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.     

Hepatitis B and C infections, human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections among women of childbearing age in C?te d'Ivoire, West Africa.

Few studies have been conducted in developing countries to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and its association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). We have screened for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV markers 200 HIV-1-positive, 23 HIV-2-positive and 206 HIV-negative women attending gynaecology clinics in 1995/96 in Abidjan, C?te d'Ivoire, a sample selected among 2198 consecutive consultants. Taking into account the prevalence of 21.7% for HIV in this population, the overall prevalence of anti-HBV core antibody was 81.6%, that for hepatitis B surface antigen was 9.9% and for HCV antibody was 3.3%. HIV infection and other STDs were not associated with HBV or HCV markers. Moreover, HBV and HCV markers were not statistically associated. Our results confirm the high prevalence of HIV in Abidjan and the endemic situation of HBV infection. Furthermore, HCV infection is not infrequent in this developing country setting, not explained by sexual transmission.     

Evidence of a 1985-1987 outbreak of acute and chronic hepatitis in Egypt caused by a mutant hepatitis-B virus detected by spot-DNA hybridization test.

Sera from 65 acute and 113 chronic sporadic hepatitis were screened for serological markers of hepatitis-B virus (HBV) and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and for HBV-DNA. The enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) and dot-DNA hybridization tests were used. Two HBV-DNA probes and their labelling systems (biotin, radiolabelling with 32P and digoxigenin) were compared for sensitivity and specificity. The 65 acute sera had serological parameters of HBV infection in 38 (58%) when all these sera were HBsAg, IgM anti HBcAg positive plus HBeAg presence in 11/38 sera. Some of the acute sera had markers of acute HBV and HDV coinfection in 14 and superinfection in 13. Thus HBV with HDV represented 27 (41.5%) of the acute hepatitis in this study. Correlation of these serological markers with dot-DNA hybridization results showed that serum HBV-DNA was present in 36/38 (94.7%) of the acute HBV infection. In the case of acute HBV+HDV positive antigenemia 4/6 had serum HBV-DNA while 10/21 of acute HBV with anti-deltaV. IgM had serum HBV-DNA. There were four cases that gave HBV-DNA positivity in sera without combination of HBV markers suggesting infection with "mutant" HBV. In the chronic hepatitis sera there were markers of HBV past infection (IgG anti HBc in 63/113 and IgG anti HBs in 36/113). Yet, among these sera there was HBV-DNA positive signals (20/63 and 17/36) respectively. Analysis of some of these HBV markers also suggested infection with "mutant" HBV.     

Prevalence of serologic markers of HBV, HDV, HCV and HIV in non-injection drug users compared to injection drug users in Gran Canaria, Spain

Injection drug use (IDU) is one of the most significant risk factors for viral hepatitis (B, D and C) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, there is little information about the risk of infection among non-injection drug users (non-IDUs). The present study was designed to perform several objectives: (a) to evaluate the prevalence of serological markers of hepatitis B, D, C virus and HIV in IDU and non-IDU patients; (b) to compare the prevalence of these markers between both groups; (c) to identify risk factors for HCV and HIV in this population; and (d) to correlate the presence of HCV and liver function. A total of 385 consecutive patients (122 IDUs and 263 non-IDUs), admitted to the Drug Dependency Treatment Unit at the Hospital Insular of Gran Canaria between 1993 to 1994, were included in the study. The serological markers of HBV, HDV, HCV and HIV were determined by ELISA and immunoblot methods. In all cases we also measured syphilis tests (RPR and FTAabs), serum aminotransferases and serum gammaglutamiltranspeptidase. Compared to the non-IDU, the IDU group presents a higher prevalence of antiHBc (55.0% vs. 20.7%, p < 0.0001), antiHCV (87.6% vs. 35.3%, p < 0.0001) and antiHIV (21.8% vs. 2.7%, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in RPR positivity (0.9% vs. 4.9%, p = 0.06). Delta infection was only detected in injection drug users, and the prevalence was low. Using logistic regression, the only risk factors associated with antiHCV positivity were injection drug addiction (OR: 9.2, 95% CI: 4.9–17.0) and antiHBc positivity (OR: 5.5, 95% CI: 3.0–9.9). Similarly, the associated risk factors for HIV were injection drug addiction (OR: 5.9, 95% CI: 2.3–15.0) and antiHBc positivity (OR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.5–9.2). However, no correlation was found between antiHCV positive and antiHIV or between these markers and RPR positivity. Patients positive for antiHCV showed significant elevations in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels, when compared with patients negative for antiHCV: 65.0 vs. 39.2 U.l (p < 0.001) and 88.4 vs. 40.3 U/l (p < 0.001), respectively. We conclude that drug users have an elevated prevalence of HCV, HBV and HIV infection, even if drug use is only inhalated. On the other hand, the main risk factors associated with HCV and HIV are injection drug addiction and exposure to hepatitis B virus. Finally, in the study population, liver dysfunction is closely related to HCV infection.     

