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Abebe AD, Assefa M, Belete D, Ferede G. Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses and Their Associated Factors Among Military Personnel at Military Camps in Central Gondar, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:1407-1417. [PMID: 38628243 PMCID: PMC11019156 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s455562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, viral hepatitis is a leading cause of death and is highly prevalent in Ethiopia. Military personnel are more vulnerable to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, and there are no data on such populations in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections and their associated factors among military personnel in military camps in Central Gondar, Ethiopia. Materials and Methods This institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 277 military personnel from April to August 2022 at military camps in Central Gondar, Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Sociodemographic and other relevant data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Five milliliters of venous blood were collected using a vacutainer tube and tested for hepatitis B surface antigens and anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14 software and logistic regression models were used to determine the association between HBV/HCV infection and risk factors. Results Out of 277 participants, the overall seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections was 19 (6.9%) and 9 (3.3%), respectively. The rate of HBV and HCV co-infection was 2 (0.7%). Having multiple sexual partners (p = 0.048), frequent alcohol use (p = 0.034), hospitalization (p = 0.014), and history of receiving injections from traditional practitioners (p = 0.040) were significant predictors of HBV infection. In contrast, a history of blood transfusion (p = 0.048) and sexually transmitted infections (p = 0.039) were significant risk factors for HCV infection. Conclusion and Recommendations An intermediate prevalence of HBV and HCV infections was observed among the military personnel. Continuous screening, adherence to healthcare service guidelines, and strengthening of vaccination are crucial for preventing HBV and HCV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayanaw Dinku Abebe
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Muluneh Assefa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Debaka Belete
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Getachew Ferede
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Mentzer AJ, Brenner N, Allen N, Littlejohns TJ, Chong AY, Cortes A, Almond R, Hill M, Sheard S, McVean G, Collins R, Hill AVS, Waterboer T. Identification of host-pathogen-disease relationships using a scalable multiplex serology platform in UK Biobank. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1818. [PMID: 35383168 PMCID: PMC8983701 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29307-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Certain infectious agents are recognised causes of cancer and other chronic diseases. To understand the pathological mechanisms underlying such relationships, here we design a Multiplex Serology platform to measure quantitative antibody responses against 45 antigens from 20 infectious agents including human herpes, hepatitis, polyoma, papilloma, and retroviruses, as well as Chlamydia trachomatis, Helicobacter pylori and Toxoplasma gondii, then assayed a random subset of 9695 UK Biobank participants. We find seroprevalence estimates consistent with those expected from prior literature and confirm multiple associations of antibody responses with sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., lifetime sexual partners with C. trachomatis), HLA genetic variants (rs6927022 with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) EBNA1 antibodies) and disease outcomes (human papillomavirus-16 seropositivity with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and EBV responses with multiple sclerosis). Our accessible dataset is one of the largest incorporating diverse infectious agents in a prospective UK cohort offering opportunities to improve our understanding of host-pathogen-disease relationships with significant clinical and public health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J. Mentzer
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicole Brenner
- grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Division of Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Naomi Allen
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK ,grid.421945.f0000 0004 0396 0496UK Biobank, Stockport, UK ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas J. Littlejohns
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Amanda Y. Chong
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Adrian Cortes
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rachael Almond
- grid.421945.f0000 0004 0396 0496UK Biobank, Stockport, UK
| | - Michael Hill
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948MRC-Population Health Research Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Simon Sheard
- grid.421945.f0000 0004 0396 0496UK Biobank, Stockport, UK
| | - Gil McVean
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Rory Collins
- grid.421945.f0000 0004 0396 0496UK Biobank, Stockport, UK ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Adrian V. S. Hill
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tim Waterboer
- Division of Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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Burns DS, Riley MR, Mason A, Bailey MS. UK Role 4 military infectious diseases and tropical medicine cases in 2005-2013. J ROY ARMY MED CORPS 2017; 164:77-82. [PMID: 29279320 DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2017-000815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infectious diseases are a frequent cause of morbidity among British troops. The aim of this paper is to describe the spectrum of infectious diseases seen when UK service personnel are evacuated for definitive care to the Role 4 Medical Treatment Facility based at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. METHOD A retrospective analysis of all military patients presenting with infectious diseases and treated at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital between 14 April 2005 and 31 December 2013 was undertaken. RESULTS During this period, 502 patients were identified. Infections originated in 49 countries, most commonly Afghanistan (46% cases), the UK (10% cases) and Belize (9% of cases). The most common presentations were dermatological conditions, gastroenterological illnesses and undifferentiated fevers. CONCLUSION UK service personnel in significant numbers continue to suffer a wide range of infectious diseases, acquired throughout the globe, which often require specialist tertiary infection services to diagnose and manage. Future prospective data collection is recommended to identify trends, which in turn will inform military training needs and future research priorities in the Defence Medical Services (DMS) and allows development of appropriate policies and clinical guidelines for management of DMS personnel with infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Burns
- Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK.,Army Medical Directorate, Former Army Staff College, Camberley, UK
| | - M R Riley
- Army Medical Directorate, Former Army Staff College, Camberley, UK
| | - A Mason
- Army Medical Directorate, Former Army Staff College, Camberley, UK
| | - M S Bailey
- Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK.,Academic Department of Military Medicine, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
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Parker RD, Rüütel K. Sexually Transmitted Infections - Prevalence, Knowledge and Behaviours among Professional Defence Forces in Estonia: a Pilot Study. Cent Eur J Public Health 2017; 25:11-14. [PMID: 28399349 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a4498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our study assessed sexually transmitted infections (STI) occurrence and risk behaviours from a sample of the defence forces of Estonia. Previous research on military personnel yields various results on the prevalence of STIs and high risk behaviours. The increasing recognition of high risk behaviours among military personnel is evident given increased programmes that focus on education of drug use and risky sexual behaviours. Many militaries conduct routine, periodic screening for diseases such as HIV and viral hepatitis at entry and pre-foreign deployment. Protecting deployed forces from secondary infections is important as persons with chronic viral infections are living longer, healthier lives and are more frequently serving in military forces. METHODS A cross sectional study used convenient sampling among professional defence forces. Participation was both voluntary and anonymous. RESULTS Of 186 participants accounting for 7.3% of all forces (86.6% male, mean age 30 years) at selected bases, there were four cases of chlamydia. No cases of gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, or HIV were found. One person reported ever injecting drugs. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate a lower STI occurrence among professional defence forces in Estonia compared with the non-military population. While these rates were lower than expected, as a voluntary study, people suspicious of having an STI might opt not to participate, limiting generalizability to the remainder of the military. Militaries without regular screening programmes could consider regular scheduled testing for STIs, HIV and blood borne pathogens, even if voluntary, especially prior to foreign deployment. Consistent testing would align across many militaries who deploy international peace keepers.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. David Parker
- School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Kristi Rüütel
- Infectious Diseases and Drug Abuse Prevention Department, Estonian National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia
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Sarkar J, Saha D, Bandyopadhyay B, Saha B, Kedia D, Guha Mazumder DN, Chakravarty R, Guha SK. Baseline characteristics of HIV & hepatitis B virus (HIV/HBV) co-infected patients from Kolkata, India. Indian J Med Res 2017; 143:636-42. [PMID: 27488008 PMCID: PMC4989838 DOI: 10.4103/0971-5916.187113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & objectives: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV co-infection has variable prevalence worldwide. In comparison to HBV mono-infection, the course of chronic HBV infection is accelerated in HIV/HBV co-infected patients. The present study was carried out to analyse the baseline characteristics (clinical, biochemical, serological and virological) of treatment naïve HIV/HBV co-infected and HIV mono-infected patients. Methods: Between July 2011 and January 2013, a total number of 1331 HIV-seropositive treatment naïve individuals, enrolled in the ART Centre of Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, India, were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). A total of 1253 HIV mono-infected and 78 HIV/HBV co-infected patients were characterized. The co-infected patients were evaluated for HBeAg and anti-HBe antibody by ELISA. HIV RNA was quantified for all co-infected patients. HBV DNA was detected and quantified by real time-PCR amplification followed by HBV genotype determination. Results: HIV/HBV co-infected patients had proportionately more advanced HIV disease (WHO clinical stage 3 and 4) than HIV mono-infected individuals (37.1 vs. 19.9%). The co-infected patients had significantly higher serum bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase and ALT/platelet ratio index (APRI). CD4 count was non-significantly lower in co-infected patients. Majority (61.5%) were HBeAg positive with higher HIV RNA (P<0.05), HBV DNA (P<0.001) and APRI (P<0.05) compared to those who were HBeAg negative. HBV/D was the predominant genotype (73.2%) and D2 (43.7%) was the commonest subgenotype. Interpretation & conclusions: HIV/HBV co-infected patients had significantly higher serum bilirubin, ALT, alkaline phosphatase and lower platelet count. HBeAg positive co-infected patients had higher HIV RNA and HBV DNA compared to HBeAg negative co-infected patients. Prior to initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) all patients should be screened for HBsAg to initiate appropriate ART regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bibhuti Saha
- Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, India
| | - Deepika Kedia
- B.P. Poddar Hospital & Research Centre, Bhagirathi Neotia Hospital, Kolkata, India
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Lazarus JV, Sperle I, Spina A, Rockstroh JK. Are the testing needs of key European populations affected by hepatitis B and hepatitis C being addressed? A scoping review of testing studies in Europe. Croat Med J 2017; 57:442-456. [PMID: 27815935 PMCID: PMC5141462 DOI: 10.3325/cmj.2016.57.442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim To investigate whether or not key populations affected by hepatitis B and hepatitis C are being tested sufficiently for these diseases throughout the European region. Methods We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies on HBV and HCV testing in the 53 Member States of the World Health Organization European Region following PRISMA criteria. Results 136 English-language studies from 24 countries published between January 2007 and June 2013 were found. Most studies took place in 6 countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. 37 studies (27%) addressed HBV, 46 (34%) HCV, and 53 (39%) both diseases. The largest categories of study populations were people who use drugs (18%) and health care patient populations (17%). Far fewer studies focused on migrants, prison inmates, or men who have sex with men. Conclusions The overall evidence base on HBV and HCV testing has considerable gaps in terms of the countries and populations represented and validity of testing uptake data. More research is needed throughout Europe to guide efforts to provide testing to certain key populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Jeffrey V Lazarus, CHIP, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Oster Allé 56, 5th floor, DK-2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark,
