江门市120例静脉吸毒者HBV、HCV和HGV感染状况

目的 了解静脉毒瘾者乙型肝炎病毒(HBV),丙型肝炎病毒(HCV)及庚型肝炎病毒的感染状况。方法 对广东省江门市120例静脉毒瘾者血浆的HBV、HCV和HGV的标记物进行了检测,采用ELISA法检测HBsAg,HBeAg,抗-HBc,抗-HBe,抗-HBs,抗-HCV;逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测HGV RNA。结果 120例静脉毒瘾者中HBsAg阳性有13例(10.83％),抗-HBs阳性41例(34.71％),单项抗-HBc阳性7例(5.83％),抗-HCV阳性89例(74.17％),HGV RNA阳性28例(23.33％)。13例HBsAg阳性中9例抗-HCV阳性,3例HGV RNA阳性;7例单项抗-HBc阳性中5例抗-HCV阳性,2例HGV RNA阳性;28例HGV RNA阳性中20例抗-HCV阳性;2例HBsAg、抗-HCV、HGV RNA同时阳性。结论 静脉毒瘾者是HCV和HGV的高危感染人群;HBV,HCV和HGV三种病毒的感染之间在静脉毒瘾者中无相关性。     

Dried blood spots,valid screening for viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus in real-life

AIMTo detect chronic hepatitis B (CHB), chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in dried blood spot (DBS) and compare these samples to venous blood sampling in real-life.METHODSWe included prospective patients with known viral infections from drug treatment centers, a prison and outpatient clinics and included blood donors as negative controls. Five drops of finger capillary blood were spotted on filter paper, and a venous blood sample was obtained. The samples were analyzed for HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV levels as well as subjected to a combined nucleic acid test (NAT) for HBV DNA, HCV RNA and HIV RNA.RESULTSSamples from 404 subjects were screened (85 CHB, 116 CHC, 114 HIV and 99 blood donors). DBS had a sensitivity of > 96% and a specificity of > 98% for the detection of all three infections. NAT testing did not improve sensitivity, but correctly classified 95% of the anti-HCV-positive patients with chronic and past infections. Anti-HBc and anti-HBS showed low sensitivity in DBS (68% and 42%).CONCLUSIONDBS sampling, combined with an automated analysis system, is a feasible screening method to diagnose chronic viral hepatitis and HIV infections outside of the health care system.     

经血液(非静脉吸毒者)和性途径传播的HIV感染者合并HBV和HCV感染的现状

目的 探讨我国经血液(非静脉吸毒者)和性途径传播的HIV感染者合并乙型肝炎和丙型肝炎的状况.方法 回顾性分析2005年1至9月在全国13个研究中心就诊的362例HIV/AIDS患者(静脉吸毒者除外),应用酶联免疫试剂盒分别测定其HBsAg、抗-HBs,HBeAg、抗-Hbe、抗-HBc和抗-HCV.采用t检验和X2检验分别对计量和计数结果进行统计学分析.结果 315例检测血HBV和HCV的患者中,HBsAg阳性14例,占4.4%;抗-HCV阳性158例,占50.2%,抗-HCV阴性157例,占49.8%;HIV、HBV、HCV共感染2例,占0.6%.抗-HCV阳性组中经血液和性传播的比例分别占92%和4%,以血液传播为主;抗-HCV阴性组中经血液和性传播的比例分别占11%和66%,以性传播为主.抗-HCV阳性组的HIV确诊时间、CD4+T淋巴细胞绝对计数、ALT和AST均高于抗-HCV阴性组.两组患者的HBV标志物表达也存在差异,其中抗-HCV阳性组中HBsAg阳性2例,占1.3%,抗-HCV阴性组中HBsAg阳性12例,占7.6%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(X2=7.542,P<0.01).10例HBsAg阳性者进行HBV DNA检测,其中4例阳性,抗-HCV均为阴性.57例抗-HCV阳性患者进行HCV RNA检测,阳性者占63.2%.结论 我国输血和性传播途径的HIV感染合并HBV或HCV感染,以合并HCV感染为主,并多见于经输血感染者.合并HCV感染可加重HIV患者的肝脏损伤,同时也可能存在干扰HBV复制的情况.     