Differences in Sexual Identity,Risk Practices,and Sex Partners between Bisexual Men and Other Men among a Low-Income Drug-Using Sample

Hepatitis B vaccination and targeted testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) are recommended for jails with medical services available. This study estimates hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV infection prevalence among jail inmates, since most previous studies have been conducted among prison inmates. Prison and jail populations differ: jails hold a wide spectrum of persons for an average of 10–20 days, including persons awaiting arraignment, trial, conviction, or sentencing, while prisons typically hold convicted criminals for at least 1 year. A stratified random sample of sera obtained during routine syphilis testing of inmates entering jails in Chicago (March–April 2000), Detroit (March–August 1999), and San Francisco (June 1999–December 2000) was tested for serologic markers of HBV and HCV infection. All sera had been previously tested for antibody to HIV (anti-HIV). A total of 1,292 serum samples (12% of new inmates) was tested. Antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) prevalence was 13%. Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) prevalence was 19%, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence was 0.9%; 12% had serologic evidence of hepatitis B vaccination. Hispanics had high rates of chronic HBV infection (3.6% HBsAg positive) along with Asians (4.7% HBsAg positive). Among HIV-infected persons, 38% were anti-HCV positive and 8.2% were HBsAg positive. Anti-HBc positivity was associated with anti-HCV positivity (aOR = 4.58), anti-HIV positivity (aOR = 2.94), syphilis infection (aOR = 2.10), and previous incarceration (aOR = 1.78). Anti-HCV-positivity was associated with anti-HBc positivity (aOR = 4.44), anti-HIV-positivity (aOR = 2.51), and previous incarceration (aOR = 2.90). Jail entrants had high levels of HCV and HBV infection and HIV co-infection; HBV prevalence was comparable to previous prison studies, and HCV prevalence was lower than prison studies. Hispanics had an unexpectedly high rate of chronic hepatitis B infection and had the lowest rate of hepatitis B vaccination. The finding that hepatitis B vaccination coverage among jail entrants is lower than the general population, despite this population’s increased risk for infection, highlights the need to support vaccination in jail settings.     

隐匿性乙型肝炎病毒感染的发生机制和检测

对隐匿性乙型肝炎病毒（乙肝病毒）感染的发生机制和检测方法进行综述，显示：乙肝病毒复制水平较低、病毒变异导致现有乙肝病毒表面抗原（HBsAg）试剂难以检出以及外周血单核细乙肝病毒感染是隐匿性乙肝病毒感染发生的重要原因，宿主因素以及丙肝病毒感染、血吸虫感染和长期饮酒等也与其发生有关。目前隐匿性乙肝病毒感染的检测方法和判断标准尚不一致。急需统一隐匿性乙肝病毒感染的检测方法和判断标准，并对其发生的分子机制及不同分子模式的发生频率开展进一步研究。     

