Prevalence of hepatitis B,hepatitis C,and human immunodeficiency virus infections among hemophilia patients in Shiraz,south of Iran

Transfusion-transmitted viral infections, including hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections continue to be a major challenge in hemophilia patient. This study was conducted to assess the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections among Iranian hemophilia patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 580 hemophilia patients (mean age ± SD = 27.11 ± 14.9) referred to the Namazi hospital, Shiraz University of medical sciences, Shiraz, Iran during July 2012 to August 2015. Blood samples were taken from the patients and tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to HBV surface antigen (anti-HBs), antibody to HBV core antigen (anti-HBc), anti-HCV antibody (HCVAb), and anti-HIV antibody (HIVAb). The association of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections with age, sex, type of hemophilia (A or B), severity of hemophilia, blood group system, history of blood transfusion, and surgery were statistically analyzed using SPSS software and chi-square/Fisher exact tests. The seroprevalence of HCVAb and HBsAg were 11.4 % (66/580) and 0.2 % (1/580), respectively. None of the hemophilia patients were positive for HIV antibody. There was a significant association between HCV seropositivity and age (P < 0.001), severity of hemophilia (P < 0.0001), and history of blood transfusion (P = 0.050). It seems that strategies for prevention of HBV and HIV infections have been successful in south of Iran, but HCV is still a major infection of concern in multi-transfused patients.     

2450例患者输血前感染性指标检测结果分析

目的 检测与分析患者输血前的感染性指标水平,为临床血液传染病的预防控制提供参考.方法 选取2013年6月至2016年1月期间我院收治的2450例拟接受输血的患者作为研究对象,采用酶联免疫吸附法(enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)测定患者输血前的感染性指标检测,包括乙型肝炎五项标志物、抗丙型肝炎病毒抗体(hepatitis c virus antibody,抗-HCV)、抗人类免疫缺陷病毒抗体(human immunodeficiency virus antibody,抗-HIV)以及抗梅毒螺旋体抗体(treponema pallidum antibody,抗-TP),结果 2450例患者输血前感染性指标检测中,乙肝表面抗体(hepatitis B surface antibody,HBsAb)的阳性率最高,为23.18%,其次为乙型肝炎病毒表面抗原(hepatitis B surface antigen,HBsAg),阳性率为11.27%;患者存在2~3重感染模式,其中以乙型肝炎E抗体(hepatitis B e antibody,HBeAb)+HBsAb模式的阳性率最高,为1.18%,其次是HBsAg+HBsAb+乙肝表面核心抗体(hepatitis B core antibody,HBcAb)模式的,为1.06%;男性患者乙型肝炎e抗原(hepatitis B e antigen,HBeAg)、HBeAb、HBsAg、HBsAb、HBcAb、抗-HCV、抗-HIV和抗-TP阳性率均高于女性患者的,但差异无统计学意义;年龄>60岁患者的HBeAg、HBeAb、HBsAg、抗-HCV和抗-TP阳性率明显低于年龄<30岁和年龄为30~60岁患者(P<0.05).而各年龄段间的HBsAb、HBcAb和抗-HIV阳性率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 输血患者输血前感染性指标的检测均具有一定比例的阳性检出率.加强输血前感染性指标的检测,可保证临床用血安全,减少医疗纠纷.     

Molecular epidemiological and clinical aspects of hepatitis D virus in a unique triple hepatitis viruses (B,C, D) endemic community in Taiwan

The molecular epidemiological and clinical aspects of hepatitis D virus (HDV) in a unique HBV, HCV, and HDV triple virus endemic community in southern Taiwan were investigated. A total of 2,909 residents aged 45 or older were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV antibody, and anti-HDV antibody (specifically for HBsAg-positive carriers). Factors that might be associated with HDV infection, viral nucleic acid detection, and genotyping of HBV, HCV, and HDV were investigated. The prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV were 12.6% (366/2,909) and 41.6% (1,227/2,909), respectively. For HBsAg carriers, 15.3% (56/366) were positive for anti-HDV assay. Living in a higher endemic district of HCV infection (odds ratio [OR] = 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7-6.3), male gender (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.1-3.6) and co-infection with HCV (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.0-3.3) were significantly independent factors associated with HDV infection. The detection rate of HDV RNA among anti-HDV-positive patients was only 12.7% (7/55). The mean HBV titer of triple infection group was significantly lower than in the HBV/HDV co-infection group (2.23 vs 3.05 in log(10), copies/ml, P = 0.046). HCV RNA detection among the triple infection group showed 47.4% (9/19) viremia rate and viral loads of 579,121 IU/ml in median (16,803-1,551,190 IU/ml). The prevalent genotype of HBV was type B (23/25); HCV was 1b (7/9) and HDV was IIa/IIb (4/4). Only the presence of HCV RNA predicted the presence of elevated ALT significantly (OR = 25.0; 95% CI = 3.39-184.6). In conclusion, the geographical aggregation of HDV infection paralleled that of HCV infection in this community. HCV suppressed the replication of HBV among triple vital infection patients. HBV and HDV lapsed into a remission or nonreplicative phase in most cases, and HCV acted as a dominant factor in triple viral-infected individuals. Only the presence of HCV RNA was associated with elevated ALT values, but not HBV or HDV.     