Significant increase in HBV, HCV, HIV and syphilis infections among blood donors in West Bengal, Eastern India 2004-2005： Exploratory screening reveals high frequency of occult HBV infection

AIM： To evaluate the prevalence of markers of hepatitis B virus （HBV） and hepatitis C virus （HCV） and human immunodeficiency virus （HIV） among blood donors in Kolkata, Eastern India for two consecutive years and to conduct a pilot study to explore the presence of HBV DNA among hepatitis B surface antigen （HBsAg） negative but anti-HBc positive blood donors.
METHODS： Seroprevalence of HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV was studied among 113051 and 106695 voluntary blood donors screened in 2004 and 2005, respectively. Moreover, a pilot study on 1027 HBsAg negative donors was carried out for evaluating the presence of HBV DNA by PCR on HBsAg negative/anti- HBc positive donors.
RESULTS： A statistically significant increase in the prevalence of HBV （1448 vs 1768, P 〈 0.001）, HIV （262 vs 374, P 〈 0.001）, HCV （314 vs 372, P = 0.003） and syphilis （772 vs 853, P = 0.001） infections was noted among blood donors of Kolkata West Bengal in 2005 as compared to 2004. Moreover, the exploratory study on 1027 HBsAg negative donors revealed that 188 （18.3%）of them were anti-HBc positive out of which 21% were positive for HBV DNA.
CONCLUSION： The findings of this study underscore the significantly increasing endemicity of hepatitis viruses, syphilis and HIV among the voluntary blood donors of our community. The pilot study indicates a high rate of prevalence of HBV DNA among HBsAg negative/anti-HBc positive donors and thus emphasizes the need for a more sensitive and stringent screening algorithm for blood donations.     

Prevalence,risk factors and genotypes of hepatitis B infection among HIV-infected patients in the State of MS,Central Brazil

ObjectivesA cross-sectional study on prevalence of HBV and HDV infection, risk factors and genotype distribution of HBV infection was conducted among 848 HIV-infected patients in Mato Grosso do Sul, Central Brazil.MethodsSerum samples of 848 participants were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) and hepatitis surface antibody (anti-HBs). HBsAg positive samples were tested for anti-HBc IgM, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HCV, and total anti-HDV. HBsAg and anti-HBc positive were subjected to DNA extraction. Viral DNA was amplified by semi-nested PCR for the regions pre-S/S and then purified and genotyped/subgenotyped by direct sequencing. Student's t-test, chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare variables and to evaluate association between HBV positivity (defined as anti-HBc and/or HBsAg positivity) and risk factors.ResultsAmong the 848 HIV infected patients investigated 222 had serological markers of HBV infection. The prevalence rate of HIV-HBV coinfection was 2.5% (21/848; 95% CI: 1.4–3.5%); 484 (57.1%) patients were susceptible for HBV infection. There were no cases of anti-HDV positive and only one (0.1%) anti-HCV-positive case among the HIV-HBV coinfected patients. Male gender, increasing age, family history of hepatitis, use of illicit drug, and homosexual activity were independent factors associated with HBV exposure. The phylogenetic analysis based on the S gene region revealed the presence of genotypes D (76.9%), F (15.4%) and A (7.7%) in the study sample.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the low prevalence of HIV-HBV infection and also highlights the need for early vaccination against HBV as well as testing for HBV, HCV and HDV in all HIV-infected individuals.     

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in the Philippines: A preliminary study and comparison with hepatitis B virus infection among blood donors, medical personnel, and patient groups in Davao, Philippines

