Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C markers in adolescents in Southern Brazil

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers among adolescents aged between 10 and 16 years old, who are elementary school students in the city of Chapecó, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The study involved a cross-sectional survey that included 418 volunteers, from March to July, 2008. Serology comprised HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HCV. Tests were performed using automated Microparticle Enzyme Immunosorbant Assay (Abbott, AxSYM System, Wiesbaden, Germany). The prevalence of HBsAg was found to be 0.2% (95%CI: 0.0-1.3), and the prevalence of anti-HBc was found to be 1.4% (95%CI: 0.5-3.1). Regarding anti-HBs, 48.6% had titers greater than 10UI/L. None of the volunteers presented reactive results for anti-HCV. This study showed a low prevalence of HBV and HCV markers of infection and a great number of volunteers immunized against HBV. Finally this study shows the importance of proper health campaigns and policies in reducing those prevalences.     

Prevalence of hepatitis A, B and C in the Flemish population

Viral hepatitis is a serious health problem throughout the world. No recent prevalence data on hepatitis A, B and C were available for the population in Flanders, Belgium. For this reason, a sero-epidemiological study was undertaken in 1993–1994 in a sample of the general population. The purpose of this study was to obtain a clear picture of the prevalence of hepatitis A, B and C. Between April 1993 and February 1994, 4,058 blood samples were drawn and collected in 10 hospitals in Flanders. The study group was representative for the Flemish population. For hepatitis A a seroprevalence of 55.1% was found. In the non-Belgian residents the HAV prevalence was significantly higher than in Belgians (62% versus 52%; ² = 8.05; p = 0.005). For hepatitis B, 9.9% of the study group showed serological evidence of hepatitis B markers: 6.9% of the participants was positive for anti-HBs/anti-HBc, 0.7% appeared to be HBsAg positive and 3.5% was solely anti-HBs positive. The prevalence of HBV markers in Belgians was 6.9%, significantly lower compared to the 13.4% among non-Belgians (² = 14.05; p = 0.00018). 4055 serum samples were analysed for hepatitis C serology by second generation anti-HCV tests. Anti-HCV was detected in 0.87% of the serum samples. No statistically significant difference was found in HCV prevalence between Belgians and non-Belgians. Results of this study should help policy makers in their decisions on the most appropriate hepatitis A and B vaccination strategy and on the most effective prevention strategy for hepatitis C.     

Hepatitis B testing,care linkage,and vaccination coverage within a registry of hepatitis C infected patients

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection testing among persons with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is necessary to appropriately care for these patients, yet uptake of HBV testing and vaccination in this population is suboptimal.

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)     

Search for hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection in hepatitis C patients in north-eastern Poland. Comparison with anti-HDV prevalence in chronic hepatitis B

Hepatitis C virus and hepatitis D virus have been shown to suppress HBsAg synthesis. Thus it is possible that HDV infection occurs despite the lack of detectable HBsAg. The aim of our study was to (a) determine the prevalence of HDV infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C (b) compare it with the prevalence of HDV infection in HBsAg positive patients with hepatitis B. The study group consisted of 51 chronic hepatitis C patients, 30 HIV infected drug addicts (27 of them were also positive for anti-HCV) and 102 hepatitis B patients. The participants were tested for anti-HDV, anti-HCV and HBsAg. All anti-HCV positive patients were negative for anti-HDV. Four individuals with anti-HDV belonged to hepatitis B group and constituted 3.9% of all HBsAg positive subjects. We conclude that (a) there is currently no evidence of HDV infection among HCV infected patients in our region (b) hepatitis delta infection is rare in north-eastern Poland.     

乙型肝炎疫苗长期免疫对人群乙型肝炎病毒流行状况的影响

目的探讨乙型肝炎（乙肝）疫苗长期免疫接种后整体人群乙肝病毒（HBV）感染状况及其变化趋势。方法采用整群抽样结合横断面调查方法，共收集资料完整的调查对象4686名，采集静脉血并分离血清，用固相放射免疫法检测HBV感染标志。结果整体人群平均HBsAg阳性率为7．5％，抗-HBs为44．5％，抗-HBc为47．8％；0～19岁人群HBsAg和抗-HBc阳性率较≥20岁人群显著下降。乙肝疫苗免疫组的HBsAg阳性率为2．8％，抗-HBc阳性率为12．0％，HBV感染率为12．5％，未免疫组分别为10．2％、69．8％和71．2％。男性平均HBsAg阳性率比女性高，抗-HBc和抗-HBs阳性率男女性别间无差异。0～19岁人群的HBsAg阳性率为2．4％，而20～30岁人群阳性率达到13．6％～17．7％，到60岁开始下降；0～19岁人群的抗-HBs阳性率随年龄增长而明显下降，≥20岁人群的抗-HBs、抗-HBc阳性率均随着年龄增长而呈升高趋势。结论长期开展新生儿乙肝疫苗免疫使人群HBV流行状况发生变化，感染高峰年龄段后移。     

