-risk populations, most vulnerable to the devastating effects of hepatitis B infection and reactivation remain sparse. Utilization of systems approach, optimization of experimental models, identification and validation of next-generation biomarkers, and precise modulation of the human immune response will be critical for future innovation. Within the foreseeable future, new treatments will likely complement conventional therapies rather than replace them. Most Importantly, pragmatic management of CHB related population health challenges must be prioritized to produce real-world results.     

厦门市乙型肝炎病毒亚基因型分布的初步研究

目的探讨厦门地区乙型肝炎患者血清乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）基因型的分布情况。方法应用混合性型特异性引物聚合酶链反应法结合琼脂糖电泳，根据PCR产物片段大小直接判定HBV基因型；应用PCR扩增全S基因序列-DNA测序-生物信息学分析方法确定部分样本的亚基因型，并探讨前前S区编码的流行情况。结果在217例可以通过混合性型特异性引物聚合酶链反应法确定基因型的感染者中，B型83例（38．2％）、C型71例（32．7％），B／C混合型63例（29．0％）。HBeAg阳性患者中感染B基因型占50％，B／C型混合感染占22％；抗-HBe阳性患者中B／C型混合感染36％，B型38％；在慢性乙型肝炎患者中，以B基因型多见（46％），在肝硬化和肝癌患者中，以C（41％和42％）或B／C混合基因型（38％和33％）感染为主；20例患者血清经过DNA测序-生物信息学分析方法确定了亚基因型，其中B2亚型2例，C2亚型18例，其中混合性型特异性引物聚合酶链反应判断为B型的4例经过测序分析为C2亚型。B2亚型不编码前前S区，18例C2亚型均编码前前S区。结论本研究提示厦门地区乙型肝炎患者群的HBV基因型B、C型的感染率大致相同，亚基因型分析提示C2亚基因型占90％，可能是B／C基因型重组的结果。C2亚基因型病毒株均编码前前S区，提示前前S区的编码可能具有亚基因型特异性。     

Long-term clinical impact of occult hepatitis B virus infection in chronic hepatitis B patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Long-term clinical outcomes of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection were studied. METHODS: Fifteen chronic hepatitis B patients were monitored for a median of 4.4 years (range 0.9-15.3) after hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance. Serum HBV DNA was measured by real-time detection polymerase chain reaction. Thirteen patients underwent liver biopsies at the end of follow-up and liver histology was evaluated by Ishak score. Liver HBV DNA was also measured for 12 patients. RESULTS: At the end of follow-up, HBV viremia was absent in 13 (87%) patients, and antibody titers to hepatitis B core antigen showed an inverse correlation with time from HBsAg seroclearance (r=-0.554; P=0.0040). However, all patients retained liver HBV DNA and tested positive for the covalently closed circular HBV DNA replicative intermediate. The hepatic HBV DNA loads had no relation to liver histology. Paired biopsies from 11 patients disclosed that each necroinflammatory score significantly improved after HBsAg seroclearance. Amelioration of liver fibrosis was also evident in eight (73%) patients (P=0.0391 by signed rank test). CONCLUSIONS: A long-standing but strongly suppressed HBV infection may confer histological amelioration after HBsAg seroclearance.     

乙型肝炎病毒e抗原及DNA载量对慢性乙型重型肝炎预后的影响

目的探讨乙型肝炎病毒e抗原(HBeAg)阳性、阴性及乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)DNA载量对慢性乙型重型肝炎预后的影响。方法回顾性分析2002年7月至2004年12月在北京地坛医院住院的慢性乙型重型肝炎患者206例,以HBeAg阳性、阴性及HBV DNA载量和其他可能影响预后的因素做单因素分析和多因素分析。结果 x2单因素分析显示HBeAg阳性、阴性对慢性乙型重型肝炎预后无影响(x2=0．440,OR=0．777,95％ CI 0．424～1．425,P=0．50),HBV DNA载量对预后影响显著,HBV DNA低载量组和高载量组,好转率分别为53．1％和27．O％(x2=9．806,OR=3．055,95％ CI 1．554～6．007,P=0．002)。经Logistic多元回归分析筛选出肝硬化,肝肾综合征,肝性脑病,凝血酶原时间活动度<20％,总胆红素>513μmol／L,白蛋白<30 g／L, 总胆固醇<1．6 mmol／L,血小板<5×109／L和较高载量HBV DNA(HBeAg阴性者>3×104拷贝／ml,HBeAg 阳性者>1×105拷贝／ml)等9个因子对慢性乙型重型肝炎预后有重大影响,回归系数分别是1．539、21．356、 1．398、1．650、2．440、2．266、1．738、2．631和2．656。其中HBV DNA载量对预后影响的回归系数为2．656, Wald值为7．768,P=0．005,回归系数期望值为14．235,期望值95．O％ CI为2．199～92．133。提示HBV DNA 载量在其他重要因子存在时仍是影响慢性乙型重型肝炎预后的重要因子,其重要程度仅次于肝肾综合征及Ⅱ度以上肝性脑病。结论HBeAg阳性、阴性对慢性乙型重型肝炎预后无影响,HBV DNA载量为预测慢性乙型重型肝炎预后的重要因子,HBV DNA低载量者预后较好。     