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7
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Prevalence of Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Infections Among Afghan National Army Recruits in Afghanistan. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:501-6. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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8
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Parker RD, Regier M, Widmeyer J, Rüütel K. HIV/STI prevalence study among military conscripts in Estonia. J Community Health 2015; 40:271-5. [PMID: 25086567 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-014-9926-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Risk taking behavior and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) research outcomes vary among militaries. A common theme indicates STI prevalence and risk taking among military personnel is higher than the general population. Alcohol and drug misuse is well documented. From these behaviors, high-risk sexual encounters increase. Exploring STI prevalence, knowledge, and risk behaviors among conscripted military forces, we recruited 584 conscripts from a defense force in Eastern Europe. The observed STI prevalence in the young, male conscripts was equal or less than their non-conscripted counterparts. Military entry screenings could reduce STIs, creating a healthier population. However, these findings remain informative as the notion of high STI rates among military forces is not supported. As this study was one of the first of its type in the region, it demonstrates the ability of a nation to secure their defense forces against HIV/STIs even in the face of increased prevalence within that nation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R David Parker
- West Virginia University, School of Public Health, Morgantown, WV, USA,
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David Parker R, Regier MD, Widmeyer J, Honaker J, Rüütel K. Reported contraceptive use, risk behaviours and STIs among military conscripts in Estonian defence forces. Int J STD AIDS 2014; 26:815-20. [PMID: 25324351 DOI: 10.1177/0956462414555932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Limited research exists on sexually transmitted infection (STI) and risk behaviour among military personnel. Published research on condom use and types of contraceptives used yield mixed results, yet, the perception that military members are at higher risk for STIs remains. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to measure factors such as condom use, contraceptive methods, and risky behaviours (i.e. drug use and sex with commercial sex workers) and investigate differences between ethnic groups, where culture could influence behaviour. Data were collected from a recruited population of 584 male, military conscripts in northeastern Europe. Using multinomial logistic regression models, statistically significant findings include an interaction between the use of contraceptive methods of Russians with casual partners and ethnicity, with higher odds of effective methods used among Estonians with regular partners (OR = 8.13) or casual partners (OR = 11.58) and Russians with regular partners (OR = 4.98). Effective contraceptive methods used less frequently with casual partners by ethnic Russians is important in providing education and risk reduction services to young, male conscripts. These findings may be used as a baseline to inform health education and STI prevention programmes tailored to military members in Eastern Europe in the absence of other published studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R David Parker
- School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Michael D Regier
- School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Joseph Widmeyer
- School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - John Honaker
- School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Kristi Rüütel
- Estonian National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia
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Yip VS, Gomez D, Tan CY, Staettner S, Terlizzo M, Fenwick S, Malik HZ, Ghaneh P, Poston G. Tumour size and differentiation predict survival after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma arising from non-cirrhotic and non-fibrotic liver: a case-controlled study. Int J Surg 2013; 11:1078-82. [PMID: 24129124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The aims of this study were to assess the outcomes of patients who underwent potentially curative hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a background of non-cirrhotic/non-fibrotic livers, and to determine prognostic factors that influenced survival. METHODS Over a 15-year period, all patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC were identified. Collated data included demographics, laboratory analysis, operative findings and histo-pathological data. Survival differences between these factors following liver resection were determined. RESULTS 57 patients were included with a median age of 70 years. The majority of patients underwent a hemi-hepatectomy or more radical resection (n = 37). Overall R0 resection rate was 90.4% (n = 51). The overall morbidity and mortality rates were 26.3% and 3.5%, respectively. The median follow-up period was 28 months. The 1-, 3- and 5- year disease-free survival was 65.4%, 41.8% and 39.1%, and the overall survival was 73.5%, 49.6% and 39.5%, respectively. AFP (p = 0.039) was the only predictor of poorer disease-free survival on univariate analysis. On multi-variable analysis, poorly differentiated tumour and large tumour size were independent predictors of overall survival. CONCLUSIONS Liver resection is a feasible treatment option for HCC in non-cirrhotic/non-fibrotic livers with good survival outcome. Tumour size and differentiation are adverse predictors of outcome in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- V S Yip
- North Western Hepatobiliary Unit, Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK.