珠海市健康体检人群乙型肝炎病毒感染分析

目的了解珠海市健康人群乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）感染情况。方法用酶联免疫吸附实验（ELISA）检测体检者乙型肝炎病毒标志物（乙肝两对半）。结果6351例体检者中，乙型肝炎病毒两对半全部阴性的有2553例（40．19％）；单项抗-HBs阳性有2933例（46．18％）；抗-HBs和抗-HBc阳性有197例（3．10％）；抗-HBs、抗-HBe和抗-HBc阳性有136例（2．14％）；HBsAg、抗-HBe、抗-HBc阳性有323例（5．09％）；HBsAg、HBcAg、抗-HBc阳性有79例（1．24％）；其他130例（2．05％）。结论40．19％的受检人群未受HBV感染，且无保护性抗体；另有8．37％的受检人群呈阳性模式，需采取相应措施控制乙肝病情的发展。     

长期免疫乙型肝炎疫苗对人群感染乙型肝炎病毒的效果评价

目的探讨乙型肝炎(乙肝)疫苗长期免疫接种后整体人群乙肝病毒(HBV)感染状况及其变化趋势。方法采用整群抽样结合横断面调查方法,共收集资料完整的调查对象4686名,采集静脉血并分离血清,用固相放射免疫法检测HBV感染标志。结果整体人群平均HBsAg阳性率为7.5%,抗-HBs为44.5%,抗-HBc为47.8%;0～19岁人群HBsAg和抗-HBc阳性率较≥20岁人群显著下降。乙肝疫苗免疫组的HBsAg阳性率为2.8%,抗-HBc阳性率为12.0%,HBV感染率为12.5%,未免疫组分别为10.2%、69.8%和71.2%。男性平均HBsAg阳性率比女性高,抗-HBc和抗-HBs阳性率男女性别间无差异。0～19岁人群的HBsAg阳性率为2.4%,而20～30岁人群阳性率达到13.6%～17.7%,到60岁开始下降;0～19岁人群的抗-HBs阳性率随年龄增长而明显下降,≥20岁人群的抗-HBs、抗-HBc阳性率均随着年龄增长而呈升高趋势。结论长期开展新生儿乙肝疫苗免疫使人群HBV流行状况发生变化,感染高峰年龄段后移。     

Prevalence of hepatitis virus infections in Albanian refugees

A sample of 393 Albanian refugees, including both children and adults, was tested for serological HAV, HBV, HDV and HCV markers. A high prevalence of infection with both the hepatitis A and B viruses was found, while HDV and HCV infections were uncommon. The overall prevalence of anti-HAV was 96%; it was very high in children 0-10 years, suggesting that HAV infection is largely acquired during childhood and that poor ambiental conditions influence the spreading of this viral infection.One or more serological markers of HBV infection were found in 295 Albanians (75%), confirming the endemic nature of this virus in the Albanian community. The overall prevalence of HBsAg was 19%, and the carrier rate was higher in males than in females. The high HBsAg prevalence among children suggests that HBV infection is usually acquired in early childhood.The serological data obtained in the Albanian sample examined clearly indicate the urgent need for measures to reduce the incidence of HAV and HBV infections and to avoid the further spread of HDV and HCV infections.Finally, the high prevalence of type B hepatitis indicates the necessity of vaccination against HBV for all risk groups and for all children at birth.     

深圳市居民乙型肝炎病毒感染危险因素分析

目的 了解广东省深圳市居民乙肝病毒(HBV)感染现状,分析HBV感染的相关危险因素.方法 于2010年在深圳市采用多阶段系统随机抽样方法抽取10个社区、1000户家庭,进行入户个案调查乙肝感染相关危险因素,并采集血样.用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测乙肝血清标志物:乙肝表面抗原(HBsAg)、乙肝表面抗体(抗-HBs)和乙肝核心抗体(抗-HBc).结果 HBsAg、抗-HBs、抗-HBc阳性率和HBV感染率分别为6.68％ (252/3771)、71.92％(2 712/3771)、37.39％(1564/3771)和45.98％(1734/3771);≤15岁人群乙肝疫苗接种率为93.62％(1 752/1 872),＞15岁人群接种率为79.48％(1 509/1899),差异有统计学意义(x2=160.89,P ＜0.01);接种乙肝疫苗者与未接种者的HBV感染率分别为32.45％(1508/3261)和87.24％ (445/510),差异有统计学意义(x2 =552.72,P＜0.01);HBsAg阳性率与HBV感染率均随年龄上升有增加的趋势;多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,家中有乙肝患者、内窥镜史、手术史及有偿献血史是深圳市居民乙肝感染的危险因素.结论 深圳市乙肝感染情况低于全国平均水平;乙肝感染具有家庭聚集性;医疗卫生因素对乙肝感染的影响较大.     

