scholarly journals Relevance of screening for Chagas and viral hepatitis in Bolivian migrants

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Losada Galván ◽  
Giuseppe Gariup ◽  
Aina Casellas ◽  
Carme Subirà ◽  
Alex Almuedo-Riera ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectivesgiven the scarcity of data regarding prevalence of various infectious diseases in Latin-American countries, our study aims to assess the burden of T.cruzi, S.stercoralis, HIV and viral hepatitis in Latin-American migrants, with a focus on Bolivian migrants.Methodswe performed a retrospective observational study of 565 screening evaluations on adults (≥ 18 years) carried out at our referral International Healthcare service in Barcelona. We reviewed structured clinical records and microbiological results of patients attended between February 2012 and April 2015.Resultsthe median 35 years old and 74% were women. Bolivian origin accounted for 87% of the screened population. We found a 48% prevalence of T.cruzi, 16% of S.stercoralis, 0.2% of HIV, 92% of HAV, 0.2% HBV and 0.2% HCV.Conclusionsthese results support the relevance of the screening of T. cruzi and S. stercoralis in Bolivian migrants, but challenge the pertinence of systematic screening of HBV in this population.Author summaryIn response to the challenge of detecting diseases not previously present in host countries, screening programs have been implemented for migrants based on the probability of having certain diseases depending on their country of origin and / or migratory route. This increased risk is very clearly established in some cases such as Trypanosoma cruzi infection (the cause of Chagas disease) in people from Latin America; especially from Bolivia. In recent years screening recommendations for Strongyloides stercoralis in this population was proven necessary. Current recommendations regarding systematic screening for hepatitis B establish the relevance of screening based on the probability of the disease in the 2% population of origin. Since there are no reliable and up to date data regarding prevalence of hepatitis B virus in Bolivia, we aimed to analyze data available for migrants from Bolivia in Spain.Our results support the importance of screening for T. cruzi and S.stercoralis in patients from Bolivia. However, our data show a much lower prevalence of this hepatitis B virus (0.2%) than the 2% threshold that would justify systematic screening, so we question the relevance of screening for hepatitis B virus in this population in the absence of other risk factors.

2014 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 1751-1768 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Fiorino ◽  
L. Bacchi-Reggiani ◽  
S. Sabbatani ◽  
F. Grizzi ◽  
L. di Tommaso ◽  
...  

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a serious global health problem and persistent HBV infection is associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure. Recently, the study of the role of microRNA (miRNA) in the pathogenesis of HBV has gained considerable interest as well as new treatments against this pathogen have been approved. A few studies have investigated the antiviral activity of vitamin E (VE) in chronic HBV carriers. Herein, we review the possible role of tocopherols in the modulation of host miRNA with potential anti-HBV activity. A systematic research of the scientific literature was performed by searching the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases. The keywords used were ‘HBV therapy’, ‘HBV treatment’, ‘VE antiviral effects’, ‘tocopherol antiviral activity’, ‘miRNA antiviral activity’ and ‘VE microRNA’. Reports describing the role of miRNA in the regulation of HBV life cycle,in vitroandin vivoavailable studies reporting the effects of VE on miRNA expression profiles and epigenetic networks, and clinical trials reporting the use of VE in patients with HBV-related chronic hepatitis were identified and examined. Based on the clinical results obtained in VE-treated chronic HBV carriers, we provide a reliable hypothesis for the possible role of this vitamin in the modulation of host miRNA profiles perturbed by this viral pathogen and in the regulation of some cellular miRNA with a suggested potential anti-HBV activity. This approach may contribute to the improvement of our understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms involved in HBV infection and increase the possibility of its management and treatment.


1985 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-11
Author(s):  
Saul Krugman

