Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis B and C Viruses Among Couples Attending Antenatal Care in a Rural Community in Rwanda

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
Onesphore Majyambere ◽  
Andrew K. Nyerere ◽  
Louis S. Nkaka ◽  
Nadine Rujeni ◽  
Raphael L. Wekessa
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Hbv Genotype ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Genotype 4

Background: Globally, over 325 and 170 million people are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), respectively. If untreated, these infections can progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, genetic diversity, and factors associated with HBV and HCV among couples attending antenatal care in rural Rwanda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of HBV and HCV seroprevalence. Study participants were administered a brief structured questionnaire to obtain information on sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors for HBV and HCV. Participant blood samples were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) using rapid diagnostic kits; confirmatory testing was done by enzyme immunoassay and nucleic acid tests. HBV genotypes were determined using nested polymerase chain reaction; HCV genotypes were determined by reverse transcriptase PCR followed by hybridisation with sequence-specific oligonucleotides. Statistical associations between risk factors and infection status were determined using Chi-square tests and bivariate logistic regression. Results: In total, 220 individuals participated in the study. This includes 110 pregnant women and 110 male partners who were attending antenatal care at Gitare and Cyanika health centres. Two participants (0.9%) had serological evidence of HBV infection, and 4 participants (1.8%) were infected with HCV. HBV genotype A accounted for all HBV infections; HCV genotype 4 accounted for all HCV infections. None of the assessed factors were associated with HBV infection while occupation type and scarification were significantly associated with HCV infection (P values were .03 and <.01 respectively). All cases of infection were discordant with their respective partners. Conclusion: Prevalence rates of HBsAg and anti-HCV are low in couples attending antenatal clinics in rural Rwanda. Consideration should be given to interventions aimed at reducing the risk of transmission in discordant couples and infants of infected mothers.

Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis B and C Viruses Among Couples Attending Antenatal Care in a Rural Community in Rwanda

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
Onesphore Majyambere ◽  
Andrew K. Nyerere ◽  
Louis S. Nkaka ◽  
Nadine Rujeni ◽  
Raphael L. Wekessa
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Hbv Genotype ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Genotype 4

Background: Globally, over 325 and 170 million people are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), respectively. If untreated, these infections can progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, genetic diversity, and factors associated with HBV and HCV among couples attending antenatal care in rural Rwanda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of HBV and HCV seroprevalence. Study participants were administered a brief structured questionnaire to obtain information on sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors for HBV and HCV. Participant blood samples were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) using rapid diagnostic kits; confirmatory testing was done by enzyme immunoassay and nucleic acid tests. HBV genotypes were determined using nested polymerase chain reaction; HCV genotypes were determined by reverse transcriptase PCR followed by hybridisation with sequence-specific oligonucleotides. Statistical associations between risk factors and infection status were determined using Chi-square tests and bivariate logistic regression. Results: In total, 220 individuals participated in the study. This includes 110 pregnant women and 110 male partners who were attending antenatal care at Gitare and Cyanika health centres. Two participants (0.9%) had serological evidence of HBV infection, and 4 participants (1.8%) were infected with HCV. HBV genotype A accounted for all HBV infections; HCV genotype 4 accounted for all HCV infections. None of the assessed factors were associated with HBV infection while occupation type and scarification were significantly associated with HCV infection (P values were .03 and <.01 respectively). All cases of infection were discordant with their respective partners. Conclusion: Prevalence rates of HBsAg and anti-HCV are low in couples attending antenatal clinics in rural Rwanda. Consideration should be given to interventions aimed at reducing the risk of transmission in discordant couples and infants of infected mothers.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis B and C Viruses Among Couples Attending Antenatal Care in a Rural Community in Rwanda

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
Onesphore Majyambere ◽  
Andrew K. Nyerere ◽  
Louis S. Nkaka ◽  
Nadine Rujeni ◽  
Raphael L. Wekessa
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Hbv Genotype ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Genotype 4

