The effect of Hepatitis D co-infection on the immunologic and molecular profile of Hepatitis B in asymptomatic Chronic Hepatitis B patients in southwest Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Hepatitis D infection causes severe form of viral hepatitis in humans and only affects those with hepatitis B either as a co-infection or superinfection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis D and its effect on the immunologic and molecular profile of Hepatitis B among asymptomatic Chronic Hepatitis B patients in Abeokuta.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 99 chronic HBV patient who met the inclusion criteria. All the patients were tested for HBsAg, anti HCV, HDV antigen, anti HDV, HBsAg quantification, and HBV DNA quantification. Associations were tested for and P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The participants included 53 (58%) male and 38 (42%) females with ages ranging from 18 to 69 (means 39 ± 11) years. Ten (11%) participants were positive for HDV-Ag while 1 (1.1%) was positive for anti-HDV. Five (5.5%) were positive for HIV 1 &2 while 1 (1.1%) was positive for anti HCV. HBV DNA quantification ranged from 15 to 17,000,000 IU/ml while HBsAg quantification ranged from 0.25 to45,520 IU/ml. There was no statistically significant relationship between HDV-Ag and age (p = .51), sex (p = .73), HBV DNA (p = .8) and HBsAg quantification (p = 1).

Conclusion: The prevalence of HDV-Ag among asymptomatic treatment naïve chronic hepatitis B patients in Abeokuta was 11% and there was no significant difference in the levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg among those with or without hepatitis D.     

Use of the Abbott Architect HIV antigen/antibody assay in a low incidence population

BackgroundWith the availability of 4th generation HIV diagnostic tests which are capable of detecting acute infection, Iowa evaluated the 3rd and 4th generation HIV test and compared the performance of these products in a low incidence population.ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate the performance of an HIV antigen/antibody combination (4th generation) assay compared to an EIA 3rd generation assay.Study designOver a 4 month period, 2037 specimens submitted for HIV screening were tested by Bio-Rad GS HIV-1/HIV-2 Plus O EIA and the Abbott Architect i1000SR HIV Ag/Ab Combo. The performance characteristics of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were determined.ResultsOf the 2037 specimens tested, there were 13 (0.64%) true positives detected. None of the positive specimens were from patients in the acute phase of infection. The Abbott antigen/antibody combo assay had a sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive value and negative predictive value of 100%, 99.85%, 81.25%, and 100% respectively. The Bio-Rad EIA assay had a sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive value and negative predictive value of 100%, 99.80%, 76.47% and 100%, respectively. The EIA had four false positive results which tested negative by the antigen/antibody assay and western blot.ConclusionIn a low-incidence state where early infections are less commonly encountered, the EIA assay and the antigen/antibody assay performed with near equivalency. The antigen/antibody assay had one less false positive result. While no patients were detected in the acute stage of infection, the use of the antigen/antibody assay presents the opportunity to detect an infected patient sooner and prevent transmission to others.     

Evaluation of a simultaneous HIV antigen and antibody detection test in Korean population

Current diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection relies on the detection of anti-HIV antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Recently, kits detecting both p24 antigenemia and anti-HIV/anti-HIV2 antibodies have been developed. Thus, it is necessary to compare those kits developed as such. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of a simultaneous detection test of p24 antigen and anti-HIV1/2 antibodies in a low prevalence area. Eight hundred and four randomly selected sera proven negative for HIV infection and 110 sera from 54 patients diagnosed as HIV infected, obtained between 1999 and 2000, were used for this study. One commercial lot of panels composed of consecutive sera obtained from known HIV-infected patient was included. Anti-HIV1/2 antibodies were detected by two different commercial ELISA kits, one from Korean and the other from German manufacturer. P24 antigen test was performed by ELISA. The simultaneous HIV antigen and antibody detection test was carried out. In the meantime, HIV RNA PCR and anti-HIV and anti-HIV2 western blot assays were also performed to confirm the test results in cases the test results didn't agree. The simultaneous detection kit showed 100% sensitivity and 99.6% specificity. Furthermore, the test displayed the possibility of earlier diagnosis than conventional anti-HIV1/2 ELISA with the results obtained from a group of consecutive panel sera infected with HIV. From these results, we concluded that the simultaneous HIV antigen and antibody detection test can be applied as a substitute clinical screening test in the place of conventional anti-HIV1/2 ELISA, and there is the probable benefit of early diagnosis.     