Clinical impact of hepatitis B and C virus envelope glycoproteins

Chronic infection by either hepatitis B virus(HBV)or hepatitis C virus(HCV)share epidemiological characteristics with risks for development of severe complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.HBV and HCV also share a high genetic variability. Among highly variable regions,viral genes encoding surface proteins(hepatitis B surface antigen,E1/E2 HCV glycoproteins)play key roles in the stimulation of the host-related immune response and viral entry into hepatocytes.Specific segments of HBV envelope proteins(preS1,"a"determinant)are crucial in the entry process into permissive cells.HCV entry is a complex multistep process involving multiple cell cofactors (glycosaminoglycans,low density lipoprotein receptor, SR-B1,CD81,claudin-1,occludin,EGFR,EphA2)in the interaction with HCV E1/E2 envelope glycoproteins.In vitro both viruses can be controlled by antibody-me-diated neutralization targeting viral envelope,also essential in preventing HBV infection in vivo as observed through successful vaccination using HBs antigen.But preventive vaccination and/or therapeutic pressure can influence HBV and HCV variability.For HBV,the patterns of antiviral drug resistance in chronic hepatitis are complex and the original pol/S gene overlap has to be taken into account.Treatment-induced HBV mutations in pol could indeed generate S mutants with subsequent modified antigenicity or increased cancer induction.Variability of HBV and HCV envelope proteins combining high exposure to selective pressures and crucial functional roles require investigation in the context of diagnostic,vaccination and treatment tools.In this editorial a synthesis is performed of HBV and HCV envelope properties at the entry step and as antigenic proteins,and the subsequent clinical impact.     

Misperceptions among patients with chronic hepatitis B in Singapore

AIM: To identify the misperceptions among CHB patients, as well as to determine the factors associated with better knowledge. METHODS: A telephone interview was conducted on 192 adult CHB patients, who earlier responded to an advertisement for free screening. The questionnaire included items about socio-demographic factors and a 14-item quiz on knowledge of general aspects, transmission, and management of HBV infection. RESULTS: The mean knowledge score on HBV was 10.4/14. Common misperceptions included availability of treatment for HBV infection and early liver cancer, as well as on transmission. Having completed tertiary education was the only independent factor associated with a high knowledge score, after controlling other demographic factors. CONCLUSION: More educational efforts should be focused on patients' misperceptions and target the less educated HBV carriers.     

慢性乙型肝炎患者肝细胞内乙型肝炎核心抗原阳性的临床意义

目的探讨CHB患者肝组织HBcAg阳性的意义。方法对200例CHB患者应用荧光聚合酶链反应（FQ-PCR）法精确定量检测血清HBV DNA含量。患者均检测血清中HBeAg含量,同时进行肝活组织检查,应用免疫组织化学技术检测HBcAg情况,并进行相关性分析。结果按测定血清HBV DNA水平,分为A组（＜3 log10拷贝/ml）20例,B组（≥3 log10拷贝/ml-＜5 log10拷贝/ml）13例,C组（≥5 log10拷贝/ml～＜6 log10拷贝/ml）24例,D组（≥6 log10拷贝/ml～＜8 log10拷贝/ml）116例,E组（≥8 log10拷贝/ml）27例。肝组织HBcAg阳性者175例,占87．5％,A组HBcAg阳性率55．0％（11/20）,B组53．8％（7/13）,C组75．0％（18/24）,D组96．6％（112/116）,E组100．0％（27/27）,HBcAg阳性率与血清HBV DNA水平之间呈显著正相关（r=0．80,P＜0．01）。血清HBV DNA水平高低与HBeAg阳性率之间呈显著正相关（r=0．47,P＜0．01）。其中20例HBV DNA阴性者中（A组）,HBeAg阳性者5例（25％）,HBcAg阳性者11例（55％）；15例HBV DNA阴性且HBeAg阴性者中有7例HBcAg阳性,占46．7％。结论CHB患者肝组织HBcAg阳性能更可靠地反映肝细胞内HBV复制状态。检测肝组织内HBcAg对CHB患者疗效评价和对治疗反应性的预测更具有临床意义。     

