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.     

广西肝癌高发区壮族自然人群中流行的HCV,HBV的分子生物学研究

在广西肝癌高发区壮族自然人群中采集血清标本１７７６人份，采用ＥＬＩＳＡ方法检测抗－ＨＣＶ、ＨＢｓＡｇ，ＰＣＲ技术检测ＨＣＶ－ＲＮＡ、ＨＢＶ－ＤＮＡ，并对ＨＣＶ－ＲＮＡ阳性的６９份标本采用型特异性引物进行基因分型。结果显示：（１）研究人群中ＨＣＶ－ＲＮＡ阳性率为３．８８％；（２）流行的ＨＣＶ基因以Ｉ型或与其它型别的混合感染为主；（３）Ｉ型感染者中ＬＡＴ的异常率高于其它型别的感染者；（４）当地ＨＣＶ伴     

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses infection in chronic alcoholics with or without liver disease in Ioannina, Greece: Low incidence of HCV infection

Intravenous heroin abusers comprise a high risk group for hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) infection. Chronic alcoholics with liver disease (LD) also comprise a high risk group for HBV infection whereas the frequency of antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) ranges from 27–42.6%. In this study, HBV and HCV infection markers were determined in alcoholic patients with (83 patients) or without LD (68 patients) in order to assess the prevalence of these markers (HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb and anti-HCV). The reason for the study was a lack of established data in this group of patients in Greece. The disease control groups consisted of 70 non-alcoholic hospitalized patients and 60 heroin addicts, whereas 1342 healthy blood donors were also investigated. Our results showed significantly increased prevalence of HBV infection markers in chronic alcoholic patients compared to healthy controls and non-alcoholic hospitalized patients. The findings were independent of the presence or absence of LD. In contrast to heroin addicts, where anti-HCV antibodies were observed in 90%, there was no difference in the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in chronic alcoholics (with or without LD), nonalcoholic hospitalized patients or healthy controls. In conclusion, we found that in this area of northwestern Greece, chronic alcoholics, independent of the presence of LD, comprise a high risk group for HBV infection but very rarely have HCV infection. The latter finding may reflect technical or socioeconomic differences regarding the lifestyle of our patients, and our population in general.     

Prevalence of markers for hepatitis A, B and C in the German population. Results of the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998

The prevalence of serological parameters indicative of infection with hepatitis A, B and C was determined using sera collected from representative population samples in the former East German (new) federal states and the West German (old) federal states during the German National Health and Examination Survey in 1998. Sera were tested for antibodies to hepatitis A virus (HAV), to hepatitis B core antigen (HBc) and to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C Virus (HCV), as well as for the presence of HBsAg and HCV-RNA. The mean weighted prevalence of anti-HAV was 46.5% (95% CI: 45.3–47.7) and increased markedly with age. The mean weighted prevalence of past infection with hepatitis B was 7.7% (95% CI: 7.0–8.4) in the old federal states and 4.3% (95% CI: 3.2–5.3) in the new federal states, corresponding to an overall prevalence of 7.0% (95% CI: 6.4–7.6). The mean weighted prevalence of HBsAg carriage was 0.6% (95% CI: 0.4–0.8), while the prevalence of HCV antibodies was 0.4% (95% CI: 0.2–0.5).     

Viral co-infections in hepatitis C: HBV, HBV-C/HGV and TTV studies

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The prevalence of co-infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and novel hepatitis viruses GBV-C (Hepatitis G virus, HGV) and TT virus (TTV) in chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection has been studied. In patients with chronic hepatitis C and in asymptomatic healthy HCV carriers, the influence of these agents on the course of HCV infection was assessed. METHODS: a total of 110 HCV-positive individuals, among them 77 patients with chronic hepatitis C--50 of them treated with interferon (IFN)--and 33 HCV carriers with normal alanine aminotransferase have been investigated. HBV-DNA, HGV RNA and TTV DNA were detected by PCR, to determine HBsAg and anti-HBc ELISA technic has been used. RESULTS: In the healthy population, the prevalence of anti-HCV was 0.3%, HBsAg 0.09%, anti-HBc 2.5%, HGV RNA 8.0% and TTV DNA 18.5%, respectively. In chronic hepatitis C HBsAg (accompanied with HBV-DNA) occurred in 1.29%, anti-HBc 25.97%, HGV RNA in 9.09% and TTV DNA in 40.25% of cases. In IFN-treated patients with sustained remission, the frequency of TTV was 20% vs. 45.7% found in non-responders. Among asymptomatic HCV-carriers, the prevalence of anti-HBc was 27.27%, HGV RNA 9.09% and TTV DNA 75.7% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Neither previous HBV infection, nor HGV RNA and TTV DNA had apparent effect on the course of chronic HCV infection. TTV was detected with the lowest frequency in persons with sustained remission due to IFN, suggesting antiviral effect of IFN on TTV.     