Background: Globally, over 325 and 170 million people are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), respectively. If untreated, these infections can progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, genetic diversity, and factors associated with HBV and HCV among couples attending antenatal care in rural Rwanda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of HBV and HCV seroprevalence. Study participants were administered a brief structured questionnaire to obtain information on sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors for HBV and HCV. Participant blood samples were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) using rapid diagnostic kits; confirmatory testing was done by enzyme immunoassay and nucleic acid tests. HBV genotypes were determined using nested polymerase chain reaction; HCV genotypes were determined by reverse transcriptase PCR followed by hybridisation with sequence-specific oligonucleotides. Statistical associations between risk factors and infection status were determined using Chi-square tests and bivariate logistic regression. Results: In total, 220 individuals participated in the study. This includes 110 pregnant women and 110 male partners who were attending antenatal care at Gitare and Cyanika health centres. Two participants (0.9%) had serological evidence of HBV infection, and 4 participants (1.8%) were infected with HCV. HBV genotype A accounted for all HBV infections; HCV genotype 4 accounted for all HCV infections. None of the assessed factors were associated with HBV infection while occupation type and scarification were significantly associated with HCV infection (P values were .03 and <.01 respectively). All cases of infection were discordant with their respective partners. Conclusion: Prevalence rates of HBsAg and anti-HCV are low in couples attending antenatal clinics in rural Rwanda. Consideration should be given to interventions aimed at reducing the risk of transmission in discordant couples and infants of infected mothers.

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in The Netherlands in 1996 and 2007

2011 ◽  
Vol 140 (8) ◽  
pp. 1469-1480 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J. M. HAHNÉ ◽  
H. E. DE MELKER ◽  
M. KRETZSCHMAR ◽  
L. MOLLEMA ◽  
F. R. VAN DER KLIS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Hbv Dna ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Core Antigen ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
B Virus

SUMMARYWe aimed to assess differences in the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in The Netherlands between 1996 and 2007, and to identify risk factors for HBV infection in 2007. Representative samples of the Dutch population in 1996 and 2007 were tested for antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV-DNA. In 2007, the weighted anti-HBc prevalence was 3·5% (95% CI 2·2–5·5) and the HBsAg prevalence was 0·2% (95% CI 0·1–0·4). In indigenous Dutch participants, the anti-HBc prevalence was lower in 2007 than in 1996 (P=0·06). First-generation migrants (FGMs) had a 13-fold greater risk of being HBsAg- and/or HBV-DNA-positive than indigenous Dutch participants. In indigenous Dutch participants, risk factors for anti-HBc positivity were older age and having received a blood product before 1990. In FGMs, being of Asian origin was a risk factor. In second-generation migrants, having a foreign-born partner and injecting drug use were risk factors. FGMs are the main target group for secondary HBV prevention in The Netherlands.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of Hepatitis B in Canada

2001 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 345-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Zhang ◽  
Shimian Zou ◽  
Antonio Giulivi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Preventive Strategy ◽  
Escape Mutants ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
Ongoing Surveillance ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVE:To provide a current and comprehensive review of the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Canada.DATA SOURCES:Published and unpublished epidemiological studies and surveillance reports of the past decade, primarily from Canada were studied. Fifty reports addressing HBV surveillance, incidence and prevalence, transmission-associated risk factors, co-infections, and prevention strategies were reviewed.DATA SYNTHESIS:HBV infection is an important vaccine-preventable infectious disease in Canada. The incidence rate of clinically recognized, acute HBV infection in 1998/1999 was estimated to be 2.3/100,000 people or approximately 700 cases a year. The prevalence of HBV carriers is estimated to be 0.5% to 1.0% of the population, but varies substantially according to population-specific risk factors. Most acute HBV infections are associated with injection drug use or high risk heterosexual activities, but 20% to 30% of acute cases did not report any identified risk factors. Surveillance activities such as the National Notifiable Disease Reporting system provide information regarding trends and risk factors. The primary preventive strategy for HBV consists of universal immunization for preadolescents and/or infants. Other strategies, such as the universal prenatal screening and postnatal immunization, and the prevention of nosocomial acquistion, are also important. The recently described hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) escape mutants may not be detected by current HBsAg test assays, and the existing HBV vaccines may not protect vaccinees from infections by such mutants.CONCLUSION:Ongoing surveillance and research are required to assess risk factors for HBV transmission, evaluate the effectiveness of immunization programs and monitor the impact of HBsAg escape mutants.

