Seroprevalence of HBV (anti-HBc, HBsAg and anti-HBs) and HDV infections among 9006 women at delivery

Hepatitis Delta: Prevalence, Natural History, and Treatment Options

Half a century after its discovery, hepatitis delta remains a pertinent global health issue with a major clinical impact in endemic regions and an underestimated prevalence worldwide. Hepatitis delta virus infection follows a challenging clinical course and is responsible for significant liver-related morbidity. Although the only currently available treatment (pegylated interferon) does not provide consistent results, emerging therapeutic options are promising. This article explores the epidemiology, natural history, as well as current and potential therapeutic options for hepatitis delta virus infection.

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection in rheumatic diseases: risk and management considerations

In patients with rheumatic diseases undergoing immunosuppressive treatment, hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) has been long recognized as a major treatment-related adverse event with substantial morbidity and mortality. Because HBVr is easily preventable with appropriate screening and monitoring strategies, and, when indicated, prophylactic antiviral treatment, awareness of this complication is of the utmost importance, especially in the era of biologic treatments. As a condition, it continues to be topical, in view of the emergence of novel classes of immunosuppressive drugs (i.e. Janus kinase inhibitors) acquiring licenses for a variety of rheumatic diseases. The class-specific risk of these agents for HBVr has not yet been determined. Moreover, ambiguity still exists for the management of patients planned to be treated with traditional agents, such as cyclophosphamide and glucocorticoids, particularly in the setting of resolved HBV infection. Clinicians in the field of rheumatic diseases should be tailoring their practice according to the host's profile and treatment-specific risk for HBVr. In this review, the authors attempt to critically review the existing literature and provide practical advice on these issues.

Prevalence, correlates and pattern of Hepatitis B among antenatal clinic attenders in Yaounde-Cameroon: is perinatal transmission of HBV neglected in Cameroon?

BACKGROUND

Few studies have evaluated the prevalence of HBV in the general Cameroonian population or among antenatal attendants. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, correlates and patterns of Hepatitis B surface antigen among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Yaounde-Cameroon.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional multicenter study carried out in a referral hospital and two secondary hospitals in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon. The study lasted 15 months (March 2011 to June 2012), and recruited 959 pregnant women. Patient recruitment was consecutive. The HBsAg was tested using the Monalisa HBsAg Ultra ELISA kit. Other hepatitis B markers were equally tested.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hepatitis B infection (HBsAg) among antenatal clinic attenders in our setting was 7.7%. Amongst these women, just 5.4% were previously aware of their HBsAg status. The rate of HBV infectivity was high, with 28% of HBsAg positive women having evidence of HBeAg in their plasma, and up to 45.8% of these women lacking antibodies against hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe). About 41% of the pregnant women had had previous contact with HBV as evidenced by the positive status for anti-HBc.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women in Cameroon is high, and the pattern tends towards high infectivity and therefore increased risk of perinatal HBV transmission. These highlight the need to step up preventive efforts against hepatitis B infection and perinatal HBV transmission in our community.

Prevalence and associated factors of viral hepatitis and transferrin elevations in 5036 patients admitted to the emergency room of a Swiss university hospital: cross-sectional study

Background

The epidemiology of liver disease in patients admitted to emergency rooms is largely unknown. The current study aimed to measure the prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C infection and pathological laboratory values of liver disease in such a population, and to study factors associated with these measurements.

Methods

Cross-sectional study in patients admitted to the emergency room of a university hospital. No formal exclusion criteria. Determination of anti-HBs, anti-HCV, transferrin saturation, alanine aminotransferase, and obtaining answers from a study-specific questionnaire.

Results

The study included 5'036 patients, representing a 14.9% sample of the target population during the study period. Prevalence of anti-HBc and anti-HCV was 6.7% (95%CI 6.0% to 7.4%) and 2.7% (2.3% to 3.2%), respectively. Factors independently associated with positive anti-HBc were intravenous drug abuse (OR 18.3; 11.3 to 29.7), foreign country of birth (3.4; 2.6 to 4.4), non-white ethnicity (2.7; 1.9 to 3.8) and age ≥60 (2.0; 1.5 to 2.8). Positive anti-HCV was associated with intravenous drug abuse (78.9; 43.4 to 143.6), blood transfusion (1.7; 1.1 to 2.8) and abdominal pain (2.7; 1.5 to 4.8). 75% of all participants were not vaccinated against hepatitis B or did not know their vaccination status. Among anti-HCV positive patients only 49% knew about their infection and 51% reported regular alcohol consumption. Transferrin saturation was elevated in 3.3% and was associated with fatigue (prevalence ratio 1.9; 1.2 to 2.8).

Conclusion

Emergency rooms should be considered as targets for public health programs that encourage vaccination, patient education and screening of high-risk patients for liver disease with subsequent referral for treatment if indicated.

