Serological Markers of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Healthy Volunteer Blood Donors in Campania (Southern Italy)

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological markers was determined in a prospective fashion by radioimmunoassay in 2,084 healthy volunteer blood donors. The results showed that 51.2% of the donors were positive for at least one marker, and the percentage of occurrence of each marker was: HBsAg 5.3, anti-HBs alone 1.7, anti-HBc alone 10.8, anti-HBs and anti-HBc 33.3. Because of the size of the problem this investigation strongly demands further studies on the potential role of blood positive for anti-HBc in transmitting HBV infection in our geographical area.     

Hepatitis G Virus Infection in Screened Chinese Blood Donors

Background and Objectives: To determine the prevalence of the recently identified hepatitis G virus (HGV)/GBV-C in screened Chinese paid blood donors. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and seventy-nine plasma samples were tested for HGV RNA by RT-PCR with nested primers from the 5'-noncoding region of GBV-C. All samples were obtained from plasma or blood bags that had been screened twice by routine selection tests (ALT, HBsAg, Anti-HCV, anti-HIV, and syphilis) and were available for clinical use. Results: HGV RNA was detected in 2 (4%) of 50 paid plasma donors from the Beijing Red Cross Blood Center, 1 (2%) of 50 paid blood donors from Taiyuan, and 9 (5%) of 179 paid blood donors from Hebei, a total HGV detection rate of 4.3% (12/279). Conclusions: Our data suggest that HGV infection is relatively frequent even in screened donors, at least in paid screened donors, although larger-scale studies are required.     

Serum Hepatitis C Virus RNA Levels and Liver Injury in Volunteer Blood Donors

Objectives: Liver histology in volunteer blood donors positive for serum hepatitis C virus RNA was investigated in relation to hepatitis C virus viremia levels. Methods: Twenty-one volunteer blood donors positive for serum hepatitis C virus RNA by polymerase chain reaction were monitored for at least 1 yr by monthly routine liver function tests and underwent liver biopsy. Liver histology findings were correlated with hepatitis C virus viremia levels assessed hy a quantitative branched DNA assay. Results: Liver histology showed the features of chronic hepatitis in 20 (95%) patients. Only one of the seven patients with persistently normal aminotransfer-ase levels during follow-up had normal liver histology, and the others had chronic hepatitis. Sera ohtained the same day of the liver biopsy were shown to contain hepatitis C virus RNA of 10^5.7–10^7.6 equivalent/ml (median 10^6.7). The total histological activity index score (median 2, range 0–15) and the scores of portal inflammation (median 1, range 0–3), lobular inflammation (median 1, range 0–4) and piecemeal necrosis (median 0, range 0–5) correlated with viremia levels ( r = 0.64, p < 0.01; r = 0.60, p < 0.01; r = 0.48, p < 0.05; and r = 0.49, p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: These findings suggest that chronic hepatitis is frequently caused by hepatitis C virus infection irrespective of the serum amino-transferase levels, and high level hepatitis C virus replication is a contributory cause for liver injury in volunteer blood donor populations.     

Seroindeterminate HTLV-1 Prevalence and Characteristics in Blood Donors in Taiwan

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is commonly accepted as the cause of adult T-cell leukemia and tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1-associated myelopathy. Screening of blood donors for HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 was implemented in Taiwan in February 1996. From February 1996 to December 1998, we investigated the seroprevalence of HTLV-1 in all unpaid blood donors in Taiwan. Of 2,578,238 donors in all 6 blood centers, 1793 (0.06%) were seropositive for HTLV-1, and 605 (0.023%) were indeterminate for HTLV-1. Among these indeterminate donors, 359 (59.3%) were male. The most common HTLV-1-indeterminate pattern by Western blot in our study was GD21 alone (34.6%) followed by p24 alone (7.8%), p53 alone (6.5%), and gp46 + GD21 (6.0%). That GD21 pattern was found in 59.6% of indeterminate results in this study suggested that the majority of nonspecific enzyme immunoassay reactions were probably precipitated by viral envelop glycoprotein GD21.     

Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects of Hepatitis G Virus Infection in Blood Donors and Immunocompromised Recipients of HGV-Contaminated Blood

Background and objectives: The infectiousness and clinical relevance of the newly discovered blood-borne Flaviviridae-like agent, termed hepatitis G virus (HGV), are not well understood. Materials and methods: Twenty-three transfusion recipients of two HGV-affected long-term blood donors were studied for HGV genome and antibodies to the putative envelope 2 glycoprotein (anti-E2) of HGV. Nine recipients had nonhematological disorders and 14 suffered from severe hematological diseases and 7 of them received allogeneic bone marrow or blood stem cell transplantation. The molecular epidemiology of the observed HGV infection was studied by direct sequencing of parts of the 5′-noncoding region, NS3, and NS5 region of HGV in the 2 long-term donors and in their 6 recipients who became HGV RNA positive. Additionally, 549 individuals – homologous (n = 254) and autologous blood donors (n = 202), and medical staff (n = 89) – were investigated for the presence of HGV RNA. Results: HGV RNA in serum was found in 15 of the 23 (65%) transfusion reciients with known exposure of HGV-contaminated blood. Seven of the remaining 8 recipients showed only an anti-E2 response, indicating previous HGV infection with spontaneous clearance of the virus. In one recipient neither HGV RNA nor anti-E2 could be detected. Molecular evidence for HGV transmission by the 2 donors was found in 3 of the 6 recipients studied. The alanine aminotransferase levels were not significantly different in the HGV RNA positive and negative recipients, and none of the 23 recipients developed posttransfusion hepatitis. Persistent HGV infection was observed especially in recipients with severe hematological disorders or in those in whome intensive immunosuppressive treatment was necessary. Of the 549 individuals studied, 10 (1.8%) were healthy carriers of HGV RNA. Conclusion: The persistence of transfusion-acquired HGV infection is not associated with acute or chronic hepatitis, but may be influenced by the recipient's underlying disease.     

Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies in Italian Blood Donors

11,117 blood donors from 24 blood transfusion services evenly distributed throughout the various Italian regions were tested for the presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies in the serum and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level. The results are as follows: (1) anti-HCV seroprevalence in Italy was 0.87% with a difference between Northern and Southern regions (0.68 vs. 1.37%) and between younger and older subjects (0.62 vs. 1.21%); (2) prevalence of elevated ALT levels was 4.74% without a North-South effect (except than for markedly elevated ALT levels); (3) anti-HCV seroprevalence was higher in subjects with elevated ALT (5.0%), with a North-South effect (2.2 vs. 9.9%) and particularly high (19.2%) in subjects with markedly elevated ALT; (4) ALT levels were elevated in 26.2% of anti-HCV positive subjects, with a North-South effect (14 vs. 40.5%).     

Frequency of West Nile Virus Infection in Iranian Blood Donors

West Nile virus (WNV) can be transmitted by blood transfusions and organ transplants. This study was a retrospective study which was performed in Blood Transfusion Center to evaluate the WNV infection in blood donors in Iran. A total of 540 blood samples were taken from volunteer healthy donors who referred for blood donation to Chabahar Blood Center. The presence of WNV was studied by detecting immunoglobulin G (IgG) WNV by enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). Demonstration of elevated WNV IgG confirmed by immunoflouorescence assay (IFA) Euroimmun kit. Out of the 540 samples 17.96 % (97 cases) were seropositive by ELISA and 1.48 % (8 cases) was seropositive by IFA. This means that 8.24 % of ELISA seropositive samples were confirmed by IFA. Special attention should be paid to criteria of donor selection, albeit positive results may be due to a previous infection in these donors.     

Human Parvovirus B19: Prevalence of Viral DNA in Volunteer Blood Donors and Clinical Outcomes of Transfusion Recipients

Background and Objectives: Blood donor units are not screened for human parvovirus B19 (B19) even though it can be acquired via blood products. We estimated the prevalence of B19 in a US volunteer blood donor population and determined the clinical outcomes of transfusion recipients. Materials and Methods: Donor units were screened for B19 DNA by PCR, and positive units analyzed by EIA for B19 Ig. Unit usage was determined and recipient chart review conducted. Results: B19 DNA was detected in 11/9, 568 allogeneic units (0.1%), of which 3 had no measurable B19 Ig. One individual developed anemia consistent with B19 infection after receiving a DNA+ unit lacking B19 Ig. Conclusions: The apparent low incidence of disease in patients transfused with B19 DNA+ components may be due to coexistence of neutralizing antibodies in donors and/or recipients.     