Virological and clinical aspects of HBV-HCV coinfection in HIV positive patients

In a long-term follow-up study the clinical and virological presentation of HBV/HCV coinfection in anti-HIV positive patients was evaluated. Plasma HBV-DNA, HCV-RNA, and HIV-RNA were determined by PCR in 5 HBsAg/anti-HCV/anti-HIV positive patients, in 4 HBsAg/anti-HIV positive patients and in 82 anti-HCV/anti-HIV positive patients first observed at a Unit of Infectious Diseases in Naples (Italy) from 1990 to 2000 (follow up 6-16 years). All five hepatitis B and C coinfected patients showed reciprocal inhibition of viral replication on admission and during the follow up. At the end of the follow up a clearance of HBsAg from serum was observed in four patients and a clearance of anti-HCV in one of them. In two patients after clearance of HBsAg, evidence of occult HBV infection was observed, at times associated with a hepatic flare. None of the four patients with HIV/HBV coinfection lost HBsAg and none of the 82 with HIV/HCV coinfection lost anti-HCV during the follow up. In anti-HIV positive patients HBV/HCV coinfection is characterized by reciprocal inhibition of viral replication, more evident in HBV expression in plasma and at times by progression to occult HBV infection.     

北京某医院2012～2016年无偿献血者血液感染性指标检测结果分析

目的 了解近几年我院无偿献血者血液感染性指标的流行趋势,不断提高血液质量,降低血液报废率,确保输血安全,更好地为无偿献血招募宣传提供方向.方法 收集2012年至2016年我院无偿献血者血液感染性指标HBsAg、抗-HCV、抗-HIV、抗-TP、及ALT检测结果并进行调查分析.结果 我院近几年206962位无偿献血者中,血液感染性指标ALT、HBsAg、抗-HCV、抗-HIV、抗-TP的总体不合格率分别为5.8%、0.64%、0.45%、0.31%、0.61%.其中ALT的不合格率位居第一,其次为HBsAg和抗-TP;血液检测不合格各项目男女比较差异均有统计学意义;人群中抗-HIV阳性检出率较高,抗-HIV总体检出率为5.31/万.结论 我院无偿献血者血液中,ALT的不合格率位居第一,其次为HBsAg和抗-TP;人群中抗-HIV的阳性检出率较高,且有逐年上升趋势.应加强献血前宣传、征询和初筛工作,建立固定自愿的献血队伍,加强质量管理和规范操作,最大程度降低经血传播疾病的发生,确保临床输血安全.     

Seroprevalence of markers of viral hepatitis in Yemeni healthcare workers

The seroprevalence of viral hepatitis in healthcare workers has important public health implications. To assess the risk factors for the acquisition of viral hepatitis in an unvaccinated cohort from an hyperendemic region, 567 healthcare workers from a large hospital in the capital of the Republic of Yemen were interviewed and tested for serological markers of infection with viral hepatitis. 54/543 (9.9%) tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), 174/543 (32.0%) had positive hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc), and 19/546 (3.5%) had hepatitis C antibodies (anti-HCV). Age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06), male sex (OR = 2.0, 1.32-3.03), and occupation (healthcare workers not carrying out exposure prone procedures, OR = 1.61, 1.06-2.44) were found to be independent predictors for the likelihood of detecting either HBsAg or anti-HBc by multivariate logistic regression analysis. No independent risk factors for anti-HCV positive status were identified. Our findings support the adoption of universal HBV immunisation programmes and infection control precautions. The absence of known risk factors predicting anti-HCV positive serostatus suggests the main mode of transmission of hepatitis C in this cohort in the Yemen remains undiscovered.     