成都市男男性行为人群艾滋病及其关联检测结果的分析

[目的]了解成都市男男性行为人群(MSM)人类免疫缺陷病毒(HIV)、梅毒、乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)及丙型肝炎病毒(HCV)的感染状况。[方法]收集成都市MSM人群血液样本469份,进行HIV抗体、HBV标志物、HCV抗体及梅毒抗体测定,HIV抗体确珍阳性者,作CD4+、CD8+T淋巴细胞及CD4+/CD8+比值测定。[结果]469份样本HIV、梅毒、HBV及HCV感染率分别为14.93%(70/469)、8.53%(40/469)、67.16%(315/469)、0.64%(3/469);HIV合并梅毒感染3例,HIV合并HBV感染43例,HIV合并HCV感染1例,HIV合并梅毒及HBV感染5例;70例HIV感染者CD4+T淋巴细胞绝对值计数明显下降,CD4+/CD8+比值均呈倒置,单纯HIV感染组CD4T淋巴细胞计数值与HIV/HBV感染组比较差异无统计学意义(t=0.73,P=0.23),其余各组因样本量太小,与单纯HIV感染组CD4+计数均值比较不具统计学意义。[结论]成都市MSM人群HIV感染呈严重之势,HIV合并HBV、HIV合并梅毒的感染也较普遍,本次检测到的HIV感染者已基本进入艾滋病期,对他们的抗逆转录病毒治疗需要引起足够重视。     

Association between heroin use, needle sharing and tattoos received in prison with hepatitis B and C positivity among street-recruited injecting drug users in New Mexico, USA.

This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence and risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV-1 infections among injecting drug users (IDU) in New Mexico. Serological and behavioural surveys were conducted in conjunction with street-based outreach, education and HIV counselling and testing. High rates of antibody positivity for HCV (82.2%) and HBV (61.1%), and a low rate for HIV (0.5%) were found. In multivariate analyses, both HBV and HCV infection were positively associated with increasing age, increasing years of injection and heroin use. Receipt of a tattoo in prison/jail was associated with HBV (odds ratio = 2.3, 95% confidence interval 1.4, 3.8) and HCV (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.6, 7.5) infections. Prevention of bloodborne pathogens among IDUs should focus on young users, early in their drug use experience. Studies examining the relationship between tattooing and HBV and HCV infection are needed as are efforts to promote sterile tattooing, in prisons and elsewhere.     

Occult hepatitis B virus infection in Greek patients with congenital bleeding disorders

Occult Hepatitis B Infection (OBI) is a form of chronic HBV infection characterized by low level HBV DNA, without detectable HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). OBI is frequently associated with the presence of anti-HBc and in some cases also with anti-HBs. Patients, who formerly received non-inactivated factor concentrates, can potentially be considered at high risk for OBI, especially since these patients usually are HIV or HCV co-infected. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of occult HBV infection in Greek patients with hereditary bleeding disorders. The study sample comprised of 114 patients from a single haemophilia center. All patients were screened for HBV serum markers and individually tested for HBV DNA using a qualitative PCR. Presence of HBV DNA was further confirmed by quantification of viral load with an ultrasensitive in-house real time PCR. 88 and 21 patients with haemophilia A and B, respectively, 4 patients with von Willebrand Disease and 1 patient with severe factor VII deficiency were screened for the presence of OBI. Anti-HBc were detected in 53 (46.5%) subjects; 18 of them were anti-HBs(−) and 35 anti-HBs(+). Anti-HBe were present in 26 subjects. Two out of 114 patients were HBsAg(+). Of the remaining 112 HBsAg(−) patients tested, two (1.8%) were found HBsAg(−), HBV DNA(+), anti-HBc(+) and anti-HBs(−) and were identified as potential OBI cases. Both cases exhibited very low DNA levels; 38.2 IU/mL in patient A and 14.2 IU/mL in patient B. Both patients were HBeAg(−), but patient A had HBe antibodies. Patient B was also HIV/HCV co-infected. In conclusion, two cases of OBI with low HBV viraemia were identified among patients with congenital bleeding disorders. Although the incidence in our sample is moderately low (1.8%), close monitoring of these infections is of great clinical significance, especially in patients with co-infections and concomitant immunosuppression.     