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.     

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.     

Incidence of hepatitis B virus infection among an Italian military population: Evidence of low infection spread

In 1990, a prospective serological survey to estimate the rate of clinical and inapparent infection with hepatitis B virus was performed in a cohort of 1324 soldiers, 18–24 years old, during an eight month period in Italy. At the time of enrollment the prevalence of hepatitis B markers was 4.6% (0.7% subjects positive for hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], 3.0% positive for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen [anti-HBs], and 0.9% positive for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen [anti-HBc] alone. Among the 1263 susceptible subjects who were followed-up, only 2 (0.24/100 person-years of exposure) had seroconversion for HBV markers, none of which was associated with clinical illness. Among the 9 subjects HBsAg-positive at the time of enrollment, 1 (11.2%) had lost HBsAg at the end of follow-up. These data show a low spread of HBV infection among Italian young generations.     

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.     

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.     

无锡市城区20岁以上人群乙型肝炎病毒感染及免疫状况调查

目的 对江苏省无锡市城区20岁以上自然人群HBV感染与乙型肝炎(乙肝)疫苗接种关系进行研究.方法 按知情、自愿、随机的原则抽取无锡市20岁以上的自然人群3744名进行乙肝血清流行率和乙肝疫苗接种调查,采用ELISA和放射免疫分析法测定乙肝五项指标(HBsAg、抗-HBS、HBeAg、抗-HBe和抗-HBc).结果 3744名调查对象总HBV感染率经标化后为51.7%,HBsAg、抗-HBs、HBeAg、抗-HBe、抗-HBc阳性率经标化后分别为4.5%、48.5%、0.3%、3.5%、51.4%.30岁以下人群HBsAg阳性率最低,分别为2.9%和2.6%.抗-HBc阳性率男性显著高于女性(P<0.05),且随着年龄的增加而逐步升高(趋势χ2=256.2,P<0.001).该人群乙肝疫苗标化接种率为17.6%,随着年龄的增加接种率迅速下降(P<0.05).接种疫苗人群的HBsAg阳性率和HBV感染率明显低于未接种疫苗人群、抗-HBs阳性率则高于未接种人群(P值均<0.05).结论 成年人接种乙肝疫苗可以影响整个人群的HBV感染模式,在加强新生儿乙肝疫苗计划免疫同时,应进一步加强对成年人的乙肝疫苗免疫策略.     

老年人中的无症状乙型肝炎病毒感染

对2 233名居民进行乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)感染的血清流行病学调查,重点分析其中60~96岁的440个例。老年期HBsAg检出率渐低(5%);HBeAg几乎均转换为抗-HBe;抗-HBs和抗-HBc仍保持很高水平。一年随访无新发生的HBsAg(+)个例;在初检HBV标志物全(-)的65例中,11%出现HBV抗体;原仅有单一抗体的79例中,6%产生了另一抗体。因而,老年人似多处于HBV的低感染和动态的高免疫状态。     

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.     

2372例慢性无症状HBV携带者血清HBVM模式的转变规律分析

目的 研究乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）感染血清标记物（HBVM）模式的转变规律。方法 对2372例无症状HBV携带进行了2－11年（平均4．14年）血清HBVM模式的随访，随访期内不用任何抗病毒药。结果 最初HBVM模式为HBsAg、HBeAg、抗－HBc均阳性（简称“大三阳”）和HBsAg、抗－HBe、抗－HBc均阳性（简称“小三阳”），随访终点时分别有62．1％和67．4％保持原模式不变；而最初模式为“大二阳”（HBsAg、HBeAg均阳性）、“小二阳”（HBsAg、抗－HBc均阳性）、“单抗－HBc阳性”（单项抗－HBc阳性，其余4项均阴性）、“单HBsAg阳性”（HBsAg阳性，其余4项均阴性），随访终点时保持原模式不变的比率较低（分别为39．3％、32．4％、8．7％、5．6％）。小三阳或小二阳随访期间仍可出现病毒复制（HBsAg阳转）。HBsAg、HBeAg平均每年阴转率分别为1．16％、7．1％，抗－HBs、抗－HBe平均每年阳转率分别为0．63％、4．8％；HBeAg阴转率明显高于HBsAg阴转率（P＜0．01）；抗－HBe阳转率明显高于抗－HBs转阳率（P＜0．01）。在随访期出现ALT升高468例（19．7％），其中160例（6．7％）表现为急性肝炎发作。结论 慢性无症状HBV携带长期随访中不同的血清HBVM模式可相互转换，并可出现肝炎活动。HBsAg自然阴转率和抗－HBs的自然阳转率均较低。