HBV、HCV和HGV的感染对HCC家庭聚集性的影响

为了研究乙、丙、庚型肝炎病毒感染在原发性肝癌家庭聚集性中的作用，本文应用PCR方法对肝癌病、低发家庭成员进行了HBV-DNA、HCV-RNA和HGV-RNA检测。结果发现，高发户成员和无癌户成员中HBV-DNA和HGV-RNA的阳性率分别为21．8％（12／55）、36．4％（20／55）和7．3％（4／55）、14．5％（8／55）（P＜0．01）。HCV-RNA阳性率分别为10．9％（6／55）和21．8％（12／55）（P＞0．05）。HBV＋HCV、HCV＋HGV、HGV＋HBV、HBV＋HCV＋HGV的重叠感染率分别为3．6％（2／55）、3．6％（2／55）、14．5％（8／55）、3．6％（2／55）和1．8％（1／55）、9．1％（5／55）、1．8％（1／55）、0．0％（0／55），其中HBV＋HGV重叠感染模式两组有明显差异（P＜0．05），其余各模式无明显差异。结果提示，HBV和HGV的感染可能是HCC家庭聚集原因之一，而HBV＋HGV重叠感染模式较其他模式与HCC家庭聚集性关系更为密切。     

福州市健康人群中乙肝病毒感染的检测分析

目的了解福州市健康人群中乙肝病毒感染情况及HBV流行株的基因分布特性,为福州市乙型肝炎防制工作提供科学依据。方法采用ELISA方法检测乙肝病毒免疫学标志物,应用荧光定量PCR检测HBV-DNA含量,用型特异性引物套式PCR进行乙型病毒基因分型。结果1710份样品中HBsAg、HBsAb、HBeAg、HBeAb、HBcAb阳性率分别为12.51%、50.23%、2.40%、16.73%、60.18%;201份HBsAg阳性样品中HBV-DNA阳性率为76.12%;HBV-DNA阳性标本中,B型62份(41.89%)、C型57份(38.51%)、B、C混合型7份(4.73%)、未能分型22份(14.86%)。结论福州市健康人群中HBsAg携带率为12.51%,高于全国平均水平,HBV基因型以B、C型为主,应该加强乙肝的预防控制工作。     

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.     

用两次聚合酶链反应检测血清中丙型肝炎病毒核糖核酸

应用丙型肝炎病毒核酸序列中的两对引物F-1(1—21),R-1(324—304),F-3(28—48),R-3(284—264),对4名抗-HCV阳性的献血员血清进行了两次聚合酶链反应("nested"PCR),经电泳鉴定1例为阳性,核酸长度为257bp。这一方法的建立为我国开展丙型肝炎病毒核糖核酸(HCV RNA)的检测提供了可能性。     

乙型肝炎病毒前S1抗原的检测及其临床意义

目的探讨乙型肝炎病毒前S1抗原(PreS1Ag)在临床上的应用价值.方法采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)和聚合酶链反应(PCR)方法,对319例乙型病毒性肝炎(以下简称乙肝)患者和30例健康人分别检测HBV标志、PreS1抗原和乙肝病毒-脱氧核糖核酸(HBV-DNA).结果 319例乙型肝炎患者中PreS1抗原和HBV-DNA的检出率分别为51.7%和56.1%,两种方法符合率为92.1%;PreS1Ag在HBeAg阳性(1/3/5)和HBeAg阴性(1/4/5)中的阳性率分别为88.4%、31.1%,HBV-DNA在HBeAg阳性(1/3/5)和HBeAg阴性(1/4/5)中的阳性率分别为91.1%、34.1%,HBV-DNA检出率稍高于PreS1抗原的检出率,但两者的检出率差异无显著性(P＞0.05).结论乙肝病毒PreS1抗原与HBeAg阳性、HBV-DNA阳性呈高度相关,PreS1抗原可与HBeAg、HBV-DNA同时作为HBV存在复制和传染性的重要检测指标.     