scholarly journals Serologic and molecular characteristics of hepatitis B virus infection in vaccinated schizophrenia patients in China

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (04) ◽  
pp. 427-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiying Wang ◽  
Lugang Yu ◽  
Hui Zhou ◽  
Zhiwei Zhou ◽  
Huijuan Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Escape Mutation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Seroprevalence Rate ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
B Virus

Introduction: Previous studies have indicated that the patients with psychiatric illness were at higher risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine in schizophrenia patients remains unclear. Methodology: Between June 2014 and January 2015, 415 schizophrenia patients and 3,038 controls who had been routinely immunized as infants were recruited in the present study. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBsAb, and HBV DNA were detected with commercial methods according to the manufacturer’s protocol. A 600-bp region of the S gene (region nt236–nt835) was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The genotypes of isolated HBV were identified using phylogenetic analysis by the neighbor-joining algorithm in the software MEGA version 4.1. Results: The seroprevalence of HBsAg in schizophrenia patients was 6.75%, which was significantly higher than 3.32% measured in controls. HBsAg prevalence was 7.94% in male schizophrenia patients and 5.47% in female schizophrenia patients, while it was only 4.04% in males and 2.08% in females in the control group. The HBsAb seroprevalence rate was 58.31% in schizophrenia patients and 59.94% in non-schizophrenia controls. Moreover, one HBV strain in the schizophrenia group presented I126S vaccine escape mutation (5.88%), while three HBV isolates showed Q129H, M133L, and G145R vaccine escape mutations in the control group (6.81%). Conclusions: Schizophrenia patients are at higher risk for HBV infection, even those who had received routine immunization. Therefore, a booster HB vaccination targeted at schizophrenia patients should be considered in the future.

How can we improve hepatitis B testing and management in primary care? A cross-sectional survey of GPs in England, 2015–2017

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X697241
Author(s):  
Z Amin ◽  
K Beebeejaun ◽  
L Letley ◽  
B Mahange ◽  
K Harrington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis B ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

BackgroundChronic hepatitis B (HBV) infection can lead to life-threatening liver disease. In the UK, approximately 180,000 people are carriers. The disease is underdiagnosed and undertreated.AimAs part of a nurse-led intervention aimed at improving HBV contact-tracing and management, we ascertained GPs’ understanding of HBV and their perceived barriers and enablers to HBV diagnosis.MethodIn 2015, we asked 1324 GPs across 2 England regions about HBV-related knowledge and practice, using a questionnaire. We reported the proportion of GPs answering each question, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).Results254 GPs (18%) replied. Of those, 189(74%, 95%CI 68–79%) correctly identified hepatitis B surface antigen as a marker of current HBV infection, and 154 (61%, 95% CI = 54 to 66%) recognised IgM anti-HBc as a marker for differentiating acute from chronic cases. 219 GPs (86%, 95% CI = 81 to 90%) believed HBV knowledge among patients to be one of the main enablers to improved testing uptake and 208 (82%, 95% CI = 77 to 86%) identified lack of HBV knowledge among patients as a barrier to testing. Of all GP responders, 227 (89%, 95% CI = 85 to 93%) reported HBV training and education would be beneficial, and 185 (73%, 95% CI = 67 to 78%) reported knowledge of treatment options as a knowledge gap.ConclusionGPs perceive gaps in knowledge among patients and healthcare professionals as a factor potentially contributing to the under-ascertainment of chronic hepatitis B in England. Improving HBV awareness and knowledge among patients, their contacts, and increasing HBV-focused training for GPs, particularly in the interpretation of laboratory results and the treatment options, can improve case ascertainment and chronic HBV management in primary care.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and associated risk factors among pregnant women

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 904-909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sirin Cetin ◽  
Meryem Cetin ◽  
Ebru Turhan ◽  
Kenan Dolapcioglu
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Surface Antigen ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
History Of

