Prevalence and Correlates of HCV,HVB, and HIV Infection among Prison Inmates and Staff,Hungary

The aim of this national, multicenter, cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) among prisoners, and to identify related risk behaviors including injection drug use. Overall, 4,894 inmates from 20 prisons were enrolled. To have a comparison group, prison staff were also asked to take part. Altogether, 1,553 of the 4,894 inmates from seven prisons completed a questionnaire on risk behaviors. According to the survey, 1.5%, 4.9%, and 0.04% of the prisoners were tested positive for HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV, respectively. These prevalence data are among the lowest reported from prisons worldwide, although comparable to the Central European data. The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV in the Hungarian prison staff was low (0.38%, 0.47%, and 0%, respectively). The rate of HCV infection was significantly higher among inmates who have ever injected drugs (22.5%) than among inmates who reported they had never injected drugs (1.1%). This first prevalence study of illegal drug injection-related viral infections among Hungarian prisoners points out that ever injecting drugs is the main reason for HCV infection among inmates. The opportunity to reach drug users infected with HCV for treatment underlines the importance of screening programs for blood-borne viruses in prisons.     

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.     

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.     

A ten year serological survey of hepatitis A, B and C viruses infections in Nepal

BACKGROUND: In 1987, we reported that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Nepal was low, as compared to hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, and that no human T-lymphotropic type-1 (HTLV-1) infection was found in Nepal. OBJECTIVES: To determine changes in the prevalence of HAV, HBV, and HCV infections between 1987 and 1996 in inhabitants of Bhadrakali (suburban) and Kotyang (rural) villages in Nepal. STUDY DESIGN: We did a cross-sectional survey of 458 inhabitants of two Nepalese villages, to assess the prevalence of antibody to HAV (anti-HAV), antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to HCV (anti-HCV), and antibody to HTLV-I (anti-HTLV-I). RESULTS: Anti-HAV was detected in 454 (99.1%), HBsAg in 5 (1.1%), anti-HBc in 33 (7.2%) and anti-HCV in 8 (1.7%) of serum samples tested in 1996. Statistically significant differences by gender or age group were nil. The prevalence of HCV infection was significantly higher in 1996 than in 1987 after adjusting for age of subjects living in the two villages (p < 0.01). The prevalence of HBsAg was significantly higher in 1996 than 1987 in Bhadrakali after adjusting for the factor of age (p < 0.05). Between 1987 and 1996, evidence for HTLV-1 positive residents was nil. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that HAV has been endemic in Nepal for long time while not of HBV, and that HCV infection tends to be increased recently.     

厦门市区居民五型病毒性肝炎流行特征

按照全国五型病毒性肝炎血清流行病学调查方案，我市于１９９２年在居民中进行调查，以家庭为单位整群抽样，将１－５９岁居民作为调查对象，共采血样４０３份，共１８０户。各型肝炎总感染率为：ＨＡＶ６８．４９％ＨＶＢ７５．４３％、ＨＣＶ４．２２％、ＨＤＶ５０％、ＨＥＶ２０．６０％，ＨＢｓＡｇ阳性率１１．１７％、抗－ＨＢｃ５７．５７％、抗－ＨＢｓ４１．９４％、ＨＢｅＡｇ１．９９％。调查提示市区居民病毒性肝炎血清     

周口市无偿献血人群HBV、HCV和HIV的感染情况

目的分析周口市无偿献血人群乙型肝炎表面抗原(HBsAg),丙型肝炎病毒(HCV)、人类免疫缺陷病毒(HIV)感染情况,从而探讨周口市公民HBV、HCV、HIV感染者的感染率、分布及流行趋势。方法对2009—2010年11月无偿献血人群35 707例进行回顾性调查分析。结果无偿献血人群HBV、HCV、HIV感染率分别为6.29%、0.25%和0.008‰。结论该市应加强献血者的筛选以及对健康人群的预防接种和艾滋病危险性的宣传教育,从而减少HBV、HCV、HIV的感染。     

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.     