Epidemiological, immunological and virological characteristics, and disease progression of HIV-1/HCV-co-infected patients from a southern Brazilian population

A cross-sectional study was carried out in order to describe the epidemiological, immunological and virological characteristics, and the disease progression of hepatitis C virus (HCV)/human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)- co-infected patients from a southern Brazilian population. Of 778 HIV-1-infected individuals enrolled in the study from September 2001 to December 2003, and followed up until June 2004, 757 were tested for anti-HCV antibodies. Of these, 159 (21.0%) showed positive results for anti-HCV. Males, individuals in the 25 to 34 year age range, and individuals of lower economic levels were more likely to be seropositive for both viruses [prevalence rate (PR), 2.04; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.43-2.92; p<0.001]. The anti-HCV reactivity was also associated with blood routes of transmission (PR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.28-3.77; p<0.001), intravenous drug use (PR, 5.79; 95% CI, 4.74-7.07; p<0.001), self-reported previous sexually transmitted diseases (PR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.18-2.04; p=0.002), VDRL positivity (PR, 2.87; 95% CI, 2.40-3.43; p<0.001), and anti-HTLV I/II reactivity (PR, 5.09; 95% CI, 4.16-6.23; p<0.001). In the follow-up period, the HCV/HIV-1-co-infected patients showed a trend toward lower CD4+ T-cell counts, higher HIV-1 RNA plasma viral load and faster disease progression than patients infected only with HIV-1, but significant differences were not observed. Although there were proportionately more deaths in the HCV/HIV-1-co-infected group, the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was a string predictor of increased CD4+ T-cell counts and decreased HIV-1 RNA plasma levels, suggesting that HAART is more important to the immunological and virological outcomes in HIV-1 infection than is HCV co-infection status.     

Liver histology in patients with HBsAg negative anti-HBc and anti-HCV positive chronic hepatitis

The liver histology of 68 consecutive anti-HCV/HCV-RNA positive chronic hepatitis patients who were HBsAg/anti-HBs negative, anti-HBc positive (Case bC group) was compared with that of 68 anti-HCV/HCV-RNA positive chronic hepatitis patients who were HBsAg/anti-HBc negative (control C group). The patients were pair-matched by age (+/-5 years), sex, and risk factors for the acquisition of parenteral infection. Case bC group showed a significantly higher mean fibrosis score (2.3 +/- 1.1) than control C group (1.5 +/- 1.1, P <0.001) and more histological evidence of cirrhosis (22% vs. 7.3%, P <0.05). In addition, the patients in Case bC group showed more severe inflammation of the portal tracts (3.5 +/- 0.8 vs. 3.0 +/- 1.1, P <0.005) and there was a higher prevalence of patients with rhomboid-shaped hepatocytes (26.4% vs. 2.7%, P <0.005), acidophilic bodies (33.8% vs. 1.4%, P <0.0001), sinusoidal inflammation (29.4% vs. 10.3%, P <0.01), lymphoid follicles in the portal tracts (72% vs. 44.1%, P <0.05), Kupffer cell proliferation (29.4% vs. 11.8%, P <0.05), bile duct damage (44.1% vs. 10.3%, P <0.0001), and ductular proliferation (30.9% vs. 2.7%, P <0.001) than in control C group. No difference in these histological features was observed between HBV-DNA negative and positive patients in Case bC group. The data suggest that anti-HBc positive patients with HCV chronic infection have a significantly higher degree of liver fibrosis, and that hepatocellular apoptosis, bile duct damage, and ductular proliferation correlate with the presence of this antibody in the serum.     

Seroprevalence of HIV,HBV, HCV,and HTLV among Pregnant Women in Southwestern Nigeria

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major public health challenge especially in developing countries. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Human T-cell lymphotropic Virus type I (HTLV-I) among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic, in Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, and South-Western Nigeria. One hundred and eighty two randomly selected pregnant women were screened for HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV and HTLV-1 IgM antibodies using commercially available ELISA kit. Of the182 blood samples of pregnant women screened whose age ranged from 15–49 years, 13 (7.1%), 5 (2.7%), 9 (4.9%), and 44 (24.2%) were positive for HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, and HTLV-1 IgM antibodies, respectively. The co-infection rate of 0.5% was obtained for HBV/HCV, HBV/HIV, HIV/HTLV-1, and HCV/HTLV-1 while 1.1% and 0% was recorded for HBV/HTLV-1 and HCV/HIV co-infections, respectively. Expected risk factors such as history of surgery, circumcision, tattooing and incision showed no significant association with any of the viral STIs (P > 0.05). This study shows that there is the need for a comprehensive screening of all pregnant women for HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV and HTLV-1 to prevent mother to child transmission of these viral infections and its attending consequences.     