国产丙型肝炎病毒NS3抗原的质量检定

目的为了研究我国丙型肝炎病毒（ＨＣＶ）诊断试剂用抗原的质量，加快改进丙型肝炎病毒抗体诊断试剂。方法特选国内“八五”攻关课题研究出的丙型肝炎ＮＳ３抗原和目前我国的主要使用的两种国外丙型肝炎ＮＳ３抗原，建立了单片段检测ＮＳ３抗体的试剂，对ＮＳ３抗原质量利用我国抗－ＨＣＶ第二代国家检验参考品以及中国药品生物制品检定所最近收集的部分血清样品，对其抗原性进行了比较研究。结果发现我国生产单位对ＮＳ３抗原的纯化条件及在试剂中的组装条件的研究尚嫌薄弱，使得在利用这些ＮＳ３抗原组成诊断试剂检测时出现了检出率较低及假阳性等问题。结论提示国内有关单位应加强对这方面的研究。     

Immunosuppressive therapy and hepatitis C virus infection: the clinical course of liver disease

In a retrospective long-term follow-up study the clinical course of liver disease was examined in renal allograft recipients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and negative hepatitis B surface antigen under immunosuppressive therapy. We compared 42 anti-HCV antibody (anti-HCV) positive patients (study group) to 213 anti-HCV negative patients (control group). All patients received immunosuppressive therapy. Measurements were made of the following: aminotransferases, bilirubin, albumin, gammaglobulins, ascites, spleen diameter, HCV RNA, and anti-HCV antibody. We found all but four anti-HCV positive patients to be HCV RNA positive prior to transplantation. There were no differences in overall mortality or mortality secondary to liver disease or sepsis. Normal liver enzymes were found in 13 (31%) anti-HCV positive and in 137 (64%) anti-HCV negative patients during the whole mean observation period of 65 months (range 10–215). Aminotransferase activity decreased in anti-HCV positive and negative patients during the observation period. Liver function with regard to synthesis and excretion was normal in anti-HCV negative and anti-HCV positive patients. No signs of portal hypertension were observed in the anti-HCV positive group. Neither the different immunosuppressive regimens nor the antirejection therapy led to differences between anti-HCV positive and negative groups with respect to liver function and did not alter the clinical course. We conclude that HCV infection in patients under immunosuppressive therapy causes only a mild liver disease, as determined by clinicochemical and clinical parameters, and that mortality rate is not increased.Abbreviations ALT Alanine aminotransferase - AST Aspartate aminotransferase - CMV Cytomegalovirus - EBV Epstein-Barr virus - ELISA Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay - HBsAg Hepatitis B surface antigen - HCV Hepatitis C virus     

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C and relationship to liver damage in HIV infected patients attending Joint Clinical Research Centre Clinic (JCRC), Kampala,Uganda

Background

Hepatitis B and C viruses cause death due to liver disease worldwide among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive individuals. Hepatitis B (HBV) and HIV have similar routes of transmission primarily; sexual, intravenous injections and prenatal while hepatitis C (HCV) is transmitted mainly through blood transfusion. Human immunodeficiency virus increases the pathological effect of hepatitis viruses and potentiates re-activation of latent hepatitis infections as a result of reduced immunity. The increase in use of antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs has led to longer period for patient survival and apparent increase in liver disease among HIV positive individuals.

Objective

This study aimed at determining the prevalence of HBV, HCV, their co-infection with HIV and their effect on liver cell function

Method

This was a cross sectional study conducted at the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) among HIV positive individuals attending the clinic. Patients were enrolled after obtaining a signed informed consent or assent for children below 17 years. Serum samples were collected for detection of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HCV specific antibodies and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) liver enzyme.