To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus in the Philippines and compare it with the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection, HBV and HCV markers in 594 serum samples collected from 392 blood donors, 123 medical and paramedical personnel, and 80 patients (45 liver diseases: 25 acute hepatitis, 9 liver cirrhosis, and 11 hepatocellular carcinoma; 28 hepatitis B carriers, and 7 chronic renal failure patients undergoing dialysis) in Davao, Mindanao Island, Philippines, were examined. HBsAg was determined by RPHA, anti-HBc by HI, anti-HBs by PHA, and HBsAg subtypes, HBeAg, and anti-HBe by EIA. HCV markers determined were anti-HCV (anti-C100-3) by ELISA (Ortho Diagnostic Systems), and anti-HCV core (anti-CP9 and/ or anti-CPIO) also by ELISA. Results showed that 9 (2.2%) blood donors were anti HCV positive; 69 (15.4%) were anti-HCV core positive Nine (2.2%) were HBsAg carriers; 240 (61.3%) were anti-HBs and/or anti-HBc positive (HBsAg carriers excluded from this group). Two of 123 medical and paramedical staff (1.6% ) were anti-HCV positive; 11 (8.1%) were anti-HCV core positive; Eight (6.5%) were HBsAg carriers and 81 (65.8%) anti-HBs and/or anti-HBc positive. Five of 11 (45.4%) hepatocellular carcinoma patients were HBsAg carriers; 2 were anti-HCV core positive. Two of 9 liver cirrhosis patients were antiHCV positive (1 to anti-HCV and the other to anti-HCV core). If anti-HCV positivity means carrier state, then the HCV carrier rate of blood donors in Davao, Philippines is the same as the HBV carrier rate and prospective blood donors should be screened not only for HBV but also for HCV to prevent transfusion-associated hepatitis. Less than 50% of liver cirrhosis and hepatoHCV carcinoma cases have HBV markers and HCV markers but, when present, these markers appear at almost the same frequency; the role of HCV and HBV in the pathogenesis of these 2 diseases in Mindanao should be further investigated.     

Prevalence and natural history of hepatitis B and C infections in a large population of IBD patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents

BackgroundThe prevalence rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been reported to be higher than rates of infection among the general population. Although several cases of HBV infection reactivation in IBD patients treated with anti-TNF-α agents have been described, no evidence exists that anti-TNF-α therapy exacerbates the course of HCV. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of HBV and HCV and the rate of HBV vaccination in a population of IBD patients; and to investigate the long-term effects of anti-TNF-α therapy in the subgroup with HBV or HCV infections.Methods301 patients were studied. Prior to the initiation of anti-TNF-α therapy, serum samples were tested for HBsAg and anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HCV antibodies. During the follow-up, HBsAg and anti-HBc positive patients underwent periodic blood testing for viral markers, HBV-DNA and liver function; anti-HCV positive patients were assessed for liver function and HCV-RNA.ResultsOne patient was HBsAg positive (0.3%), and 22 (7.3%) tested positive for anti-HBc. Seventy-two patients (23.9%) had been vaccinated for HBV. Four patients tested positive for anti-HCV (1.3%). During anti-TNF-α therapy, none of the patients experienced HBV or HCV reactivation.ConclusionsHBV and HCV infection rates were similar to infection rates among the general population. Less than one quarter of the patients had been vaccinated against HBV. Anti-TNF-α agents appear to be safe for patients with HBV infection; more data are needed for patients with HCV infection.     

Changing epidemiology of HCV and HBV infections in Northern Italy: a survey in the general population

AIM: To evaluate the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology in the general population of Northern Italy, a cohort of 965 subjects, all residents (including 47 immigrants), were anonymously tested for HBV and HCV infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum samples were assayed for anti-HCV and anti-HBV markers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and for HCV-RNA by polymerase chain reaction, and the positive cases were genotyped. HBsAg-positive cases were assayed for HBeAg/anti-HBe, whereas HBsAg negatives were tested for both anti-HBc and anti-HBs. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of anti-HCV was 2.6%, with a bimodal distribution characterized by the highest prevalence (12%) in subjects over 75 years old. None of the subjects under 25 years old was anti-HCV positive. Anti-HCV positivity was similar in males and females (2.4% vs. 2.7%). HCV-RNA was positive in 40% of cases and genotype 1 was the most common. The HBsAg prevalence was 1%, with a significant difference according to country of origin (0.8% in Italian subjects vs. 6.4% in immigrants, P=0.01). HBsAg positivity increased significantly with age (R2=0.57, P<0.02). The overall percentages for the prevalence of isolated anti-HBs, anti-HBs+/anti-HBc+, and isolated anti-HBc were 23.8%, 8.4%, and 4.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides a new picture of HCV and HBV epidemiology in Northern Italy, with these features: (1) a cohort effect showing a reduction of HCV infection in the elderly, possible due to age-related mortality; (2) an unchanged overall prevalence of HBV infection, despite continuing immigration of subjects from endemic countries.     