Epidemiology of HBV infection in Asian blood donors: Emphasis on occult HBV infection and the role of NAT

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is endemic in many Asian countries. Among many transmission routes, transfusion is the one that should be prevented. The first major success in enhancing transfusion safety came with the implementation of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the early 1970s. However, the studies quoted in this review demonstrate that transmission by blood components negative for HBsAg can still occur in the acute phase of infection during the seronegative window period, or during chronic stages of infection (i.c. "occult" HBV infection, OHB). OHB is defined as the presence of HBV DNA in blood or liver tissues in patients negative for HBsAg, with or without any HBV antibodies. Because of limitations in current blood screening practices, OHB is an overlooked source of HBV transmission. For policy development on screening for HBV infection in blood donors, it would be useful to assess the relative contribution of the above two sources of transfusion-transmitted HBV infection from HBsAg-negative donations. New screening policy should be evaluated on the basis of available data or newly designed studies. While anti-HBc screening can climinate residual risk of occult HBV transmission by transfusion in low-endemic areas, it would not be practical in most parts of the world where the prevalence of anti-HBc is >10% as too many otherwise healthy donors will be ineligible. On the contrary, studies mentioned in this paper indicate that nucleic acid amplification test (NAT) or new HBsAg tests of enhanced sensitivity would be effective in the screening of blood donors for OHB in highly endemic countries. However, the cost-effectiveness of blood screening tests is a major concern in Asia. We therefore have systemically reviewed the literature on prevalence and infectivity of OHB in Asian countries and the possible role of NAT for identifying blood donors in the pre-HBsAg window phase or in later stages of OHB.

Recent developments in the diagnosis and monitoring of HBV infection and role of the genetic variability of the S gene

Recent developments in the laboratory diagnosis of hepatitis B virus infection include the optimization of key serologic markers, including hepatitis B virus surface antigen and antihepatitis B virus core antibody, as well as the development of automated nucleic acid amplification assays. There is still a lack of standardization for nucleic acid amplification assays that are used for the monitoring of antiviral therapy and follow-up of chronic infection and the clinical significance of hepatitis B virus DNA levels need to be clarified. Although highly sensitive automated nucleic acid amplification assays for blood donor screening are available, their implementation is still subject to discussion and certain countries rejected hepatitis B virus DNA testing for blood donation due to poor cost effectiveness. Genetic variability of hepatitis B virus constitutes a major challenge for diagnosis of hepatitis B virus infection, particularly with regard to hepatitis B virus surface antigen detection, antihepatitis B virus surface antigen quantification and nucleic acid amplification assays. The performances of hepatitis B virus surface antigen enzyme immunoassays in regard to genotype and surface antigen variability need to be further improved. Polyclonal antibody-based hepatitis B virus surface antigen enzyme immunoassays, although they cannot guarantee 100% sensitivity, demonstrate superior S gene mutant recognition to assays using monoclonal capture and tracer antibodies. Isolated antihepatitis B virus core reactivity is an unusual but frequent result, which requires a test algorithm for resolution and hepatitis B virus DNA detection with sensitive nucleic acid amplification assays in order to exclude occult hepatitis B virus infection.

Significado de la reactividad aislada anti-HBc como único marcador de infección de la hepatitis B

INTRODUCTION

Little is known about the clinical significance of the "anti-HBc alone" serological profile (absence of HBsAg and anti-HBs) in HBV infections. The objective of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of the anti-HBc alone immunological profile and the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients with this profile.

METHODS

Prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study performed in 2002 and including patients with anti-HBc alone (HBsAg-negative, anti-HBs-negative and anti-HBc-positive). All the cases identified underwent the following microbiological tests: IgM anti-HBc, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HDV, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, as well as HBV-DNA testing by qualitative nested-PCR. Furthermore, studies of serum biochemical parameters, blood counts and coagulation, as well as a clinical-epidemiological interview were performed in all patients.

RESULTS

Among 3900 patients studied, 195 (5%) presented the anti-HBc alone profile (48% were > 65 years old). Residual anti-HBs (< 10 mUI/mL) was found in 44% of cases and 33% were anti-HBe positive. HCV or HIV coinfection were seen in 38% and 8%, respectively. HBV-DNA was detected in 4.2% (5/120) of cases. Epidemiologically, detection of anti-HBc alone was casual in 60% of patients, whereas the remaining cases had a history of chronic liver disease (82% of these were anti-HCV positive). In a high percentage (63%) the transmission mechanism of HBV infection was unknown (11% intravenous drug abuser, 10% surgery, 6% transfusions).

CONCLUSION

The anti-HBc alone pattern is a frequent finding, particularly in patients > 65 years old and in HCV or HIV coinfected patients. Although HBV-DNA was detected in a small percentage of cases, this test could be indicated in certain clinical situations (liver disease, coinfection, donors). Furthermore, this profile seems to be related with HCV infection; hence, we consider anti-HCV detection necessary in all patients with anti-HBc alone.