Results

Of the 89 patients enrolled, 20 (22.5%) had at least one hepatitis virus, 15 tested positive for HBsAg (16.9%) and 5 for HCV (5.6%), one had both viruses. Hepatitis B was more prevalent among women (13 out of 57, 22.8%) than men, (2 out of 32, 6.2%), while HCV was higher among men (4 out of 32, 12.5%) than women (1 out of 57, 1.8%). Seven of 89 patients (7.9%) had elevated ALT, indicative of liver cell injury. Of these with liver cell injury, one individual tested positive for HBsAg and another one individual tested positive for HCV specific antibodies.

Conclusion

The prevalence of HBV is high in HIV positive individuals with more women commonly infected. The Prevalence of HCV is lower than that of HBV with more men commonly infected. Co-infection of Hepatitis B and C viruses was uncommon. This study reveals a high prevalence of liver cell injury among HIV positive individuals although the injury due to HBV or HCV infection was lower than that which has been documented. From this study, the high prevalence of HBV and HCV among HIV positive individuals point to a need for screening of HIV positive individuals for the hepatitis viruses.     

Low risk of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus by a solvent-detergent-treated commercial factor VIII concentrate.

A study evaluating the risk of a commercial factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate's transmitting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was carried out on hemophiliacs, by using multiple serological markers and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Twenty-nine hemophiliacs, negative for HIV antibodies, were treated for 18 months with a concentrate that had been inactivated by solvent-detergent. HIV-1 antibodies and antigen were assayed during the follow-up period. At the end of the study, all patients were also tested by the HIV 1 + 2 combined antibody assay; Western blot (WB) antibody analysis; and in eight cases, by an HIV-1 PCR technique. Patients received a yearly median FVIII dose of 35,330 IU (range 3,300-306,000); the median number of lots given to each patient was 6 (1-45). During the follow-up period and at the end of the study, HIV-1 antibodies and antigen were not detected in any of the subjects. The HIV 1 + 2 combined assay and WB analysis carried out only at the end of the study were negative. HIV-1 PCR was negative in all the tested patients. This study has shown that this solvent-detergent-treated FVIII concentrate did not transmit HIV.     

Co–circulation of different genotype,sub-genotype and serotypes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its epidemiology in Assam: A north-eastern state of India

PurposeHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem. HBV has different genotypes and subgenotypes with geographical distinctiveness. Aims: To study the molecular epidemiology and distribution pattern of HBV in Assam; a distinct state of India that may have different genotypic divergence. Settings and design: Patients attending a tertiary care hospital susceptive of Hepatitis B were included, irrespective of age and sex in different agro-climatic zones of Assam.MethodsSamples positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen test and COBAS®TaqMan® HBV tests were further confirmed by PCR and sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis.Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test was used to determine whether there was a significant difference among the results in this study.Results: An increase trend of HBV positive cases has been observed in the state. The incidence in female was lower than that of male and age group 26–35 years was most vulnerable. Genotype D, subgenotype D2 and serotype ayw3 were predominant genotype, subgenotype and serotype. The prevalence of subgenotype C3 was a new finding. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the genotypes of HBV prevailing in the state have close relationship with neighboring countries of India which may be due to increased cross border migration of populationConclusionsThis comprehensive study of HBV in Assam described the distribution of HBV genotypes and subgenotypes and serotypes in different agro-climatic zones of Assam. These findings will help to formulate the roadmap for prevention and control of the disease as well as targeted therapy of HBV in this State.     

Sensitivity of a rapid point of care assay for early HIV antibody detection is enhanced by its ability to detect HIV gp41 IgM antibodies

BackgroundAnti-HIV-1 IgM antibody is an important immunoassay target for early HIV antibody detection.ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to determine if the early HIV antibody sensitivity of the 60 s INSTI test is due to detection of anti-HIV-1 IgM in addition to IgG.Study DesignTo demonstrate HIV gp41 IgM antibody capture by the INSTI HIV-1 gp41 recombinant antigen, an HIV-IgM ELISA was conducted with commercial HIV-1 seroconversion samples. To demonstrate that the INSTI dye-labelled Protein A-based colour developer (CD) has affinity to human IgM, commercial preparations of purified human immunoglobulins (IgM, IgD, IgA, IgE, and IgG) were blotted onto nitrocellulose (NC) and probed with the CD to observe spot development. To determine that INSTI is able to detect anti-HIV-1 IgM antibody, early seroconversion samples, were tested for reduced INSTI test spot intensity following IgM removal.ResultsThe gp41-based HIV-IgM ELISA results for 6 early seroconversion samples that were INSTI positive determined that the assay signal was due to anti-HIV-1 IgM antibody capture by the immobilised gp41 antigen. The dye-labelled Protein-A used in the INSTI CD produced distinct spots for purified IgM, IgA, and IgG blotted on the NC membrane. Following IgM removal from 21HIV-1 positive seroconversion samples with known or undetermined anti-HIV-1 IgM levels that were western blot negative or indeterminate, all samples had significantly reduced INSTI test spot intensity.ConclusionsThe INSTI HIV-1/HIV-2 Antibody Test is shown to detect anti-HIV-1 IgM antibodies in early HIV infection which enhances its utility in early HIV diagnosis.     