Prevalence of HIV,syphilis, hepatitis B,and hepatitis C among entrants to Maryland correctional facilities

Although high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in correctional institutions has been established, data are sparse regarding the comorbidities of hepatitis B virus (HBV), HCV, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), all of which may complicate the management of HCV. This study sought to estimate the prevalence and correlates associated with HCV prevalence among entrants into the Maryland Division of Correction and the Baltimore City Detention Center. Participants included all newly incarcerated entrants between January 28 and March 28, 2002. Excess sera with identifiers removed from samples drawn for routine syphilis testing were assayed for antibodies to HIV and HCV and for HBV surface antigen and surface and total core antibodies. Separately, all HIV-positive specimens were tested using the serological testing algorithm for recent HIV seroconversion. Of the 1,081 immates and 2,833 detainees, reactive syphilis serology was noted in 0.6% of the combined population; HIV seroprevalence was 6.6%; HCV prevalence was 29.7%; and 25.2% of detainees and prisoners had antigen or core or surface antibodies to HBV. A multivariate analysis of predictors of HCV positivity indicated that detainees, women, whites, older age groups, those who were HIV seropositive, and individuals with past or present infection with HBV were significantly more likely to be positive for HCV. These data indicate that hepatitis C remains an important public health concern among entrants to jail and prison and is complicated with coinfections that need to be addressed for effective treatment.     

Sexual behaviour and multiple infections in drug abusers

We have studied the prevalence and the serological profile of HBV, HCV, HDV and HIV infections in 137 Italian subjects addicted to the intravenous use of heroine and correlated the virological findings with sexual behaviour. HBV and HCV viremia were also measured in 114 patients. Anti-HCV was detected in 81% of the addicts, and one or more markers of HBV infection were detected in 62.8% (4.4% were carriers of HBsAg, 58.4% had evidence of past HBV infection and 13.1% of the latter also had HDV markers). Anti-HIV was positive in 23.4%; 26% of those positive for anti-HCV and 4.6% of those positive for HBV markers had no other viral marker: none had only anti-HIV. HBV-DNA was negative in the carriers of HBsAg, and HCV-RNA was not detected in any of the HBsAg carriers who also had circulating anti-HCV Overall, 34% of the anti-HCV positive addicts had HCV-RNA in their blood. The prevalence of the virus infection correlated with the duration of drug addiction but not with sexual behaviour, and sexual behaviour did not influence the acquisition of any virus. HCV infection was most frequent and probably the first infection to occur, but exposure to HBV was also common despite a low rate of HBsAg carriage. The prevalence of HDV infection was high (50%) in the HBsAg carriers, while the overall prevalence of HIV was lower (23%) than expected. Lack of HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA in carriers of HBV with anti-HCV in serum may indicate that HBV and HCV mutually inhibit their own replication.     

Frequency and significance of antibodies against hepatitis B core (anti-HBc) antigen as the only serological marker for hepatitis B infection in Lebanese blood donors

During a 2-year period, blood samples from 2505 Lebanese blood donors were chosen at random, at various periods of time at one blood donation centre (Hotel Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon) and were screened for markers of HBV infection (HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs). The study showed HBsAg positivity of 0.6% and an overall exposure rate to HBV of 10.0%. Out of the 2505 blood donors screened, 56 (22%) were found to be 'anti-HBc alone' positive which is almost four times the HBsAg positivity. The 56 'anti-HBc alone' samples were retested by another ELISA kit commercially available and 54 samples were 'anti-HBc alone' positive by both assays. The 54 samples had no serological markers as evidence of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). Only seven (13%) out of the 54 samples were HBV DNA positive by PCR and all were HBV genotype D. All seven HBV DNA-positive samples had HBV DNA levels below 400 copies/ml. Although any circulating HBV DNA among our 'anti-HBc alone' blood donors was below the detection limit of our Amplicor Monitor assay, some of these samples had circulating virus. A national study, where a larger number of blood donors from different blood donation centres across the country will perhaps determine whether screening for anti-HBc in addition to HBsAg detection is needed in Lebanese blood donors.     

Impact of hepatitis B and C co-infection on health-related quality of life in HIV positive individuals

Purpose

Concurrent infection with HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) often occurs due to the commonality in risk factors for acquisition. Few studies have examined the effect of co-infection on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in HIV positive individuals.

Methods

Ontario HIV Treatment Network Cohort Study (OCS) participants who completed an annual interviewer-administered questionnaire on up to three occasions were included. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to assess the impact of HBV and HCV co-infection on physical and mental HRQOL component summary scores (range 0–100) as measured by the Medical Outcomes SF-36 health survey.