戊型肝炎及重叠乙型肝炎感染患者丙氨酸转氨酶变化

目的　观察戊型肝炎及重叠乙型肝炎感染患者丙氨酸转氨酶 (ALT)变化。方法　将戊型肝炎抗体阳性及重叠乙型肝炎感染患者 2 73例分为 5组。A组 12 7例 ,为戊型肝炎病毒 (HEV) IgG阳性 ;B组 9例 ,为HEV IgM阳性 ;C组 64例 ,为HEV IgM和HEV IgG均阳性 ;D组 3 2例 ,为HEV IgM和HEV IgG均阳性并重叠乙型肝炎感染 ;E组 41例 ,为HEV IgG阳性并重叠乙型肝炎感染。另选戊型肝炎抗体阴性的非乙型肝炎患者 5 0 0例作为对照组。用速率法测定各组ALT值。结果　各组ALT异常增高百分率及异常增高者ALT值分别为 :A组 2 1例 ( 16.5 %) ,ALT( 183± 89)U /L ;B组 3例 ,ALT( 2 0 3± 112 )U /L ;C组 16例 ( 2 5 .8%) ,ALT( 2 17± 119)U/L ;D组 11例 ( 3 4.4%) ,ALT( 2 3 4± 12 8)U/L ;E组 13例 ( 3 1.7%) ,ALT( 2 10± 98)U/L ;对照组 5 1例 ( 10 .2 %) ,ALT( 112± 68)U/L。戊型肝炎抗体阳性各组ALT异常增高率与对照组间差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,戊型肝炎抗体阳性各组ALT异常增高者ALT值与对照组间差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。结论　戊型肝炎抗体阳性组ALT异常增高率和增高者ALT值均较对照组有明显增高 ,HEV IgM阳性或重叠乙型肝炎感染较单纯HEV IgG阳性者 ,ALT增高明显     

慢性乙型肝炎患者HBV基因型和哑型分布调查

目的研究慢性乙型肝炎患者HBV基因型和亚型流行情况。方法应用HBV基因型和亚型特异性引物PCR法对北京、长春、大连、西安、石家庄、郑州和合肥7个城市660份HBV DNA阳性慢性乙型肝炎患者血清进行基因型和亚型分析。结果在660份HBV DNA阳性血清中,B基因型、C基因型和B／C混合感染分别为16．67％（110／660）、74．54％（492／660）和8．79％（58／660）;在C基因型中,C1亚型6例（1．22％）、C2亚型473例（96．14％）、C1／C2混合基因亚型13例（2．64％）;B基因型均为Ba亚型,B基因型和C基因型混合感染者均为Ba与C2亚型混合感染,未发现其他基因型和基因亚型;不同基因型感染患者HBeAg阳性率差异无统计学意义（P=0．153）;B基因型和C基因型患者之间血清HBV DNA水平差异无统计学意义（6．37±1．62lg copies／ml对6．29±1．76lg copies／ml）,但均高于B和C基因型混合感染患者（5．25±1．65lg copies／ml）。结论这7个城市慢性乙型肝炎患者以B基因型和C基因型感染为主,有部分B／C基因型混合感染。HBV亚型以Ba和C2亚型占优势。     

乙肝疫苗联合HBIG接种阻断HBsAg/HBeAg双阳性孕妇HBV母婴传播的效果研究

] 目的 比较乙肝疫苗联合乙型肝炎免疫球蛋白（HBIG）与乙肝疫苗接种阻断HBsAg/HBeAg双阳性母亲HBV母婴传播的效果。方法 对血清HBsAg阳性或HBsAg/HBeAg双阳性母亲所生新生儿分别按标准方法接种乙肝疫苗或者乙肝疫苗与HBIG联合接种,比较儿童HBV感染率情况。结果 在110例血清HBsAg阳性母亲所生的110例只接种乙肝疫苗的儿童中,出生和6月龄血清HBsAg阳性率分别为28.2%和10.9%,与240例HBsAg/HBeAg阳性母亲所生的240例只接种乙肝疫苗的新生儿（分别为39.6%和24.2%）比,无显著性相差（P>0.05）;在150例血清HBsAg阳性母亲所生的150例接种乙肝疫苗联合HBIG儿童中,出生和6月龄血清HBsAg阳性率分别为17.3%和3.3%,与100例HBsAg/HBeAg阳性母亲所生的100例新生儿（分别为25.0%和11.0%）比,也无显著性相差（P>0.05）,但无论在血清HBsAg阳性还是血清HBsAg/HBeAg阳性母亲,联合接种儿童HBV感染率均显著低于只接种乙肝疫苗者（P<0.05）。结论 采取乙肝疫苗联合HBIG接种能降低乙型肝炎病毒携带母亲所生儿童的HBV感染率。