Clinical and pathological characteristics of 5 children with HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative hepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis

BackgroundHepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN) mainly occurs in children. Patients with HBV-GN are frequently positive for serum HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), but they are rarely negative.ObjectiveTo explore the clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with HBV-GN who are serum HBsAg negative.Study designFive children with HBV-GN who are negative for HBsAg were included in this study. Their clinical and pathological characteristics were collected and analyzed.ResultsAll 5 children presented with different levels of proteinuria and microscopic hematuria. Renal biopsies showed membranous nephropathy accompanied by HBsAg and/or HBcAg deposits in glomeruli in all of the children. Steroids and/or other immunosuppressants were administered in all cases without antiviral therapy during the early stages of treatment. Two children achieved complete remission but relapsed after the drugs were tapered down. The other 3 children were initially non-responsive but achieved remission after lamivudine was added.ConclusionsTreatment of HBsAg-negative HBV-GN patients with immunosuppressants alone could not achieve satisfactory effects. Antiviral treatment is effective and may be necessary in this type of patient.     

Screening,characterisation and prevention of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection in HIV-positive children in South Africa

BackgroundIn South Africa, the first HBV vaccine dose is administered at age 6 weeks, leaving a potential window for vertical transmission. Insights into HBV seroprevalence in the vulnerable HIV-infected group are important to drive improvements in surveillance, treatment and prevention.ObjectivesWe set out to implement a screening program for HBV among HIV-infected children and adolescents in Kimberley, South Africa. Our aims were to demonstrate that screening is feasible and sustainable, to establish the prevalence of HBV, to characterise the HBV cases we identified, and to inform discussion about the infant vaccination schedule.Study designWe tested all HIV positive children (age 0–16) for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), delivering this testing as part of routine state-funded care. We followed up HBsAg-positive cases with an extended panel of HBV serology tests, and HBV DNA viral load quantification.ResultsOur screening campaign was successfully incorporated into routine out-patient care. Among 625 patients tested, we found five positive for HBsAg (0.8%), of whom three were Hepatitis B e-antigen positive. Two additional children initially tested HBsAg-positive but were negative on repeat testing. Antiviral therapy in the HBsAg children was reviewed and adjusted if required.ConclusionsThe results testify to the overall success of the HBV vaccine campaign. However, we have demonstrated that ongoing vigilance is required to detect cases and prevent transmission events. Further evaluation of the optimum timing of the first vaccine HBV vaccine dose is required; a vaccine dose at birth could reduce prevalence further.     

Cost-effectiveness and long-term outcomes of liver transplantation using hepatitis B core antibody-positive grafts with hepatitis B immunoglobulin prophylaxis in Korea