Prevalence,risk factors and evaluation of a screening strategy for chronic hepatitis C and B virus infections in healthy company employees

A cross-sectional study was carried out in employees of 17 Greek companies with the aim of assessing the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) virus, identifying associated prognostic/risk factors and evaluating the effectiveness of a questionnaire as a pre-screening tool. All participants were asked to complete a questionnaire and a random sample of them was asked to provide a blood sample for hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis C (anti-HCV) testing. Individual questions or combinations of them were evaluated in terms of their ability to detect HBV or HCV(+) cases. Of 9085 eligible employees, 6074 (67%) completed the questionnaire. Of 990 samples obtained, 19.9% were anti-HBc(+), 2.6% HBsAg(+) and 0.5% anti-HCV(+). All anti-HCV(+) cases had multiple parenteral risk factors. Multiple logistic regression identified associations between anti-HBc and older age, family members with chronic hepatitis, job category and history of transfusion before 1992. HBsAg(+) was associated with older age and history of transfusion before 1992. None of the risk/prognostic factors had sufficient sensitivity and specificity for HBV but report of at least one risk factor identified all HCV(+) cases. Anti-HCV screening of those with at least two parenteral risk factors not only identified all anti-HCV(+) cases but also resulted in 86% decrease in the screening cost. Under the light of recent treatment advances, targeted questionnaire-based screening of asymptomatic people may prove to be a cost-effective way to face hepatitis C.     

Hepatitis B and C virus infections in Turkish children with cancer

In this study, we tested 137 Turkish children with cancer (51 with acute leukemia, 48 with lymphoma, 38 with solid tumors) while they were undergoing chemotherapy, and a control group of 45 for evidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The control group included children with other disease who had applied to the outpatient clinic during the study period and had no history of jaundice or transfusion. Sixty-five (47.4%) patients with cancer and 7 (20%) children in the control group were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (p < 0.01). HBV DNA was detected in 59 (43.1%) patients and in 9 (20%) controls (p < 0.01). HCV specific antibody (anti-HCV) was detected in 8 (5.8%) patients and in 1 (2.2%) control (p > 0.05). Eight patients (5.8%) had circulating HCV RNA, but none had in the control group (p = 0.09). Ten (13.9%) of the 72 patients who were negative for HBsAg had circulating HBV DNA, and 7 (5.4%) of the 129 patients who were negative for anti-HCV had circulating HCV RNA. We concluded that HBV and HCV infections are common among Turkish children with cancer. In countries where HBV infection is widespread among the general population as in Turkey, children with cancer are under greater risk for HBV infection.     

Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus in hemodialysis patients and renal transplant recipients

This work was carried out to study the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, its associated risk factors and possible routes of transmission in hemodialysis patients and renal transplant recipients. Ninety five patients and 15 normal controls were included in this study. Patients were classified into 3 groups: Group I (64 hemodialysis patients), Group II (16 renal transplant recipients) and Group III (15 patients with chronic renal insufficiency on conservative treatments). Each individual was subjected to full clinical examination, estimation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), testing for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and core antigen (anti-HBc) by modified ELISA technique. Anti-HCV was found in 87.5% of hemodialysis patients, 81.25% of renal transplant patients, 53.3% of the conservative group and in 13.3% of the control group. There was a significant correlation between the presence of anti-HCV and the duration on dialysis in groups I and II (p < 0.05), while no significant correlation was detected between HCV positive cases and the number of units of transfused blood in groups I and II (p > 0.05). Serum ALT was elevated in patients with HCV infection, but there was no significant correlation between the presence of anti-HCV and elevated ALT level among the examined groups of patients (p > 0.05). The prevalence of HCV infection was not correlated with the duration of renal transplantation and the type of immunosuppressive therapy (p > 0.05). Coinfection with HBV and HCV could occur, as previous infection with HBV was demonstrated. Anti-HBc was found in 51.8%, 66.7%, 37.5% of anti-HCV positive patients in groups I, II, II respectively. Anti-HBs was detected in 24.1% and 15.4% of anti-HCV positive in groups I and II. HBsAg was found only in 4.7% of anti-HCV positive hemodialysis.     