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection among Blood Donors in Bulgaria

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is widespread among domestic pigs, industrial swine, and wild boars in Bulgaria. The aim of the current research was to present the HEV seroprevalence among blood donors in Bulgaria. In the present study, 555 blood donors (479 males and 76 females) were enrolled from five districts in the country (Shumen, Pleven, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv, and Sofia districts). All blood samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG using the recomWell HEV IgG ELISA test (Mikrogen GmbH, Neuried, Germany). Each participating donor completed a short, structured, and specific questionnaire to document data on the current study. Anti-HEV IgG positive results were detected in 144 (25.9%) blood donors, including 129 (26.9%) males and 15 (19.7%) females. The established HEV seropositivity was 28.8% (23/80) in Shumen district, 23.2% (22/95) in Pleven district, 27.1% (38/140) in Stara Zagora district, 27.5% (44/160) in Plovdiv district, and 21.3% (17/80) in Sofia district. A high HEV seroprevalence was found for persons who declared that they were general hunters (48.7%; 19/39; p = 0.001) and hunters of wild boars (51.6%; 16/31; p = 0.001). We present the first seroprevalence rates of HEV infection in blood donors from Bulgaria. The results of our research showed high HEV seropositivity among blood donors.     

Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Thai Patients with Thalassemia

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a common cause of liver disease in thalassemia major patients in Western, especially Mediterranean, countries. Its significance in thalassemic patients from Southeast Asia has not been critically evaluated. In this report, we describe our study of the prevalence of HCV infection among Thai patients with thalassemia. The relationships of the infection to blood transfusion and the infection's effects on liver function have also been determined. Of the 104 patients studied, 21 (20.2%) tested positively by enzyme immunoassay for anti-HCV antibody, whereas only 2 patients (2%) had the hepatitis B surface antigen. There was no significant relationship between the presence of anti-HCV antibodies and the number and frequency of blood transfusions. In fact, 2 patients (10%) who tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies had never received transfusions. Patients with anti-HCV antibodies had significantly abnormal liver functions, such as higher levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (SGPT) and lower levels of serum albumin, compared with patients without anti-HCV antibodies (P = .021, .017, and .004, respectively). However, there were also significant correlations between iron status as indicated by transferrin saturation or serum ferritin levels and SGOT, SGPT, and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels. Moreover, abnormal liver function as represented by elevated levels of SGOT, SGPT, GGT, and serum alkaline phosphatase was observed more frequently in patients with iron overload than in patients with a lower degree of iron burden. The presence of HCV did not alter the effects of iron overload on liver function. The findings suggest that both HCV and iron overload are the main causes of abnormal liver function in Thai patients with thalassemia. The treatment of both problems, if coexisting in patients with thalassemia, is required to prevent progression to chronic liver disease.     

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Senior Citizens in a Southern Brazilian City

Background

Given the long term exposure to risk factors, it is likely that older adults exhibit the highest proportions of HBV serological markers. Nevertheless, there are few methodologically adequate studies in Brazil evaluating the prevalence and risk factors for HBV infection in individuals aged 60 years or more.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with HBV infection in elderly residents in the city of Tubarão/SC.

Patients and Methods

This cross-sectional study included 820 individuals (≥ 60 years) selected by simple random sampling. The variables were compared by chi-square test or Fisher''s exact test and those with P < 0.200 were included in the regression model.

Results

The mean age of patients was 68.6 ± 7.0 years, 39% were men and 92% Caucasian. Five subjects (0.6%) presented with positive HBsAg and 124 (15.1%) were anti-HBc reactive. Bivariate analysis showed that the presence of anti-HBc was associated with age ≥ 67 years, ≤ 4 years of schooling, acupuncture therapy and lower proportion of subjects exposed to invasive procedures. In multivariate analysis, the following variables remained independently associated with HBV infection: male gender, marital status, ≤ 4 years of schooling and acupuncture.

Conclusions

The prevalence of anti-HBc among the elderly in the city of Tubarão was higher than in previous studies evaluating blood donors in the same region. Despite the association of previous HBV infection and factors indirectly related to sexual risk behaviors, the results suggest the involvement of invasive therapeutic procedures in the HBV transmission chain.     

Hepatitis E Virus Seroprevalence Among Blood Donors in Bushehr,South of Iran

Background:

Although so far several studies have determined the hepatitis E virus (HEV) prevalence in some parts of Iran, no data exists regarding the HEV seroprevalence in Bushehr province as the southernmost point in Iran yet.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG among the blood donors in Bushehr.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 628 blood donor samples were collected from September to October 2013, after obtaining informed written consents, and analyzed for the presence of anti-HEV IgG using commercial HEV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. All the samples were tested by two ELISA kits and evaluated for liver function test.