Background/AimsHepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc)-positive donors are used as an extended donor pool, and current guidelines recommend the usage of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) as prophylaxis for preventing de novo hepatitis B virus infection (DNH). We analyzed the long-term outcomes of a large cohort of liver transplantation (LT) patients receiving anti-HBc-positive grafts and evaluated the risk of DNH when hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) monotherapy was used as prophylaxis. We also compared the cost-effectiveness of HBIG and NAs.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 457 patients with anti-HBc-positive grafts and 898 patients with anti-HBc-negative grafts who underwent LT between January 2001 and December 2018. We compared recipient characteristics according to the anti-HBc status of the donor, and compared the costs of using NAs for the rest of the patient’s life and using HBIG to maintain hepatitis B surface antibody titers above 200 IU/L.ResultsThe 1-, 5-, and 10-year patient survival rates were 87.7%, 73.5%, and 67.7%, respectively, in patients with anti-HBc-positive grafts, and 88.5%, 77.4%, and 70.3%, respectively, in patients with anti-HBc-negative grafts (P=0.113). Among 457 recipients with anti-HBc-positive grafts, 117 (25.6%) were non-HBV recipients. The overall incidence of DNH was 0.9%. When using HBIG under insurance coverage, the cumulative cost was lower compared with using NA continuously without insurance coverage in Korea.ConclusionsAnti-HBc-positive grafts alone do not affect patient survival or graft survival. HBIG monoprophylaxis has good outcomes for preventing DNH, and the patient’s long-term cost burden is low in Korea because of the national insurance system in this cohort.     

QUANTITATION OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS DNA IN PLASMA USING A SENSITIVE COST-EFFECTIVE “IN-HOUSE” REAL-TIME PCR ASSAY

Background: Sensitive nucleic acid testing for the detection and accurate quantitation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is necessary to reduce transmission through blood and blood products and for monitoring patients on antiviral therapy. The aim of this study is to standardize an “in-house” real-time HBV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for accurate quantitation and screening of HBV. Materials and Methods: The “in-house” real-time assay was compared with a commercial assay using 30 chronically infected individuals and 70 blood donors who are negative for hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody. Further, 30 HBV-genotyped samples were tested to evaluate the “in-house” assay’s capacity to detect genotypes prevalent among individuals attending this tertiary care hospital. Results: The lower limit of detection of this “in-house” HBV real-time PCR was assessed against the WHO international standard and found to be 50 IU/mL. The interassay and intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) of this “in-house” assay ranged from 1.4% to 9.4% and 0.0% to 2.3%, respectively. Virus loads as estimated with this “in-house” HBV real-time assay correlated well with the commercial artus HBV RG PCR assay (r = 0.95, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: This assay can be used for the detection and accurate quantitation of HBV viral loads in plasma samples. This assay can be employed for the screening of blood donations and can potentially be adapted to a multiplex format for simultaneous detection of HBV, HIV and HCV to reduce the cost of testing in blood banks.     

同时检测HIV抗体及p24抗原快速诊断试剂的研制

目的：研制可同时检测HIV－1、HIV－2抗体及p24抗原的胶体金快速诊断试剂。方法：利用重组杆状病毒－昆虫细胞系统进行HIV－1 gp41及HIV－2 gp36抗原的高效表达，以免疫亲和层析法纯化抗原。抗－HIV p24单克隆抗体杂交瘤细胞株，并制备抗－HIV p24单克隆抗体。以硝酸基纤维膜为载体，以纯化的HIV－1 gp41、HIV－2 gp36抗原及抗p24抗体点膜，20nm胶体金颗粒／抗人IgG和抗－HIV p24单克隆抗体进行标记，对33份已知HIV感染者阳性血清及6份阴性血清进行检测。结果：通过重组杆状病毒－昆虫细胞系统进行HIV－1 gp41及HIV－2 gp36抗原的表达，可获取浓度为2．0mg/L的纯化抗原。从抗p24单克隆抗体杂交瘤细胞株中培养上清液，通过葡萄球菌蛋白A免疫亲和层析柱可得到1．5mg/L的纯化抗体。利用纯化的抗原抗体进行标记，对39份已知血清进行检测，与荷兰Organon公司HIV1＋2抗体、p24抗原、ELISA诊断试剂同时检测结果进行比较，证实有较强的特异性及敏感性。结论：同时检测HIV－1、HIV－2抗体及p24抗原快速诊断试剂的问世，可为HIV感染的诊断提供一个简便、可靠、敏感的方法。     

Hepatitis B and HIV co-infection is still treated using lamivudine-only antiretroviral therapy combination in Uganda

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV are endemic in Uganda. Co-infection is common and leads to rapid progression of liver disease. Burden of co-infection is unknown yet most patients are on lamivudine-only ART where resistance is frequent. Most patients are initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) without knowing their HBV status.

Objectives

To determine burden of co-infection and HBV viral suppression among patients on ART in Northern Uganda.