Ambulatorial prevalence of hepatitis B and C markers in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection in a general hospital

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B and C viruses and human immunodeficiency virus share the same route of transmission, and the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in patients infected with HIV is greater than it is in the general population. AIM: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C markers in a population of patients with HIV as well as the risk factors involved. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 5,870 registration forms of patients with HIV of an Infectology Unit, 587 were randomly selected. From these, the 343 which had investigated the presence of any hepatitis B (HBsAg, anti-HBc or anti-HBs) or C (anti-HCV) marker were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: HBsAg was positive in 14/306 (4.6%), anti-HBs was positive in 40/154(26.0%), and anti-HBc in 79/205 (38.5%). The anti-HCV test was reactive in 126/330 (38.2%). HBV and HCV co-infection was observed in 7 of the 296 patients who had both HBsAg and anti-HCV tests (2.4%). For those who were HBsAg positive, the main exposure factor was homosexual intercourse (50.0%). For those who were anti-HCV reactive, the main risk factor was intravenous drug use (75.3%). In the HIV mono-infected (185 patients), the most prevalent exposure risk factor was promiscuous heterosexual practices or sexual intercourse with a spouse infected with HIV (83 patients - 44.9%). CONCLUSION: In our environment HBV-HIV and HCV-HIV co-infections are frequent, a greater relevance being observed in the association between HCV and HIV.     

Seroprevalence and genotyping of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV among healthy population and Turkish soldiers in Northern Cyprus

INTRODUCTION Worldwide, two billion people have been infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), 360 million have chronic infec- tion, and 600 000 die each year from HBV-related liver dis- ease or hepatocellular carcinoma[1]. Meanwhile, hepatitis C virus (HCV)…     

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C in the sera of patients with HIV infection in São Paulo, Brazil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses in a group of HIV infected patients, followed at a single institution since 1996. 1,693 HIV positive patients (1,162 male, 531 female) were tested for HBV infection. Virological markers for HBV included HBsAg and total anti-HBc by ELISA. 1,457 patients (1,009 male, 448 female) were tested for HCV infection. Detection of HCV antibodies was carried out by ELISA. A sample of HCV antibody positive patients was tested for HCV by PCR to confirm infection. Of 1,693 patients tested for HBV, 654 (38.6%) and 96 (5.7%) were anti-HBc and HBsAg positive, respectively. Of 1, 457 patients tested for HCV, 258 (17.7%) were anti-HCV positive. 82 of these patients were also tested by PCR and 81 were positive (98%). Of 1,411 patients tested for HBV and HCV 26 (1.8%) were positive for both viruses.     

丙型肝炎病毒与甲乙型肝炎病毒重叠感染的研究

对485例病毒性肝炎患者进行了抗HCV、抗HAV-IgM、HBV-M检测.各型病毒性肝炎患者中抗HCV阳性率15.05％,慢性肝炎、肝硬变和重型肝炎阳性率高于急性肝炎;抗HCV阳性者中,27.40％有输血或血浆史;57.53％HBV-M阳性,其中HBsAg阳性占54.76％,抗HBc阳性达88.10％;既往有HBV感染者占33.33％.HBV与HCV重叠感染中慢性肝炎占58.06％,IAV与HCV重叠感染以急性肝炎多见(94.44％),HCV与甲乙型肝炎病毒三重感染可加速肝炎重症化的进程。     

Cribado de infección por virus de la hepatitis B y C en pacientes hospitalizados con infección por SARS-CoV-2

AimsTo evaluate the results of a hepatitis B and C screening program in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.MethodTransversal prospective study conducted in two Spanish hospitals. Patients admitted from March 1 st to December 31st 2020 with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were tested for markers of hepatitis B (HBsAg, anti-HBc) and C (anti-HCV, HCV RNA) infection.ResultsIn this period, 4662 patients with COVID-19 were admitted to our centers: 56.3% were male, median age was 76 (0–104) years. Data regarding HBV infection was available in 2915 (62.5%) patients; 253 (8.75%) were anti-HBc+ and 11 (0.38%) HBsAg+. From these, 4 patients did not have a previous diagnosis of hepatitis B, 7 received corticosteroids and one received prophylaxis. There was one HBV reactivation. Anti-HCV was available in 2895 (62%) patients; 24 (0.83%) were positive. From these, 13 patients had a previous hepatitis C diagnosis: 10 patients had been treated with SVR, one achieved spontaneous cure and 2 did not receive treatment. From the 11 previously unknown anti-VHC + patients, 10 had a negative HCV RNA. Overall, only 3 (0.10%) patients tested RNA HCV+. However, none received HCV treatment (2 older than 90 years with comorbidities, 1 died from COVID-19).ConclusionScreening of hepatitis C infection in hospitalized COVID-19 patients seems less useful than expected. The low prevalence of active infection after antiviral treatments and the high age of our population limit the detection of potential candidates for treatment. HBV screening should be aimed to prevent reactivation under immunosuppressive treatments.     