Tattooing as a risk of hepatitis C virus infection.

The association of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and tattooing was studied in 87 tattooed and 126 tattoo free healthy young men who did not engage in intravenous drug use or multiple sexual activity. Antibody against HCV (anti-HCV) was tested in serum specimens by enzyme immunoassay with C100-3, NS3, and core antigens; 11 of the 87 (12.6%) tattooed and 3 of the 126 (2.4%) tattoo free subjects were positive for anti-HCV (odds ratio = 5.9, 95% CI = 1.6-22.0). A relationship was demonstrated by an increased risk for HCV infection with an increasing number of tattooed site (P(trend) = 0.002). All but one of the 87 tattooed subjects had been infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 25 were carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). None of the 25 HBsAg carriers was positive for anti-HCV whereas 11 of the 62 HBsAg non-carriers had anti-HCV, suggesting a negative association between the HBsAg carriage and the long lasting anti-HCV (P = 0.02, Fisher's exact). The status of the tattooer was also an important determinant for HCV infection; the risk was higher if tattooing was done by a non-professional friend than by a professional tattooist. Tattooing, probably with improperly sterilized needles, can clearly pose an increased risk for HCV infection in Taiwan. This study indicates the need for legal standards for hygienic tattooing as part of preventive measures for the control of parenterally transmitted infections.     

Hepatitis C virus antibody in hepatocellular carcinoma in Taiwan.

The prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) was investigated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and correlated with the clinical features. Anti-HCV was detected in 129 histology or aspiration cytology proven HCC patients and 54 healthy controls. Anti-HCV was examined by the HCV EIA (Abbott Laboratories). All healthy controls were anti-HCV-negative. Nineteen of 81 (23.5%) hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive HCC patients were positive for anti-HCV. Anti-HCV was found among 60.4% (29/48) of HCC patients without detectable HB-sAg. Forty-eight of 129 (37.2%) HCC patients were positive for anti-HCV. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of anti-HCV between patients with HBsAg (23.5%) and those without HBsAg (60.4%, P = 0.0001). However, irrespective of the status of HBsAg, there was no statistical difference in sex, age, routine liver function tests, alpha-fetoprotein concentration, or associated cirrhosis between patients with anti-HCV and those without. The results imply that hepatitis C virus may play a role in the pathogenesis of HCC.     

The interrelationship between HBV-markers and HIV antibodies in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

To determine the interrelationship between hepatitis B viral markers (HBV), the human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in HCC patients, a total of 282 subjects were included in the study. Out of 282 subjects, 182 were HCC patients as determined by raised alpha-feto-protein (AFP) of greater than 1,000 ng/ml. The other 100 control patients presented with other conditions and had detectable AFP of less than 1,000 ng/ml in their sera. On presentation, 10 ml of venous blood was drawn from each enrolled subject and taken to the laboratory. HBV markers were detected using commercial reagents; HIV antibodies were detected by the commercial ELISA tests and were confirmed by Western blot. AFP was detected using an RIA technique. Of 282 examined subjects 182 (64.5%) had detectable AFP of greater than 1,000 ng/ml. 113 (40.1%) and 103 (36.5%) had HBsAg and Anti-HBc respectively. However, HBeAg was found in 21 of 113 (18.6%) of the HBsAg positive only. Anti-HIV antibodies were present in 15 (5.3%) of the 282 tested individuals. Only 1 (1.0%) of the control group had detectable anti-HIV antibodies in the serum. Eleven percent and 4.0% of the same control group had HBsAg and anti-HBc in their sera respectively. The study shows a significant correlation between HCC and HBV-markers (P less than 0.0001). Similarly, a significant correlation between anti-HIV antibodies and HBV-markers, (P less than 0.0001) was found.     