Results:

Overall, 105 (16.7%) blood samples were positive for HEV-specific-IgG antibodies, while 523 (83.8%) were negative. The presence of anti-HEV IgG was not associated with gender; however, it was correlated with age. It was indicated that the anti-HEV prevalence increases by age and there was a significant difference between the age groups regarding HEV seropositivity.

Conclusions:

High HEV seroprevalence (16.7%) was observed among the blood donors in Bushehr province. It appears that exposure to HEV increases with age; although, more people should be examined.     

Clinical Significance of Helicobacter pylori Seropositivity and Seronegativity in Asymptomatic Blood Donors

To determine the clinical significance ofHelicobacter pylori seropositivity and seronegativity inhealthy blood donors, we carried out a serologicalevaluation of Helicobacter pylori status and endoscopy in a healthy blood donors population. In all,1010 donors were screened for Helicobacter pylori by IgGELISA and assessed for pepsinogen I and gastrin levelsby RIA; 298 IgG seropositive and 61 seronegative subjects underwent endoscopy with biopsies. Of359, 165 were also tested for CagA by western blotting.Of the 298 IgG seropositives, 274 were shown to beinfected on biopsy testing. Endoscopy revealed 70 peptic ulcers, 41 cases of erosive duodenitis,and two gastric cancers. In all 105 seropositive donorswere tested for CagA and 69 were CagA positive [34/58gastritis (58.6%), 24/35 duodenal ulcer (68.6%) and 11/12 gastric ulcer (91.6%)].Histologically active/chronic gastritis was associatedwith CagA: 88.4% vs 50% (CagA seropositive vsseronegative). Of the 61 IgG seronegatives, 59 werenegative on biopsy testing. At endoscopy three had duodenitis. Ofthe 60/61 IgG seronegatives tested for CagA, one had amoderate reaction. Duodenal ulcer donors showed higherpepsinogen I levels than donors without duodenal ulcers (97.7 g/ml vs 80.9 g/mlrespectively). Screening for Helicobacter pylori andanti-CagA seropositivity and pepsinogen I can identifyindividuals likely to have gastroduodenal pathology evenin the absence of symptoms.     

Hepatitis B Virus Chronic Infection in Blood Donors from Asian and African High or Medium Prevalence Areas: Comparison According to Sex

Immune control of various infectious diseases, particularly viral, was shown to be more efficient for females than males. Response to viral vaccines (HAV, HBV) was higher in females. Data on hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers accumulated over 15 years in blood donors was stratified according to sex, including HBsAg, HBV viral load and levels of anti-HBs in areas where genotypes B and C (China), genotype D (Iran, Lebanon, Tunisia) and genotype E (Ghana, Burkina Faso, Gabon) were prevalent. HBsAg was screened by either ELISA or rapid tests, anti-HBc and anti-HBs by ELISA, HBV DNA load by a standardized method across sites. In Ghanaian children less than 5 years, HBV DNA load was significantly lower in females than in males (p = 0.035). In China, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Gabon blood donors, median HBsAg prevalence was ~5% and 3% in China, ~8.5% and 4.5% in Gabon, ~16% and 11% in Burkina Faso and ~11% and 7% in Ghana for male and female donors, respectively (p < 0.001). In HBsAg+ Ghanaian blood donors, distribution and median viral load were not significantly different between sexes; occult hepatitis B infections (OBI) were significantly more frequent in males. In Chinese blood donor anti-HBc+ and anti-HBs+, anti-HBs levels tended to be higher in males but vaccinated donors’ anti-HBs+ only, while anti-HBs levels were females > males. In areas where genotypes B-E are dominant, the prevalence of chronic HBV infection (HBsAg+) seems better controlled before age 16–18 by females infected vertically or horizontally. OBIs appear considerably more frequent in men, suggesting lower efficacy of HBV infection control. Female blood donors appear significantly safer from HBV than males, and their donation should be encouraged.     

The Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in the Adult Turkish Population: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Prevalence Study in Blood Donors in Mersin Province

BackgroundThe hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an RNA virus that causes acute hepatitis, and can become chronic in immunocompromised patients, though this is rare. The frequency of HEV infection varies, depending on factors such as geographical region, socioeconomic level, and age. Despite limited studies on the adult population in Turkey, there is no current information about HEV frequency in our country. Therefore, we aimed to scrutinize the data found from such studies, in comparison to our own results. MethodsA total of 900 volunteers who applied to donate blood to the University Hospital Blood Center and accepted the use of their data were enrolled in the study. Serum anti-HEV IgG antibody (Ab) was examined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays method. The donors’ location, occupation, and animal contact status were determined. In addition, we evaluated the full text and conference papers (in Turkish or English) of Turkey-based HEV seroprevalence studies from 1990-2020, investigating the adult population.ResultsThe average age of the 900 volunteers in the study was 35.22 ± 9.60 years, of whom 889 (98.7%) were men. Anti-HEV IgG was positive in 12.8% of the serum samples. The average age of the volunteers who were seropositive was 40.40 ± 9.72 years, and 98.2% were men. No association was found between anti-HEV IgG positivity and occupation, place of residence, and contact with animals. An evaluation of the studies conducted in Turkey reveals that the average HEV infection seroprevalence is 9.52% in the healthy population, and the prevalence is increased in the region of Southeastern Anatolia. Patients with acute hepatitis and hemodialysis also had increased rates. ConclusionThe anti-HEV IgG seropositivity rate in healthy blood donors in Mersin province was 12.8%, and was similar to the rates reported earlier in our country. However, this rate, found in a sample of individuals from a healthy society, causes concern about what the frequency may be in sick people. Wide-ranging community screening is needed.     

Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Different Population Groups in Southern Italy

Abstract Background: A cross-sectional investigation was carried out between 2000 and 2002 to assess the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) in Naples, southern Italy. Patients and Methods: Five groups of individuals were investigated, two at low risk and three at high risk for HCV infection. Blood sample sera were collected among 5,391 individuals (4,059 men and 1,332 women): 1,972 general practitioner (GP) patients and 781 employees of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of Naples (low-risk groups); 524 male prisoners, 1,436 intravenous drug users (IDUs) and 678 hemodialysis patients (high-risk groups). Results: Overall HCV seropositivity rates ranged from 6.4% among employees of the NCI to 37.4% among male prisoners. HCV infection tended to generally increase with age, but in IDUs and in male prisoners the upward trend leveled off at 50 years of age. As compared to GP patients, IDUs (both sexes) and male prisoners had a nearly 6-fold increased risk of HCV infection, while HCV was nearly 3-fold more common among hemodialysis patients. Employees of NCI were at reduced risk of HCV infection, particularly women (odds ratio = 0.3). Conclusion: The study findings confirmed the high risk for HCV infection in IDUs and identified other population groups in southern Italy that should be offered HCV screening and counselling given the servere implications of HCV infection on health.An erratum to this article can be found at     

SEN病毒感染与慢性肝病的关系

目的 :揭示SEN病毒 (SEN V)感染与慢性肝病之间的关系。方法 :使用SEN VPCR引物 ,从 50例健康志愿者及 2 60例慢性肝病患者 (包括 45例不明原因肝炎、1 2 5例肝硬化和 90例原发性肝细胞肝癌患者 )血清中检测SEN VDNA ,每份DNA样本均取自lml血清。记录各组患者的临床特点 ,并分析其与SEN V感染的关系。结果 :SEN VDNA在健康志愿者、不明原因肝炎患者、肝硬化患者和原发性肝细胞肝癌患者中阳性检出率分别为 1 6 .0 0 %、2 2 .2 2 %、36 .80 %和 2 1 .1 1 % ,仅肝硬化组与健康对照组有显著差异 (P <0 .0 5)。肝硬化组中 ,丙型肝炎病毒 (HCV)感染、HCV和乙型肝炎病毒 (HBV)共感染及不明原因的肝硬化患者SEN V感染率分别为 63 .64 %、62 .50 %和 54 .55 % ,均与对照组有显著差异 (P <0 .0 5)。所有 2 60例慢性肝病患者中 ,共 75例SEN V阳性 ,感染率达 2 8.85 % ,与对照组相比有显著差异 (P <0 .0 5)。SEN V在HCV感染中阳性率为 43 .75 % ,与对照组相比有显著差异 (P <0 .0 5)。在各组患者中 ,SEN V感染与否同患者的临床特点无相关关系。SEN V感染与输血亦无显著关联。结论 :SEN V较其它肝炎病毒在健康人群中的检出率高。在肝硬化患者 ,特别是丙型肝炎肝硬化患者中检出率较高。SEN V和HCV可能有相似的传播途径