乙型和丙型肝炎病毒重叠感染的研究

目的　为了解乙型肝炎患者重叠感染丙型肝炎病毒（ＨＣＶ） 的状况,并探讨乙型肝炎病毒（ＨＢＶ） 、ＨＣＶ 重叠感染时ＨＣＶ 对ＨＢＶ 复制的影响。方法　应用ＥＬＩＳＡ 法对７１２ 例乙型肝炎患者进行了血清抗－ ＨＣＶ 检测和乙型肝炎病毒标志检测。结果　７１２ 例乙型肝炎患者血清抗－ ＨＣＶ阳性率为１４ ．４７ ％ ,其中重型肝炎患者血清抗－ ＨＣＶ 阳性率最高（４８ ．９８ ％ ） ,急性肝炎患者最低（３．２５ ％ ） 。在不同临床类型的乙型肝炎患者之间,血清抗－ ＨＣＶ 阳性率存在显著性差异（ Ｐ＜ ０ ．００１）,显示病情越重,病程越长,血清抗－ ＨＣＶ 阳性率越高;在ＨＢＶ 和ＨＣＶ 重叠感染的患者中,血清ＨＢｓＡｇ、ＨＢｅＡｇ 和抗－ ＨＢｃＩｇＭ 阳性率低于乙型肝炎患者（ Ｐ＜ ０ ．００１ ,Ｐ＜ ０ ．００１ 和Ｐ＜０ ．０５） ,而血清抗－ ＨＢｅ 阳性率高于乙型肝炎患者（ Ｐ＜ ０ ．０１）,均有显著的统计学意义。结论　乙型肝炎患者重叠感染ＨＣＶ 与病情加重和慢性化的形成有关,并使ＨＢＶ 的复制受到抑制。     

荧光定量PCR检测慢性乙肝患者外周血单个核细胞乙肝病毒 DNA

目的探讨定量检测慢性乙肝患者外周血单个核细胞(PBMC)乙型肝炎病毒DNA(HBV-DNA)的临床意义.方法采用荧光定量PCR检测PBMC及血清中HBV-DNA含量.结果 49例慢性乙肝患者PBMC及血清中HBV-DNA阳性率分别为44.9%(22/49),51.0%(25/49),两者阳性率无统计学意义的差异(P＞0.05),具有一致性;血清HBV-DNA高水平组PBMC的HBV-DNA含量与低水平组比较,两者有统计学意义差异(P＜0.01);血清HBV- DNA高水平组PBMC的HBV-DNA阳性率(100%)与血清低水平组PBMC的HBV-DNA阳性率(42.9%)比较,两者有统计学意义的差异(P＜0.05);在24例血清HBV-DNA阴性患者中,发现5例PBMC HBV-DNA阳性.结论 PBMC的HBV-DNA检测可反映病毒在体内的复制程度,是对慢乙肝患者血清HBV-DNA检测有意义的补充,有助于临床上对慢乙肝患者血清病毒复制状态的了解及指导治疗用药.     

HBsAg阴性的慢性HC病人血清中HBV-DNA检测

目的:检测慢性HC病人血清中HBV—DNA阳性率。方法:用巢式PCR对3 8例HBsAg阴性的HC病人作HBV—DNA检测,选出3 0例慢性HB病人血清作对照组。结果:测定组HBV—DNA阳性为4 5 % ( 1 7/ 3 8) ,血清转氨酶值、肝炎活动度、肝纤维化程度、HBV感染标志物等指标在2种HC病人(HBV—DNA阴性和阳性)中差异均无显著性(P >0 .0 5 )。结论:用PCR可以在一部分HBsAg阴性的慢性HC病人血清中检测到HBV—DNA。HBV可能抑制HCV复制。用PCR多次重复测定HBV—DNA可以作为排除HCV、HBV混合感染的方法。     

HCV-RNA载量与抗HCV阳性率及ALT异常率的相关性分析

目的分析实时荧光PCR定量检测HCV-RNA载量与酶联免疫吸附法检测抗-HCV和丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)水平之间的相关性。方法采用实时荧光定量PCR(FQ-PCR)技术和酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA),对258例疑似HCV感染阳性的血清检测HCV-RNA和抗-HCV,并同时检测ALT。结果 258例样本中HCV-RNA的阳性率为64.7%(167/258),抗-HCV的阳性率为67.1%(173/258),ALT异常率为56.2%(145/258)。抗-HCV阳性率和ALT异常率随着HCV-RNA载量升高而增加。结论 HCV-RNA载量与抗HCV(+)和ALT异常率均呈正相关性,三者联合检测可以大大降低HCV漏诊率。     