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C serological markers among first-time blood donors in Brazil: a multi-center serosurvey

Little data are available on the seroprevalence of, and risk factors for hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) infection in Latin American countries. A multi-center serosurvey was conducted among 3,598 first-time blood donors (65% men) from Sao Paulo, Salvador and Manaus in Brazil. The gender-specific seroprevalences of antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in anti-HBc-positive sera were measured, and risk factors analyzed by gender. The gender-specific seroprevalences of antibodies against HCV (anti-HCV) were measured, but risk factors for HCV were not determined. Anti-HBc and HBsAg seroprevalences were not significantly different in men [101/2,341 (4.31%) and 4/2,229 (0.18%), respectively] and women [65/1,237 (5.25%) and 8/1,169 (0.68%), respectively], whereas the seroprevalence of anti-HCV was higher in women (12/1,238 [0.97%] vs. 9/2,353 [0.38%]; odds ratio [OR] = 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0-6.0). No significant difference for HBV infection was found across the three study sites or by ethnic group. The seroprevalence of anti-HBc increased with age, but decreased with education level in both genders. Lifetime number of sexual partners was associated with anti-HBc prevalence among men (OR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.2-3.1), but not women. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV was low among Brazilian blood donors, and exposure increased with age in both genders.     

病人血液暴露前传染病指标检测的临床意义

目的:了解病人血液暴露前的健康状况,探讨设置血液传染病指标相关项目常规检测的临床意义。 方法:采集病人及一般人群的血清运用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)及ALT速率法进行HBV标志物五项、抗- HCV、抗-HIV及ALT检测。结果:2614名手术前和预输血住院患者,血液传染病指标感染率为HBsAg15.2% (397/2614),抗HBc-IgG72.5%(1895/2614),抗-HCV3.91%(102/2614),抗-HIV0.08%(2/2614)ALT> 40U8.7%(227/2614)。与一般人群感染率相比均有显著性差异。结论:拟血液暴露的病人血液传染病感染 严重,把上述相关指标纳入常规检测项目,对院内感染的控制、医护人员加强自身防护及减少医疗纠纷均具有 重要的临床意义。     

Coxsackie B virus infections in women with miscarriage

Serum samples from 1,765 consecutive Sardinian blood donors, negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (anti-HIV), were evaluated for the presence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) by second-generation ELISA. Anti-HCV was detected in 25 (1.45%) of the 1,765 donors examined. Anti-HCV was found in 15 of the 1,690 (0.9%) donors with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and in 10 of the 75 (13%) donors with elevated ALT (P < 0.0001). Of the 15 anti-HCV-positive donors with normal ALT, only five (33%) were confirmed to be positive by second-generation RIBA, six (40%) were indeterminate, while four (27%) were RIBA negative. HCV RNA, as detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a set of primers from the 5′-noncoding region, was found in six of the 15 (40%) donors with normal ALT, including five RIBA, positive and one indeterminant. Of the 10 anti-HCV-positive donors with elevated ALT, all were RIBA positive and eight (80%) had detectable HCV RNA. Thus, among ELISA-reactive donors, those with elevated ALT had a significantly higher probability of being positive for secondgeneration RIBA and HCV RNA compared to those with normal ALT levels (P = 0.028). None of the 65 donors with elevated ALT but negative for anti-HCV by ELISA had detectable serum HCV RNA, as compared to eight of 10 anti-HCV ELISApositive donors (P < 0.0001). However, although negative for HBsAg, 12 of the 65 (18%) had serum HBV DNA by PCR. This study demonstrates that the combined use of second-generation ELISA and RIBA anti-HCV assays is highly effective in identifying HCV infection, whereas the specificity of ELISA alone for the screening of blood donors with normal ALT values appears to be limited. In contrast, in donors with elevated ALT levels, there is a positive correlation between second-generation assays (ELISA and RIBA) and HCV viremia. The high proportion of inapparent HBV infection in blood donors with elevated ALT levels underlines the importance of this test for the prevention of transfusion-associated viral hepatitis.     

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C among institutionalized psychiatric patients in Taiwan

To investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) in a psychiatric institution in Taiwan, where hepatitis B virus (HBV) is hyperendemic, a total of 780 patients with psychiatric disorders were studied. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used for testing HBsAg and anti-HCV. The prevalence of HBsAg was higher than that of anti-HCV among these patients (18.1% vs. 6.8%, P < 0.0001). The HBsAg carrier rate in these patients was consistent with that of the general population, with a trend for HBsAg carrier rate to be lower in the aged and in females. In contrast, the prevalence of anti-HCV was higher in these patients than in general population. Anti-HCV positivity was found more frequently in patients who had received blood transfusion previously (24% vs. 6.4%, P < 0.05). The majority (92%) of patients with positive anti-HCV did not have a history of apparent parenteral exposure. The prevalence of anti-HCV increased significantly with duration of the psychiatric disorder. The prevalence of anti-HCV also tended to increase with duration of hospitalization but without reaching statistical significance. These findings suggest that these institutionalized psychiatric patients contract hepatitis B, as does the general population in Taiwan, and they should be considered as a specific risk group for hepatitis C infection. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Pretreatment of chronic active hepatitis C in patients coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C virus reduces the hepatotoxicity associated with subsequent antiretroviral therapy