Results

As of March 2010, 1,223 participants had completed the questionnaire; 964 were HIV mono-infected, 128 were HIV–HBV co-infected, 112 were HIV–HCV co-infected, and 19 were HIV–HBV–HCV tri-infected. Eighty percent were male, median age 46 (IQR 40–53) years, 61 % Caucasian, median CD4 count 464 (IQR 319–636) cells/mm³, and 74 % had undetectable HIV viremia. Physical HRQOL was lower in HIV–HBV and HIV–HCV co-infected individuals (49.4 (IQR 42.0–53.9) and 48.1 (IQR 36.9–52.8) vs. 51.5 (IQR 45.0–55.4); p = 0.01 and <0.0001) compared to mono-infected individuals. In the multivariable GEE model, the negative impact of HCV remained significant (?2.18; p = 0.01) after adjusting for drug use, smoking, age, and gender. Unadjusted mental HRQOL was lower in HIV–HCV co-infected individuals (44.6 (IQR 34.6–54.0) vs. 48.9 (IQR 36.8–55.9); p = 0.03) compared to mono-infected individuals but no association of mental HRQOL with either co-infection was observed in multivariable GEE models.

Conclusions

HCV appears to negatively impact physical HRQOL suggesting a greater health burden for co-infected individuals. HBV and HCV co-infections were not related to lower mental HRQOL among people living with HIV/AIDS.     

Prevalence and Presentation of Hepatitis B and C Virus (HBV and HCV) Infection in Vietnamese Americans via Serial Community Serologic Testing

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is reportedly high in Vietnamese Americans (VAs), but most previous studies did not assess full HBV serology, and not the prevalence of HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection simultaneously. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of different HBV serologies and HCV infection in VAs. This study was based on the data collected by testing for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb IgG), anti-HBs antibody (HBsAb), and anti-HCV antibody (anti-HCV) in a series of community screening in VAs in Orange County, California. In 1,405 VA participants, the mean age was 51 (17–87) years, 45.1 % were males; 68.2 %, married; 97.2 %, born in Vietnam. Most of the participants were non-US born with their primary language being non-English and with limited access to health care. Of the 1,405 cases, 124 (8.8 %) were confirmed HBV infection by HBsAg+; 81 (5.8 %), HCV infection by anti-HCV+; including four (0.3 %) with HBV/HCV coinfection. Twelve percent of the participants with confirmed HBV infection thought they were previously tested negative, while 29.7 % of the participants with confirmed HCV infection thought they were previously tested negative. In this cohort, 15.4 % were HBsAg?/HBsAb?/HBcAb IgG?, i.e. being susceptible to HBV infection. In HCV infected participants, 65.4 % were born between 1945 and 1965. This large serial survey and screening in the Vietnamese American community confirmed the rates of HBV and HCV infection to be as high as 8.8 % and 5.8 %, respectively. We have also identified factors related to HBV and HCV infection in this high-risk population.     

Prevalence of hepatitis B markers in patients with hepatitis C infection in north-eastern Poland: Risk factors and vaccine use

We evaluated the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers and established HBV vaccination status among 111 patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A history of HBV immunisation was recorded in 30 patients (27.0%) and only 17/30 (66.7%) had anti-HBs level 10 mIU/ml. All patients were HBsAg-negative and 22.2% of nonvaccinated subjects had evidence of HBV infection as determined by anti-HBc presence. Among patients with anti-HBc in 7/18 cases (38.9%) anti-HBc was the only marker of HBV infection (without anti-HBs). The prevalence of anti-HBc was significantly higher among patients who reported a history of acute hepatitis. In conclusion the prevalence of HBV markers in patients with HCV infection in north-eastern Poland is similar to the prevalence in general population, which suggests no increased risk for nosocomial HBV infection among those individuals. HCV infection seems to favour unusual serological pattern of HBV infection with anti-HBc as the only marker. HBV vaccine use is low among patients with HCV infection in north-eastern Poland.     