Methods

We recruited HIV infected adult patients on ART in a cross-sectional study. Age, sex, ART regimen and duration were recorded. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBcAb) and liver panel were performed. For those HBsAg+, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and HBV DNA were performed. CD4 cell count was recorded.

Results

Three hundred patients were recruited. Twenty (6.7%) were co-infected, while 41% were anti-HBcAb+. Overall 188 (62.7%) were on lamivudine- only HBV active drug. Median ART duration 2 years (IQR 1–5), mean CD4+ cell count 317 cells/microlitre (SD 255–557). Of 20 HIV/HBV co-infected, 11/20 (55%) were on lamivudine-only ART, median duration 1.5 years. Nineteen (95%) had undetectable HBV DNA. Seventeen (85%) were HBeAg negative. Mean CD4+ cell count 327 cells/microlitre (SD 197–482).

Conclusion

A large proportion of patients were on lamivudine- only HBV-active ART. Resistance may occur long term thus testing for HBV and correct ART is recommended     

Evaluation of two VIDAS ®prototypes for detecting anti-HEV IgG

BackgroundHigh performance anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) IgG assays are crucial for epidemiology.ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of 2 prototypes developed for the VIDAS^® automatic system for detecting anti-HEV IgG, one based on the ORF2 antigen (ORF2 prototype) and the other on the ORF2 and ORF3 antigens (ORF2/3 prototype), with reference to the Wantai anti-HEV IgG assay.Study designThe sensitivity of each assay was determined by testing 113 blood samples, 63 from immunocompetent and 50 from immunocompromised patients, with a proven HEV infection defined by detecting HEV RNA. Their specificity was assessed with 103 blood samples that the Wantai assay indicated was negative for anti-HEV IgM and IgG, and negative for HEV-RNA. Cross reactivity was assessed using samples that were positive for hepatitis A virus IgG (n = 16), hepatitis C virus antibodies (n = 15), hepatitis B virus antigen and anti-HBc antibodies (n = 16), rheumatoid factor (n = 14), and negative for anti-HEV IgG with the Wantai assay.ResultsThe sensitivities in immunocompetent patients were: 95.2% (ORF2), 96.8% (ORF2/3), and 93.6% (Wantai); in immunocompromised patients they were: 66% (ORF2), 72% (ORF2/3), and 68% (Wantai). Both VIDAS prototypes detected low concentrations of anti-HEV IgG. The overall specificity was 100% (ORF2 prototype) and 98.1% (ORF2/3 prototype). Both VIDAS prototypes cross-reacted in five samples (9.6%), mainly those containing HCV antibodies or rheumatoid factor.ConclusionBoth VIDAS^® prototypes performed very well and appear to be suitable for routine detection of anti-HEV IgG.     

Genotypic distribution of hepatitis C virus in Uttarakhand

PurposeHepatitis C virus is a major cause of chronic hepatitis with seven known genotypes. Uttarakhand is a north Indian state in the Sub-Himalayan region where the genotypic distribution of HCV is largely unknown. This study was undertaken in order to assess the pattern of genotype and subtype and understand the risk factors leading to transmission of Hepatitis C virus in this understudied region.MethodsAnti-HCV reactive cases were selected for determination of the circulating genotypes. Viral RNA was confirmed by real-time PCR. Strains were amplified and sequenced using Sanger's methods. Phylogenetic tree was constructed to determine the genotype.ResultsGenotype 3 was found to be the predominant genotype majority being subtype 3a and 3b followed by genotype 1. Subtypes 3g and genotype 4a were also observed. Major risk factor found was parenteral injection therapy from unregistered medical practitioners for minor ailments.ConclusionsFindings of our study will help in tailoring management and prevention protocols for HCV for the people of this region.     