During the past two decades extraordinary advances in hepatitis research have clarified the etiology and natural history of the disease. At least four types of hepatitis have been identified: A, B, D (delta), and non-A, non-B. Hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis D virus (HDV) have been characterized. Serologic tests have been developed to detect the antigens and antibodies associated with these three hepatitis infections. As of the present time, the non-A, non-B viral agents have not been identified. Therefore, non-A, non-B hepatitis is diagnosed by excluding other viral causes of hepatitis, such as hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and others. A recent report indicating that non-A, non-B hepatitis may be caused by a retrovirus, if confirmed, may provide a specific marker of this infection. The course of viral hepatitis is variable; it may be an asymptomatic, anteric infection, or it may be an acute illness characterized by fever, malaise, anorexia, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Most patients recover completely, but occasionally the infection may be complicated by chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and, occasionally, by a fulminant fatal outcome. This review will be devoted predominantly to a discussion of the diagnostic and prophylactic aspects of hepatitis A and hepatitis B viral infections.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Semvua Kilonzo ◽  
Daniel W. Gunda ◽  
David C. Majinge ◽  
Hyasinta Jaka ◽  
Paulina M. Manyiri ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Methadone therapy clinics have been recently introduced in Tanzania, aiming at reducing risk behaviors and infection rates of viral hepatitis and HIV among people who use drugs. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence, associated factors and knowledge level of these conditions among people who use drugs attending a methadone clinic in Tanzania.Methods: We enrolled 253 People who using drugs receiving Methadone therapy. Clinical data was retrospectively collected from the medical records and face-to face interviews were conducted to determine the behavioral risk factors and respondents’ knowledge on viral hepatitis and HIV.Results: An overall seroprevalence of viral hepatitis (either hepatitis B surface antigen or anti-hepatitis C virus) was 6.3%, while that of hepatitis B virus mono infection was 3.5% and anti-hepatitis C virus mono infection was 3.5%. Seroprevalence of HIV was 12.6%. Viral hepatitis was strongly predicted by advanced age (>35 years) (p=0.02) and staying at Kirumba area (p=0.004), and HIV infection was predicted by increased age (>37 years) (p=0.04) and female sex (p<0.001). Regarding the knowledge of viral hepatitis, majority of the respondents were unaware of the transmission methods and availability of hepatitis B virus vaccines and only 17% were classified as well informed (provided ≥ 4 correct answers out of 7 questions). Good knowledge was highly predicted by higher education level of the individual (p=0.001).Conclusions: Despite the efforts to curb viral hepatitis and HIV infections through Methadone clinics, infection rates among people who use drugs are still high and the general knowledge on preventive measures is inadequate.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nokukhanya Msomi ◽  
Kogieleum Naidoo ◽  
Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma ◽  
Nesri Padayatchi ◽  
Kerusha Govender ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB) are common infections in South Africa. We utilized the opportunity of care provision for HIV-TB co-infected patients to better understand the relationship between these coinfections, determine the magnitude of the problem, and identify risk factors for HBV infection in HIV infected patients with and without TB in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods This retrospective cohort analysis was undertaken in 2018. In-care HIV infected patients were included in the analysis. Results from clinical records were analysed to determine the prevalence, incidence, persistence and factors associated with HBsAg positivity in HIV-infected patients with or without TB co-infection. Results A total of 4292 HIV-infected patients with a mean age of 34.7 years (SD: 8.8) were included. Based on HBsAg positivity, the prevalence of HBV was 8.5% (363/4292) [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.7–9.3] at baseline and 9.4% (95%CI: 8.6–10.3%) at end of follow-up. The HBV incidence rate was 2.1/100 person-years (p-y). Risk of incident HBV infection was two-fold higher among male patients (HR 2.11; 95% CI: 1.14–3.92), while severe immunosuppression was associated with a greater than two-fold higher risk of persistent infection (adjusted risk ratio (RR) 2.54; 95% CI 1.06–6.14; p = 0.004. Additionally, active TB at enrolment was associated with a two-fold higher risk of incident HBV infection (aHR 2.38; 95% CI: 0.77–7.35). Conclusion The provision of HIV care and treatment in high HBV burden settings provide a missed opportunity for HBV screening, immunization and care provision.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 936-947 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. D. Byrne ◽  
C. W. Newcomb ◽  
D. M. Carbonari ◽  
M. S. Nezamzadeh ◽  
K. B. F. Leidl ◽  
...  

Hepatology ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 229-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Mazzanti ◽  
L. Messerini ◽  
L. Monsacchi ◽  
G. Buzzelli ◽  
A. L. Zignego ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chham Samnang ◽  
Bun Sreng ◽  
Ork Vichit ◽  
Yuong Vuthikol ◽  
Chum Aun

ABSTRACT An account of immunization against hepatitis B virus in Cambodia is given. How to cite this article Sreng B, Vichit O, Vuthikol Y, Aun C, Samnang C. Immunization against Viral Hepatitis B: Lessons Learnt from Kingdom of Cambodia. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):43-47.


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