48例静脉药瘾者多重病毒感染临床分析

目的探讨静脉药瘾病毒性肝炎患者多重病毒感染率及转归。方法对48例静脉药瘾病毒性肝炎患者进行乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）、丙型肝炎病毒（HCV）、人免疫缺陷病毒（HIV）血清标志物及核酸测定,并进行临床分析。结果48例静脉药瘾病毒性肝炎患者中,HBV、HCV双重感染率为31.25%,HBV、HIV双重感染率为4.17%,HBV、HCV、HIV三重感染率为62.50%;重型肝炎者占70.83%。重型肝炎患者住院时间为（48.67±19.25）d,与同期住院的非药瘾重型肝炎患者住院时间（65.32±31.49）d相比,明显缩短（U=4.25,P＜0.01）。结论静脉药瘾者病毒重叠感染率高,且重型肝炎患者多,但相对非药瘾重型肝炎患者恢复较快。     

Serological Pattern of Hepatitis B, C, and HIV Infections Among Immigrants in Sicily: Epidemiological Aspects and Implication on Public Health

The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in a cohort of immigrants living in Palermo, Sicily. The study was carried out in the period May 2006–June 2010 and recruited a total of 393 patients (59.8% males—median age of 32.6 years). All patients were tested for serological markers of HBV, HCV, and HIV infection. One-hundred thirty-eight (35.1%) individuals did not show any HBV/HCV/HIV serological marker, while 186 (47.3%) were indicative of past or current HBV infection. A total of 42 (10.7%) subjects were HBsAg positive, 59 (15.0%) showed the serological profile “anti-HBc alone”, and only 40 (10.1%) were anti-HBs alone. Overall, 22/393 (5.6%) immigrants were anti-HCV positive and 13/327 (4.0%) were infected with HIV. Findings from this study suggest that a suitable screening protocol for the viral blood/sexually transmissible diseases is recommended on entering Italy, and the adoption of health control strategies should also be considered to safeguard the health of the local population.     

Measures to reduce HIV infection have not been successful to reduce the prevalence of HCV in intravenous drug users

The objective of the study was to determine whether measures taken to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection also lead to a reduction in the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among intravenous drug users (IDU). Antibodies to HCV, HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) were determined in IDU who voluntarily attended AIDS prevention and information centres for the first time between 1990 and 1996. Of the 5473 IDU studied, determination of HCV was done in 3238 cases. The prevalence of antibodies to HCV was 85%. During the first period studied (1990–1992), the prevalence of antibodies to HCV was 84.5%, during the second (1993–1994) 84.1% and during the third (1995–1996) 87%; in the case of HBV the prevalence during the three periods was 74.5, 67.6 and 66.8% respectively, and for HIV it was 41.9, 38.8 and 36.6% respectively (RR: 0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65–0.81). Among drug users addicted for less than 2 years, the trend of the prevalence of antibodies to HCV and HBV remained constant, while the prevalence of HIV infection decreased (RR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.42–0.89). Measures to prevent transmission of HIV in drug users do not lead to a reduction in the prevalence of HCV infection. Further study is necessary to obtain a better understanding of how HCV is transmitted among drug users in order to apply measures which are effective in preventing HCV infection.     

长沙地区无偿献血人群隐匿性乙型肝炎病毒感染情况分析

目的 了解长沙地区无偿献血人群隐匿性乙型肝炎病毒感染(occult hepatitis B virus infection,OBI)流行情况,探讨HBV基因型分布特征和S区氨基酸突变的情况。方法 对长沙地区检测结果为HBsAg-/HBV DNA+的无偿献血血液样本进行HBV血清标志物检测,对其中的OBI样本进行HBV病毒载量检测和S区基因扩增,分析血清学标志物抗HBs与病毒载量检出与否的关系,并对扩增产物进行HBV基因分型和突变位点分析。结果 2019年1月—2020年1月长沙地区173 893份无偿献血标本共确认58例OBI样本,OBI流行率为0.033%;共发现7种血清学模式,抗HBc单独阳性最多,占38.98%,所有样本中抗HBc阳性率为89.83%;16例样本能检测出病毒载量,其中14例样本浓度小于100 IU/ml;抗HBs阳性组和阴性组间的病毒载量检出率无统计学差异;75.0%(12/16)样本扩增出S区序列,基因型均为B型,均发生突变,其中11例的HBsAg抗原决定簇及周边主要亲水区域(major hydrophilic region, MHR)发生氨基酸突变。结论 长沙地区无偿献血者中的OBI感染率在全国属于偏低水平;HBV基因型主要是B型,MHR区的氨基酸突变可能是造成OBI的原因,突变有本地特点。