Occult hepatitis C virus infection is more common than hepatitis B infection in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Patients of end stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis were enrolled to study the prevalence of occult and dual hepatitis B virus （HBV） and hepatitis C virus （HCV） infection and non-occult hepatitis B and C virus infection. One hundred and two patients were enrolled. Thirty patients had HCV infection, three of them were positive in anti-HCV. So, 27 （90%） of HCV-positive patients had occult HCV infection. Eleven （11%） patients had HBV infection. Five patients were positive in anti-HBc or HBV-DNA, but negative in HBsAg （occult HBV infection）. Three （3%） patients had dual HBV and HCV infection. None of the patients showed changes in viral markers during the follow-up of 8 mo on average （1-12 mo）.     

Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Health Care Workers in Albania: a Country still Highly Endemic for HBV Infection

Abstract Background: Health care workers (HCW) have an elevated risk of acquiring and transmitting parenteral infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers with the final goal to encourage HBV vaccination of the non-immune Albanian HCW. Methods: Among 480 HCW enrolled, 92 were physicians, 246 were nurses/techniques, 120 were auxiliary workers and 22 were office workers. Results: The HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HCV prevalence were 8.1%, 70% and 0.6%, respectively. The highest (11.4%) HBsAg prevalence was observed in the youngest age group (20–30 years of age). High HBsAg prevalence (7.2–7.5%) was detected also in age groups above 30 years. The highest HBsAg prevalence (12.6%) was found in the auxiliaries. The anti-HBc prevalence increased significantly with age from 59% in HCWs younger than 39 years to 87% among those older than 50 years. After adjustments for different job categories, age older than 40 years remained independently associated with anti-HBc positivity (OR = 2.9; 95% CI 1.9–4.6) and inversely associated with the lack of HBV immunity or infection markers (OR = 0.4; 95% CI 0.2–0.7). Of 142 HBsAg negative and/or anti-HBc Ab negative sera, 28 (20%) tested positive for anti-HBs. The 114 remaining individuals with no HBV infection or immunity markers were vaccinated against HBV infection. Conclusions: A high HBV infection rate and low HBV vaccination coverage were found in Albanian HCW. Albania is a Mediterranean country still highly endemic for HBV infection and new strategies to promote HBV vaccination are to be adopted.     

Coinfection of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus in HIV-infected patients in south India

AIM To screen for the co-infection of hepatitis B (HBV)and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients insouthern India.METHODS Five hundred consecutive HIV infected patients were screened for Hepatitis B Virus (HBsAg and HBV-DNA) and Hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV and HCV-RNA)using commercially available ELISA kits; HBsAg, HBeAg/anti-HBe (Biorad laboratories, USA) and anti-HCV (Murex Diagnostics, UK). The HBV-DNA PCR was performed to detect the surface antigen region (pre S-S). HCV-RNA was detected by RT-PCR for the detection of the constant 5' putative non-coding region of HCV.RESULTS HBV co-infection was detected in 45/500 (9%)patients and HCV co-infection in 11/500 (2.2%) subjects.Among the 45 co-infected patients only 40 patients could be studied, where the detection rates of HBe was 55%(22/40), antiHBe was 45% (18/40) and HBV-DNA was 56% (23/40). Among 11 HCV co-infected subjects, 6(54.5%) were anti-HCV and HCV RNA positive, while 3(27.2%) were positive for anti-HCV alone and 2 (18%)were positive for HCV RNA alone.CONCLUSION Since the principal routes for HIV transmission are similar to that followed by the hepatotropic viruses, as a consequence, infections with HBV and HCV are expected in HIV infected patients.Therefore, it would be advisable to screen for these viruses in all the HIV infected individuals and their sexual partners at the earliest.     