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an independent risk factor for antiretroviral-related hepatotoxicity, but little is known about the frequency of severe liver toxicity in patients with HIV-HCV coinfection first treated for HCV (pretreated). The aim of this prospective study of 105 patients was to compare the incidence of progression to severe antiretroviral-related liver toxicity in 66 patients pretreated (36 with interferon-alpha [IFNalpha], 30 with IFNalpha plus ribavirin), and 39 patients not pretreated. The subjects could choose whether to receive anti-HCV therapy. Severe liver toxicity was defined as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level > or =5-times the upper limit of normal in patients with normal baseline levels and > or =3.5-times in those with increased baseline levels. The authors also estimated the hepatotoxicity-related risk of discontinuing antiretroviral therapy. During antiretroviral therapy, 10 subjects (9.5%) experienced severe hepatotoxicity: 4 of 66 pretreated patients and 6 of 39 untreated patients (24-month survival: 94% +/- 2.9% vs. 85% +/- 5.8%). After adjusting for baseline CD4 cell counts, ALT levels, histologic scores, HCV and HIV viremia, HCV genotype (genotype 1 in 29% of pretreated patients and 20% of patients not pretreated), and previous anti-HCV therapy, the risk of discontinuing anti-HIV treatment was significantly higher in the anti-HCV untreated patients (RR = 10.4; 95% CI: 1.6-66; p =.0127) and in those with increased baseline ALT levels (RR = 1.014; 95% CI: 1.006-1.021; p =.0005). The authors' data suggest that previous treatment of chronic active HCV is an independent factor associated with a decrease of severe liver toxicity as the result of a subsequent antiretroviral regimen. The authors also confirm that the baseline level of ALT is an important prognostic factor for increased liver damage during antiretroviral therapy.     

Hepatitis C virus infection as a risk factor for non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis in taiwan

To assess whether hepatitis C virus infection was a risk factor for the development of non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis, antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV; detected by a second generation HCV enzyme immunoassay), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg; detected by radioimmunoassay) were tested in 150 cirrhotics and 150 sex-matched and age-matched healthy controls. The prevalence of anti-HCV and HBsAg in cirrhotics was higher than in controls (22.0%, 73.3% vs. 2%, 18.7%; P = 0.001). The prevalence of anti-HCV in HBsAgnegative cirrhotics (45.0%) was higher than that in HBsAg-positive patients (13.6%; P =0.001). Both the anti-HCV and carriage of HBsAg were associated significantly with liver cirrhosis, showing odds ratio of 12.0 for HBsAg carriers and 13.8 for patients with anti-HCV. Compared with those without HBsAg and anti-HCV, there was a significantly positive linear trend for developing cirrhosis with the presence of HBsAg alone (odds ratio = 19.9), anti-HCV alone (odds ratio = 49.0), and those positive for HBsAg and anti-HCV (odds ratio = 81.8) (P = 0.00001). The population-attributable risk for developing liver cirrhosis was estimated as 10.8% for anti-HCV alone, 55.2% for HBsAg alone, and 9.4% for both anti-HCV and HBsAg in southern Taiwan. In conclusion, this study shows that hepatitis B and C virus infection act independently and synergistically in the development of non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis among Chinese in Taiwan.     

An epidemiological study of hepatitis C virus infection in a local district in Japan

Mass screening of anti-HCV in Iyo city, Japan was performed. Sera from 136 subjects were tested for anti-HCV by ELISA (Ortho Diagnostic Inc.). Anti-HCV was positive in 13 subjects (9.6%). The familial study for anti-HCV revealed 2 persons positive for anti-HCV in 2 families each, while only 1 person was positive in each of the 8 other families. Two females were positive for both anti-HCV and HBsAg, and all of their 3 children were negative for anti-HCV and positive for HBsAg. Positive rate of anti-HCV was higher in subjects who had a history of blood transfusion or "Chinese acupuncture" than that in those who did not. These results indicate that not only blood transfusion but also "Chinese acupuncture" and intrafamilial transmission are possible routes of HCV infection. The rate of vertical transmission of HCV is definitely lower than that of HBV.