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.     

乙型肝炎病毒感染血清学标志与慢性感染自然史研究进展

乙型肝炎（乙肝）病毒（Hepatitis B Virus,HBV）感染的血清学标志主要有乙肝病毒表面抗原、乙肝病毒表面抗体、乙肝病毒e抗原（Hepatitis B e Antigen,HBeAg）、乙肝病毒e抗体和乙肝病毒核心抗体。慢性HBV感染自然史复杂、多样,与初次感染年龄、HBV载量、基因型、突变位点、HBeAg状态、丙氨酸氨基转移酶（Alanine Aminotransferase,ALT）水平、丙型肝炎病毒和／或丁型肝炎病毒合并感染及宿主免疫状态等有关。慢性HBV感染过程可分免疫耐受期、免疫清除期、低或无病毒复制期和病毒恢复活性期。部分HBeAg阴性、ALT高水平和HBV脱氧核糖核酸高滴度（〉10^5拷贝／ml）患者,可出现肝硬化、肝细胞癌和肝功能衰竭等肝脏相关综合征。现有证据表明,合理使用抗HBV药物可减少后遗症发生率和病死率。     

Pre-vaccine plasma levels of soluble inflammatory indices negatively predict responses to HAV,HBV, and tetanus vaccines in HCV and HIV infection

BackgroundChronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infections are associated with impaired responses to neo-antigens contained in hepatitis A virus (HAV)/hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines, yet responsible mechanisms are unclear.MethodsACTG 5232 and CFAR0910 were clinical trials where pre-vaccine levels of plasma IP10, IL-6, sCD163 and sCD14 were measured in viremic HCV- (n = 15) or HIV-infected participants (n = 24) and uninfected controls (n = 10). Accelerated dosing HAV/HBV vaccine and tetanus booster were administered and antibody response was measured at 0, 1, 3, 8, and 24 weeks.ResultsPre-vaccine plasma IP10, IL-6, and sCD14 levels were elevated in both HCV and HIV-infected participants, while sCD163 was also elevated in HCV-infected participants. Pre-immunization tetanus antibody levels were lower in HIV-infected than in uninfected participants, while vaccine induced antibody responses were intact in HCV and HIV-infected participants. After HAV/HBV vaccination, HCV and HIV-infected participants had lower and less durable HAV and HBV antibody responses than uninfected controls.Among HCV-infected participants, pre-vaccine plasma IP10, IL-6, sCD14, and sCD163 levels inversely correlated with HAV, HBV and tetanus antibody responses after vaccine. Low HAV/HBV vaccine responses in HIV-infected participants prohibited assessment of immune correlates.ConclusionsDuring HCV and HIV infection markers of systemic inflammation reflect immune dysfunction as demonstrated by poor response to HAV/HBV neo-antigen vaccine.     

Coinfections by HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C in imprisoned injecting drug users

In order to know the prevalence and risk factors for coinfections by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among injecting drug users (IDUs), a cross-sectional study was carried out in two prisons of the province of Cantabria, northern Spain. Three hundred and sixty-two IDU inmates were recruited. All inmates were interviewed and their blood tested for HIV, HBV and HCV. Crude and multiple risk factor adjusted for (by polychotomous logistic regression) odds ratios were calculated. Prevalence of HBV-HCV coinfection (42.5%) was higher than HIV-HBV-HCV coinfection (37.3%), whereas monoinfections were very uncommon (overall: 13%). Long-term injectors and reincarceration were the foremost risk factors for both coinfections, showing a trend between the degree of association and the number of viruses infecting a patient. No significant relationship between coinfection status and sexual practices was observed. The results related to coinfections are consistent with previous studies of prevalence and risk factors for HIV, HBV and HCV, in indicating that the high rates of coinfections among IDU inmates emphasise the need to harm-reduction policy across prisons in Spain.     