Introduction: Hepatitis B infection is a serious global public health problem. The aim of the study was to assess the seroprevalance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), as well as the risk factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics of the University Hospital in Antioch, Turkey. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between May 2016 and December 2016. The Chi-squared was utilized to estimate the statistical significance of the association between socio-demographic variables and HBsAg status. The results were generated as proportions odds ratio (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (Cl) and calculated by using both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The seroprevalence of HBsAg was found to be 2.1%. A significant association was observed between age and HBsAg seropositivity (p = 0.027). History of blood transfusion (AOR = 9.51, 95% CI = 1.92-46.80, p = 0.006), history of hepatitis (AOR = 11.13, 95% CI = 2.02-61.28, p = 0.006), tattooing (AOR = 13.64, 95% CI = 2.52-73.76, p = 0.002) and a history of household/close contact (AOR = 11.10, 95% CI = 1.56-78.65, p = 0.016) were significantly associated with the risk of HBV infection. Conclusions: Data regarding the seroprevalence of HBsAg and risk factors associated with HBV infection in pregnant women plays a crucial role in evaluating the effectiveness of the public health protection policies and the strategies to control the disease.

Seroprevalence of Syphilis, HBV and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasin awol Wabe ◽  
Dawit Yihdego Reda ◽  
Musa Mohammed Ali
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Syphilis Infection ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Abstract Background: Syphilis and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) share similar modes of transmission. Their occurrence during pregnancy has an adverse effect both on the fetus and pregnant women. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of syphilis and HBV among pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken from July to September 2019 in 290 pregnant women at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Gestational and socioeconomic data were collected using a questionnaire. Chromatographic kits were used to detect the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody against syphilis infection from the serum of study participants. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22. Bivariate and multivariable analysis was employed to identify factors associated with seroprevalence of syphilis and HBV. Variables with a p-value of < 0.05 were considered as cut point to determine a significant association. Results: Seroprevalence of HBV and syphilis infection were found to be 4.5% and 2.4 % respectively. Having multiple sexual partner [AOR=3.99, 95%Cl= 1.20-13.38, p=0.025] was significantly associated with HBV infection. Conclusion: In the study the seroprevalence of HBV and syphilis is moderate; having multiple sexual partners was found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of HBV infection.

How Far we are towards Eradication of HBV Infection

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 473-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mihai Voiculescu
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
T Cell Receptors ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Cell Receptors ◽  
B Virus

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem with an important biological and a significant socio-economic impact all over the world. There is a high pressure to come up with a new and more efficient strategy against HBV infection, especially after the recent success of HCV treatment. Preventing HBV infection through vaccine is currently the most efficient way to decrease HBV-related cirrhosis and liver cancer incidence, as well as the best way to suppress the HBV reservoir. The vaccine is safe and efficient in 80-95% of cases. One of its most important roles is to reduce materno-fetal transmission, by giving the first dose of vaccine in the first 24 hours after birth. Transmission of HBV infection early in life is still frequent, especially in countries with high endemicity.Successful HBV clearance by the host is immune-mediated, with a complex combined innate and adaptive cellular and humoral immune response. Different factors, such as the quantity and the sequence of HBV epitope during processing by dendritic cells and presenting by different HLA molecules or the polymorphism of T cell receptors (TOL) are part of a complex network which influences the final response. A new potential therapeutic strategy is to restore T-cell antiviral function and to improve innate and adaptive immune response by immunotherapeutic manipulation.It appears that HBV eradication is far from being completed in the next decades, and a new strategy against HBV infection must be considered. Abbreviations: ALT: alanine aminotransferase; APC: antigen presenting cells; cccDNA: covalently closed circular DNA; HBIG: hepatitis B immunoglobulin; HbsAg: hepatitis B surface antigen; HBV: hepatitis B virus; HCC: hepatocellular carcinoma; CTL: cytotoxic T lymphocyte; IFN: interferon; NUC: nucleos(t)ide analogues; pg RNA: pre genomic RNA; TLR: toll-like receptors; TOL: T cell receptors.

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