Hepatitis C virus infection in family setting

To evaluate risk factors associated with intrafamiliar transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV), 113 hepatitis C virus index subjects with chronic HCV infection and their 267 family contacts were studied from January 1994 to October 1995. Overall, 16 family contacts (6%) were positive for anti-HCV by ELISA II generation. The prevalence was 11.3% in spouses and 2.9% in other relatives (odds ratios: 4.2; 95% CI: 1.4–12.6). Spouses who had been married to the index cases longer than 20 years had a 7.5–fold risk (95% CI: 1.0–336.3) of HCV seropositivity as compared to those married less than 20 years. In univariate analysis HCV seropositivity was associated with surgical intervention, use of glass syringes and hospitalization. The results of multivariate logistic analysis showed that any parenteral exposure (odds ratios: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.2–12.8) and sexual contact with an anti-HCV index case (odds ratios: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.0–9.4) were both independent predictors of HCV seropositivity among household contacts of HCV positive index cases. These findings indicate that sexual contact and any parenteral exposure both play an independent role in the spread of HCV infection in the family setting.     

The occurrence of hepatitis B and C viruses in Pakistani patients with chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma.

To study the occurrence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Pakistan, blood samples from 105 sequential patients with biopsy-proven CLD (n = 82) and HCC (n = 23) were tested for HBV and HCV markers. Of the 105, 87 (83%) had evidence of hepatitis B exposure, 58 (55%) were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), 23 (22%) had hepatitis C antibodies and 25 (24%) had detectable HCV RNA. Significantly more patients with HCC had evidence of HBV exposure in the absence of HCV markers (49/82 vs. 20/23, odds ratio 4.49, 95% CI 1.17-25.16). The proportion of patients positive for HBsAg with no HCV markers was also significantly higher in the HCC group (34/82 vs. 18/23, odds ratio 5.08, 95% CI 1.59-18.96). There were more patients with only HCV markers in the CLD group than the HCC group but the difference was not statistically significant (19/82 vs. 1/23, odds ratio 6.63, 95% CI 0.93-288.01). A modified non-isotopic restriction fragment length polymorphism study on PCR products was used to investigate the epidemiology of HCV genotypes in Pakistan. Due to depletion of the initial samples, a second series of specimens collected one year afterwards was used. Fifteen out of 40 samples had amplifiable product and all were identified as type 3. A commercial serological typing method on the same samples also confirmed that type 3 was the predominant HCV genotype in Pakistan.     

乙肝HBV DNA荧光定量检测与乙肝五项及perS1的相关性分析

目的分析乙肝五项及PreS1-Ag联合检测与HBV-DNA结果的一致性,探讨三者的相关性。方法分别采用ELISA、PCR的方法对328例乙肝患者进行HBV五项、前S1抗原及HBV-DNA的检测。结果在HBsAg(+)HBeAg(+)HBcAb(+)的模式下,HBV-DNA、PreS1-Ag的阳性率分别为81.0%、79.4%,在HBsAg(+)HBeAg(+)的模式下,HBV-DNA、PreS1-Ag的阳性率分别为85.7%、80.0%,两者的检出率差异无统计学意义(P0.05);在HBsAg(+)HBeAb(+)HBcAb(+)模式下,HBV-DNA、PreS1-Ag的阳性率分别为40.8%、35.7%,在HBsAg(+)HBcAb(+)模式下,HBV-DNA、PreS1-Ag的阳性率分别为54.5%、48.5%,在HBsAg(+)HBeAb(+)模式下,HBV-DNA、PreS1-Ag的阳性率分别为50.0%、50.0%,在HBsAg(+)模式下,HBV-DNA、PreS1-Ag的阳性率分别为100%、100%。PreS1-Ag和HBeAg的阳性检出率在HBV-DNA阳性与阴性标本中差异均有统计学意义(P0.005)。结论 PreS1-Ag、乙肝五项及HBV-DNA的结果密切关联,联合检测PreS1-Ag、乙肝五项能够很好的反映乙肝病毒的复制及传染性,对于乙肝的诊治具有指导意义。