湖州市社区人群病毒性肝炎感染特征研究

目的了解湖州市社区人群病毒性肝炎的感染特征。方法对社区人群采用多阶段分层整群随机抽样方法抽取研究对象,进行个案调查和血清学检测。结果湖州市社区人群HAV、HBV、HCV、HDV、HEV标化感染率分别为55.74%、65.22%、0.12%、0%和38.88%。甲型肝炎总感染率城镇高于山区和平原水乡,感染率与年龄呈正相关。乙型肝炎总感染率男性高于女性,小年龄组即达较高水平;HBsAg携带率为4.14%,年龄分布呈中间高两头低,10岁以下携带率为0%;人群乙肝病毒标志物存在15种不同组合模式。戊型肝炎流行率地区间差异非常显著,城镇和平原水乡明显高于山区;流行率随年龄增长而逐渐上升。各型肝炎病毒混合感染比例较高,双重感染占37.52%。结论湖州市社区人群五型病毒性肝炎感染型别主要为HBV、HAV、HEV三种,流行特征各不相同,HEV感染率较高,HAV、HBV的感染率属中等水平,HCV、HDV的流行水平较低。     

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.     

42920例受检者HBV感染状况及血清学标志物结果分析

目的了解某院就诊人群乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)感染情况及其血清学标志物组型。方法采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测2001年1月-2003年12月就诊患者中的42920例受检者的HBV血清学标志物。结果HBV现症感染率高达27，16％，其中HBsAg，HBeAg，HBcAb均为阳性者占10.06％；HBsAg，HBeAb，HBcAb均为阳性者占13.87％；单项HBsAg阳性或HBsAg与HBcAb2项结果阳性者占3．16％；HBsAg，HBsAb，HBeAg，HBcAb 4项结果阳性60．05％；HBsAg，HBsAb，HBeAb，HBcAb4项结果阳性占0．02％。结论所检人群中HBV感染率高，血清学标志物组型多，医院应高度重视，以避免就诊时发生医院内交叉感染。     

Comparison between self-reported hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV antibody status and oral fluid assay results in Irish prisoners

Self-reported hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV infection status was compared with the results of oral fluid assays of antibodies to these viruses in prisoners from nine of the 15 prisons in the Republic of Ireland. A total of 1205 out of 1366 prisoners completed a confidential questionnaire and 1193 provided analysable oral fluid specimens for testing for antibodies to HBV core antigen (anti-HBc), HCV (anti-HCV), and HIV (anti-HIV). The self-reported prevalence of hepatitis infection (hepatitis B: 5%; hepatitis C: 19%) was lower than that derived from oral fluid assays (anti-HBc: 9%; anti-HCV: 37%). The self-reported prevalence of HIV infection was similar to that found by oral fluid assay (2%). Many discrepancies were found between self-reported results and the results of oral fluid assays. Of those who reported being positive for HBV, HCV, or HIV, 48%, 5%, and 58%, respectively, tested negative on the oral fluid assay. Of those who reported a previous negative test result for HBV, HCV, or HIV, 10%, 37%, and 2%, respectively, had positive oral fluid assays. Self-reports of hepatitis and HIV infection status are unreliable and should not be used as a basis for planning preventive and treatment services for prisoners. All prisoners should have the opportunity to be tested for HBV, HCV, and HIV infection.     

Occupational risk of blood-borne viruses in healthcare workers: a 5-year surveillance program.