Occult hepatitis B virus infection: implications in transfusion

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) presents a higher residual risk of transmission by transfusion than hepatitis C virus (HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While most infectious blood units are removed by screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), there is clear evidence that transmission by HBsAg-negative components occurs, in part, during the serologically negative window period, but more so during the late stages of infection. Donations negative for HBsAg, but positive for HBV DNA, with or without the presence of HBV antibodies, correspond to 'occult' HBV infection (OBI). The frequency of OBI depends on the relative sensitivity of both HBsAg and HBV DNA assays. It also depends on the prevalence of HBV infection in the population. OBI may follow recovery from infection, displaying antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and persistent low-level viraemia, escape mutants undetected by the HBsAg assays, or healthy carriage with antibodies to hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe) and to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). Over time, in the latter situation, anti-HBe and, later, anti-HBc may become undetectable. The critical question is whether or not OBI is infectious by transfusion. All forms have been shown to be infectious in immunocompromised individuals, such as organ- or bone marrow-transplant recipients. In immunocompetent recipients, there is no evidence that anti-HBs-containing components (even at low titre) are infectious. Anti-HBc only, with HBV DNA, can be associated with infectivity, as can rare cases of HBV DNA without any serological HBV marker. If HBV nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) is considered, the OBI viral load would usually be < 500 IU/ml, making testing of plasma pools unsuitable unless the sensitivity of NAT significantly increases by genome enrichment or test improvement.

Risk of perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus in Jordan

OBJECTIVES

To determine the risk of perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Jordan.

METHODS

Plasma samples from 1000 pregnant Jordanian women were screened by ELISA for HBV markers (HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc and anti-HBs).

RESULTS

HBsAg and HBeAg were detected in 4.3% and 0.1% of the pregnant women, respectively. The overall prevalence of antibodies was 6%, 11.1% and 7.5% for anti-HBe, anti-HBc and anti-HBs, respectively. Women were assigned to four groups according to the serological patterns of HBV markers: susceptible (85.9%), with acute infection (2.9%), with chronic infection (1.4%) and previously infected (9.8%). Most women were at the third trimester of pregnancy, therefore women with acute and chronic hepatitis at this gestational age were at risk of transmitting HBV infection to their newborns. Women who belonged to the low socio-economic class were at higher risk of HBV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results, we recommend screening women for HBV during pregnancy in order to identify HBV carriers. All newborns born to carriers should be vaccinated immediately after birth, both passively and actively. Also vaccination of HBV seronegative pregnant women is recommended.

Presence of low levels of anti-HBs antibody in so-called 'anti-HBc alone' subjects

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The 'anti-Hbc alone' pattern could sometimes be that of subjects who produced anti-HBs after recovery, but at a lower level than that detectable using commercial assays. This study aimed to test this hypothesis.

METHODS

A total of 104 'anti-HBc alone' serum samples, i.e.positive for the anti-HBc antibody but not for HBsAg nor for anti-HBs antibody, were recruited when routine testing a broad population of employees, patients and pregnant women from a university hospital. A possible subliminal anti-HBs production, that would have escaped detection by commercial EIAs, was investigated by comparing the optical densities (ODs) obtained in vaccinees (commercial anti-HBs EIA) to those of a control group of 100 nonimmunised and nonvaccinated subjects.

RESULTS

The median OD was significantly higher (p<0.0001) in the 'anti-HBc alone' subjects (OD=0.035) than in the controls (OD=0.023). Thirty-six percent of the 'anti-HBc alone' subjects had an anti-HBs OD higher than the median OD of the controls+2SD. 'Anti-HBc alone' subjects with anti-HBe antibody had higher anti-HBs ODs (0.041) than had those without anti-HBe (0.029). In 'anti-HBc alone' subjects, the anti-HBs ODs, although under the cut-off value of the EIA, were found to be higher than in the controls.

CONCLUSION

Our results show low anti-HBs production in some of the subjects studied.

Serological pattern "anti-HBc alone": report on a workshop

In areas with low hepatitis B virus (HBV) endemicity such as most parts of Europe and the United States "anti-HBc alone" is found in 10-20% of all individuals with HBV markers, i.e., 1-4% of the population. In about 10% of these individuals HBV DNA is detected by PCR, the proportions varying greatly depending on the population studied, being highest in individuals coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) (above 35%) and HIV (above 85%). A small proportion of individuals with "anti-HBc alone" are in the window phase of an HBV infection or in a stage of late HBV immunity. For the large proportion of these individuals this is not the case and they are thought to have an unresolved HBV-infection or a chronic infection in a late or "low grade" productive state. Currently, limited studies have been performed concerning the clinical aspects of individuals with "anti-HBc alone" and suspected chronic HBV infection. The majority of these individuals seem to be healthy. Some chronic carriers with "anti-HBc alone," however, do present signs of chronic hepatitis. Individuals with "anti-HBc alone" are potentially infectious. This is exemplified by a few case reports of HBV transmission to sexual contacts, perinatal transmission between mother and newborns and in blood recipients. Recommendations are given in relation to both the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the individuals with "anti-HBc alone" and in the blood banking and transplantation services.

[Serologic diagnosis and follow-up of hepatitis B]

This paper is a short summary on the usefulness of two antigens (HBsAg and HBeAg), three antibodies (anti-HBc, anti-HBe and anti-HBs) and of HBV DNA, as markers for the diagnosis and the follow-up of hepatitis B. The significance of each of these markers at the various stages of disease history, a few patterns of co-existence of some of these markers and the occurrence of mutations in the core and pre-core regions of the genome are also described. The various indications for measuring HBV DNA, in addition to the classical serological markers, are also mentioned.