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Todd CS, Nasir A, Mansoor GF, Sahibzada SM, Jagodzinski LL, Salimi F, Khateri MN, Hale BR, Barthel RV, Scott PT. Cross-sectional assessment of prevalence and correlates of blood-borne and sexually-transmitted infections among Afghan National Army recruits. BMC Infect Dis 2012; 12:196. [PMID: 22909128 PMCID: PMC3482585 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-12-196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few data are available in Afghanistan to shape national military force health practices, particularly with regard to sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). We measured prevalence and correlates of HIV, syphilis, herpes simplex 2 virus (HSV-2), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among Afghan National Army (ANA) recruits. METHODS A cross-sectional sample of male ANA recruits aged 18-35 years were randomly selected at the Kabul Military Training Center between February 2010 and January 2011. Participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire and serum-based rapid testing for syphilis and hepatitis C virus antibody on-site; HIV and HSV-2 screening, and confirmatory testing were performed off-site. Prevalence of each infection was calculated and logistic regression analysis performed to identify correlates. RESULTS Of 5313 recruits approached, 4750 consented to participation. Participants had a mean age of 21.8 years (SD±3.8), 65.5% had lived outside Afghanistan, and 44.3% had no formal education. Few reported prior marijuana (16.3%), alcohol (5.3%), or opiate (3.4%) use. Of sexually active recruits (58.7%, N = 2786), 21.3% reported paying women for sex and 21.3% reported sex with males. Prevalence of HIV (0.063%, 95% CI: 0.013- 0.19), syphilis (0.65%, 95% CI: 0.44 - 0.93), and HCV (0.82%, 95% CI: 0.58 - 1.12) were quite low. Prevalence of HSV-2 was 3.03% (95% CI: 2.56 - 3.57), which was independently associated with age (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00 - 1.09) and having a television (socioeconomic marker) (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.03 - 2.05). CONCLUSION Though prevalence of HIV, HCV, syphilis, and HSV-2 was low, sexual risk behaviors and intoxicant use were present among a substantial minority, indicating need for prevention programming. Formative work is needed to determine a culturally appropriate approach for prevention programming to reduce STI risk among Afghan National Army troops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Todd
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University, 622 West 168th Street PH 16-69, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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12
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HIV/HBV Co-Infections: Epidemiology, Natural History, and Treatment: A Review Article. IRANIAN RED CRESCENT MEDICAL JOURNAL 2011; 13:855-62. [PMID: 22737429 PMCID: PMC3371904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, one of the major health priorities, accounts approximately for 350 million chronic cases and a global total of 33 million people were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the world.Co-infection with HIV and the HBV presents a significant challenge to health care providers, with different prevalence rates in different parts of the world. It is important to screen all HIV infected individuals for HBV infection and reverse. Infection with HBV becomes more violent in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency syndrome. HIV/HBV co-infected individuals are at increased risk of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, and of experiencing HAART toxicity. In this review, the latest statistics on epidemiology of HIV, HBV and their co-infection has been presented along with prominent characteristics of HBV. Transmission routes which are the common between HBV and HIV are described and the most important ones are described according to the regional and age features. Also, there is a series of actions being performed once HBV infections occur to prevent HIV or to diagnose if the HBV-infected individuals are also infected with HIV. As in treatment case, some of the frequent treatment methods including applying interferon and using nucleoside and nucleotide analogues have been discussed. Finally, we would explain the new recommendations for treating patients who were co-infected with HBV and HIV, including staging HBV and HIV treatment, based on the stage of each disease. It also outlines the optimal treatment options, whether the patient is treated for HBV first, HIV first, or HIV and HBV together.
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