Risk factors analysis for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with and without cirrhosis: a case-control study of 213 hepatocellular carcinoma patients from India

AIM: To assess the role of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and alcohol intake as risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the presence or absence of cirrhosis in Indian population. METHODS: A total of 213 patients with HCC and 254 control subjects not affected with hepatic diseases or neoplasm were recruited. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated for each risk factor and synergism among various risk factors was also studied. RESULTS: The ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of HCC were 48.02 (25.06-91.98) for any HBV marker, 38.98 (19.55-77.71) for HBsAg positivity, 12.34 (2.84-53.61) for HBsAg negative and antibody positive (either of anti-HBe or total anti-HBc), 5.45 (2.02-14.71) for anti-HCV positive and HCV RNA positive, and 2.83 (1.51-5.28) for heavy alcohol use. No significant risk increase was evident for subjects who were anti-HCV positive and HCV RNA negative. Synergism between alcohol and HCV infection in causing HCC was found, but not between alcohol and HBV. Overall, conclusive evidence of the presence or absence of cirrhosis was reached in 189 (88.73%) HCC patients; cirrhosis was present in 137 (72.48%) of them. ORs with 95% CI of HCC in the presence and absence of cirrhosis, respectively, for HBV were as follows: (i) 48.90 (24.61-97.19) and 35.03 (15.59-78.66) for any HBV marker; (ii) 39.88 (19.41-81.97) and 24.40 (10.60-56.18) for HBsAg positivity; and (iii) 12.10 (2.67-54.88) and 19.60 (3.94-97.39) for HBsAg negativity and antibody positivity. Significantly increased risk was found among cirrhotic patients for anti-HCV positivity and HCV RNA positivity [OR = 7.53 (2.73-20.78)] and for heavy alcohol use [OR = 3.32 (1.70-6.47)]; however, in the absence of cirrhosis, no significant risk increase was evident for subjects who were anti-HCV positive and HCV RNA positive [OR = 0.97 (0.11-8.54)], or who had history of heavy alcohol use [OR = 1.58 (0.55-4.53)]. CONCLUSIONS: Infection with HBV and HCV are the major risk factors for the development of HCC in Indian patients. Presence of HBV antibodies even in the absence of HBsAg conferred increased risk for HCC in the presence or absence of cirrhosis. Anti-HCV positivity in the absence of HCV RNA conferred no increased risk. HCV RNA positivity and heavy alcohol use significantly increased the risk of HCC among cirrhotic patients, but not non-cirrhotic patients.     

Low prevalences of HBV and HCV infection in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis in Taiwan: A case control study

To study the role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) against the background of HBV and HCV infection in the general population, serum specimens from a consecutive series of 27 patients with PBC and 108 age/sex matched ‘healthy subjects’ as control group were submitted to assays for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV). None of the patients with PBC were HBsAg or anti-HCV positive while 17 (15.7%) and 6 (5.6%) of ‘healthy’ controls were HBsAg positive and anti-HCV positive (P= 0.017 and 0.26). Patients with PBC also had a significantly lower prevalence of HBV infection than matched controls (70.4%vs 88.9%, P= 0.022). The results suggest that neither HBV nor HCV plays any significant role in the pathogenesis of PBC, and that PBC would not develop or be masked in patients with HBV or HCV infection.     

Hepatitis C virus infection, HBsAg carrier state and hepatocellular carcinoma: relative risk and population attributable risk from a case-control study in Italy.

In 1990, a case-control study was conducted in Italy to investigate the possible association between HCV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Serum samples from 65 subjects with newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma and 99 hospital control subjects were tested for the presence of anti-HCV by second-generation ELISA test; positive sera were assayed by RIBA anti-HCV second-generation test. In addition, samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), and antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs). The presence of HCV and/or HBsAg serologic markers was significantly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma risk: the relative risk (RR) of HCC was 21.3 (95% CI = 8.8-51.5) for anti-HCV positivity in the absence of HBsAg; the relative risk of HCC was 13.3 (95% CI = 5.5-32.2) for the presence of HBsAg in the absence of anti-HCV. A higher risk (77.0) was observed when both markers were present. These findings indicate that HCV and HBsAg are independent risk factors for HCC. The results of multivariate analysis showed that the adjusted RR linking anti-HCV and HCC was 26.9 (95% CI = 9.9-72.5), the adjusted RR linking HBsAg and HCC was 11.4 (95% CI = 3.1-41.4), whereas no association (RR 1.5; 95% CI = 0.6-3.6) was found to link HCC with anti-HBc and/or anti-HBs positivity. Through the computation of population attributable risk we estimate that 25% of HCC cases occurring in Italy could be attributed to anti-HCV positivity alone and 20% to HBsAg carrier state alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)