OBJECTIVE: This study presents the results of a 5-year surveillance program involving the prospective follow-up of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the Veneto region of Italy exposed to blood-borne viruses. DESIGN: All HCWs who reported an occupational exposure to blood-borne infection joined the surveillance program. Both HCWs and patients were tested for viral markers (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen [anti-HBs], antibody to hepatitis B core antigen [anti-HBc], antibody to hepatitis C virus [anti-HCV], HCV RNA, and antibody to human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) and had these markers plus transaminases assayed at 3, 6, and 12 months and then yearly thereafter. Moreover, a program of hepatitis B virus (HBV) prophylaxis was offered to those whose anti-HBs levels were less than 10 IU/mL. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred forty-five HCWs (156 women and 89 men) with a mean age of 37 (+/- 10) years who reported occupational exposure during the 5-year period. RESULTS: At the time of exposure, 1 HCW was positive for HBsAg (0.4%) and 2 were positive for HCV RNA (0.8%). Among the patients involved, 28 (11.4%) were positive for HBsAg, 68 (27.8%) were positive for HCV RNA, 6 (2.4%) were positive for HIV, and 147 (60.0%) were negative for all viral markers (4 patients were positive for both HCV and HIV). During the follow-up period after exposure (mean, 2.7 [+/- 1.6] years), there was no increase in transaminases or seroconversions to any of the viral markers. CONCLUSION: Our accurate postexposure follow-up revealed a lack of transmission of HBV, HCV, and HIV.     

Hepatitis infection among adolescents resident in Melbourne Juvenile Justice Centre: risk factors and challenges.

OBJECTIVE: To describe patterns of infection with, and risks for, hepatitis A, B and C viruses (HAV, HBV, and HCV) in male adolescents detained in the Melbourne Juvenile Justice Centre (MJJC). METHODS: A cross-sectional serosurvey for HAV, HBV, and HCV among 90 male adolescents aged 15-18 years who were resident in MJJC for more than 1 week in 1996. RESULTS: Nine percent had been exposed to HAV, 8% were positive or equivocal for exposure to HBV, and 21% were antibody positive for HCV. All those with hepatitis markers except one positive for HAV had been injection heroin users for more than 1 year. Of those who were not HBcAb positive, only 28% were immune to HBV. For most respondents, sexual and drug-using risks began in the early teens and were associated with leaving school prematurely. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents were vulnerable to exposure to blood-borne viruses from an early age, posing a challenge for health education programs. An opportunity exists for harm minimization and prevention of spread of blood-borne viruses within the first year of injection drug use in this population.     

贵阳地区性乱者血清抗HCV的调查

对208例性乱、107例献血员作血清丙型肝炎病毒抗体(抗HCV)、部分乙肝病毒标志(HBVM)检测。结果献血员抗HCV阳性率1.87%,性乱者8.65%,其中伴性病者为12.7%,不伴性病者4.1%。性乱者抗HCV阳性率在男、女各年龄组间无明显差异,HCV合并HBV感染率达72.2%。结果提示,性乱者中有着不可忽视的HCV感染率,感染率高低与伴发性病或HBV感染有关。     

广东省1995～2001年HIV抗体阳性献血员合并HBV、HCV、梅毒感染状况调查

目的 了解广东省1995～2001年献血员HIV流行的特征及与其他传染病合并感染情况，为制定HIV经血源传播防治策略提供依据。方法 收集1995～2001年广东省HIV抗体阳性献血员资料进行分析，并进行HBV、HCV和梅毒血清学检测。结果 1995～2001年，广东省累计HIV抗体阳性献血员167例，占全省报告HIV感染总数的5．44％(167／3072)，且献血员中HIV抗体阳性人数逐年增长。167例病例中以男性为多(88．02％)；年龄主要集中在20～29岁组(55．09％)；病例送检地区以广州、深圳和东莞为主；其原籍主要是广东省和河南省。128例肌，抗体阳性献血员中抗-HCV、梅毒抗体及HBsAg阳性率分别为79．69％、7．81％及3．13％，HIV／HCV／梅毒、HIV／HBV／HCV、HIV／HBV／梅毒三重感染率分别为7．81％、3．13％及0，未发现四重感染。结论 广东省肌，抗体阳性献血员合并HCV和梅毒感染率高。应加强献血员的筛查及流动人口的管理，以控制HIV,HBV和HCV经献血员向一般人群传播。