Infection and glomerulonephritis

Glomerular injury, occurring either as primary glomerular disease or as part of a systemic disease process, is usually a result of immune-mediated mechanisms. The morphologic reaction pattern has a diverse spectrum of appearance, ranging from normal by light microscopy in minimal change disease to crescentic forms of glomerulonephritis, with conspicuous disruption of the normal glomerular morphology. The mechanisms of glomerular immune deposit formation include trapping of circulating antigen–antibody complexes and the in situ formation of immune complexes within the glomerulus. While the majority of postinfectious immune-complex-mediated glomerulonephritides are believed to result from the deposition of circulating antigen–antibody complexes, preformed outside of the kidney and secondarily deposited in the kidney, the notion of forming in situ antigen–antibody complexes to either planted antigens or to integral structural components of the glomerulus, through “cross-reacting” autoimmune reactions, is gaining popularity in a variety of forms of glomerulonephritides. Patients with HIV infection may develop a spectrum of renal pathology, the glomerular manifestations of which include both antigen–antibody complex and nonimmune-complex-mediated pathogenetic mechanisms. Similarly, patients with Streptococcal infections, Hepatitis B virus, or Hepatitis C virus infection may develop a spectrum of glomerulonephritides, which are predominantly immune-complex-mediated. Therapy for glomerular diseases due to HIV, hepatitis B, or C virus infections remains a challenge.     

不同剂量HBIG对母婴乙型肝炎病毒抗原抗体宫内传播的影响

目的探讨不同剂量乙肝免疫球蛋白（HBIG）对乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）抗原抗体宫内传播的影响。方法将母亲乙肝表面抗原（HBsAg）阳性的婴儿作为500例观察对象,根据出生前母亲是否用HBIG分为：观察1组：产前母亲孕末期28w、32w、36w各用200IU（蓉生）HBIG 200例;观察2组：产前母亲孕末期28w、32w、36w各用400IU（蓉生）HBIG 100例;对照1组：产前母亲孕末期不用HBIG 200例。观察生后12h内新生儿静脉血乙肝五项：HBsAg、乙型肝炎表面抗体（HBsAb）、乙型肝炎e抗原（HBeAg）、乙型肝炎e抗体（HBeAb）、乙型肝炎核心抗体（HBcAb）。结果观察1组200例新生儿HBsAg阳性1例,阳性率为0.5%,HBeAg阳性3例,（其中1例HBsAg同时阳性）阳性率为1.5%。对照组HBsAg阳性2例,阳性率为1%,HBeAg阳性8例,（其中2例HBsAg同时阳性）阳性率为4%。经统计学处理（HBsAg）χ2=0.336,P=0.562;（HBeAg）,χ2=2.337,P=0.126。观察1组与对照组生后24h内HBV抗原检测比较无显著差异。观察1组、观察2组与对照组HBsAb检测比较：观察1组新生儿HBsAb阳性率1%,观察2组新生儿HBsAb阳性率2%,对照组HBsAb阳性率1%,各组HBeAb和HBcAb检测比较,结果HBeAb和HBcAb检测母婴符合率均在97%-97.5%之间。结论孕妇HBV携带者产前孕末期用HBIG 200IU隔4w连用3次的方法对阻断乙肝病毒的宫内感染效果不显著。加大HBIG的用量400IU可基本阻断HBV垂直传播胎儿。但鉴于对照组宫内感染率仅4%,加大用量不适用所有HBV携带者孕妇,尤其是HBsAg单阳性孕妇。     

Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence in three hyperendemic areas: Nepal,Bangladesh and southwest France

BackgroundHepatitis E causes a significant burden of disease in developing countries and has recently been increasingly recognized in developed countries. Comparing population anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) seroprevalence across populations has been difficult.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence in both adults and children in three hyper-endemic areas (Nepal, Bangladesh and southwest France) using a sensitive, commercial anti-HEV IgG assay.Study DesignSerum or plasma from adults and children in Nepal (n=498), Bangladesh (n = 1,009) and Southwest France (n = 1031) were tested for anti-HEV IgG using the Wantai assay.ResultsAfter age-standardization, anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence was 47.1%, 49.8% and 34.0% in Nepal, Bangladesh and southwest France, respectively. There was no difference in seroprevalence by gender in any of the countries. A paucity of infections in children 1–10 years-old was consistently observed (less than 15%) at all 3 locations.ConclusionsSurprisingly similar high rates of anti-HEV antibodies were detected using a common, sensitive assay. Despite differences in the epidemiology and circulating genotype of HEV in Nepal, Bangladesh and southwest France, this study found more similarities in population seroprevalence than expected.