Hepatitis B viral infection in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a three year follow-up

Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: Prevalence and Mutations in "a" Determinant

Background: Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is defined as undetectable serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) with detectable HBV-DNA in the serum or liver. Patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) are at a high risk of OBI. The prevalence of OBI in MHD patients in China is not well evaluated. In this study, we aim to assess the prevalence of OBI in MHD patients in Sichuan Province, Southwest of China and investigate the mutations in the "a" determinant of HBsAg. Methods: A total of 330 patients undergoing MHD at Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital were enrolled. Serum samples were collected for ELISA assay to test the serological markers of HBV infection, real-time PCR assay to identify the presence of HBV-DNA, and nested PCR plus sequencing analysis to investigate the gene mutations. Results: In a total of 330 MHD patients, we found that the prevalence of OBI was 4.2% (7/165) in the test group, 2.1% (7/330) in the overall dialysis cohort. After a follow-up study of 7 MHD patients with OBI for 2 years, 2 (isolated HBcAb+) of them were still detectable for HBV-DNA. By sequencing analysis, we revealed mutations at the "a" determinant of HBsAg, including Q129R, T131N, M133S, F134L and D144E. The Q129R and M133S mutations were first reported. Conclusions: Our study clarifies the prevalence of OBI in MHD patients in Sichuan Province(4.2% in the test group, 2.1% in the overall dialysis cohort), and demonstrate the mutations of Q129R and M133S in the "a" determinant of HBsAg for the first time.

Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus among hemodialysis patients in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in a developing country

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence in hemodialysis patients varies geographically, both within and between countries. High prevalence of these infections in dialysis patients reflects the increased presence of common risk factors for their acquisition, including transfusion, transplantation, history of drug abuse, plus susceptibility to nosocomial transmission during dialysis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the seroprevalence and clinical profile of HIV, HBV, and HCV patient's on hemodialysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical and epidemiological data of patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in the dialysis unit of a teaching institution were obtained and analyzed over a 5 years' period.

RESULTS

A total of 127 males and 69 females were studied. Their mean age was 50.45 years. Out of the total 196 dialysis-dependent patients, 2 (1.02%) were seropositive for HIV antibodies, 6 (3.06%) were hepatitis B surface antigen positive, and 30 (15.30%) were anti-HCV antibody positive. There was no coexistence of HIV, HBV, and HCV markers. The major primary renal diseases in hemodialysis patients included diabetes mellitus (42%), hypertension (22%), chronic nephritis (15%), urologic diseases (6%), cystic renal diseases (4%), and others (11%).

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of transfusion-transmissible viral infections was higher among hemodialysis patients, especially HCV infection which was an alarming situation and therefore strict adherence to infection control strategies, barrier precautions, and preventive measures, including routine hepatitis B vaccination and regular virological follow-up were recommended along with regular education and training programs of technical and nursing personnel's involved with dialysis patients.

Hepatitis B vaccination and screening awareness in primary care practitioners

Introduction. The goals of Healthy People US 2020 have called for increased screening and vaccination of high-risk groups for Hepatitis B (HBV). Methods. We performed a survey of 400 randomly chosen primary care practitioners (PCPs) in Wisconsin to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding screening and vaccination for HBV. Results. Screening rates of patients at risk of sexual transmission were low, with 61% of respondents stating that they screen patients who had more than 1 sex partner in 6 months and 86% screening patients with a history of sex with prostitutes. Screening rate for persons with a history of intravenous drug use was 94%. Children of immigrants were screened by 65%, persons on hemodialysis by 73%, and prison inmates by 69%. Screening increased with provider experience with HBV. Deficiencies in vaccination rates mirrored screening practices. Major barriers to screening were cost, someone else's responsibility, time constraints, or lack of knowledge. Conclusions. Without improved education and practices of PCPs about HBV screening and vaccination, the goals of healthy people 2020 regarding HBV will not be met. Barriers to screening and vaccination need to be addressed. Cost-effectiveness of alternative strategies such as universal vaccination under the age of 50 should be explored.

Clinical significance of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen in multitransfused hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

In spite of the progress made in the prevention of transfusion transmitted infections over the last few years, transmission of HBV infection through transfusion of HBsAg negative blood has been documented.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the frequency and clinical significance of anti-HBc in multitransfused hemodialysis patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and forty-three hemodialysis patients who had been receiving blood regularly with an average of 39.4 +/- 7.579 months on hemodialysis were enrolled in this study. HBV markers (HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs) were measured in these patients and in 100 healthy controls by the ELISA technique. The following data were obtained for all patients: socio demographic data, number of blood transfusions and some laboratory investigations.

RESULTS

In our patients, anti-HBc was positive in 9%, anti HBs in 7%, coexistant HbsAg/anti-HBc in 2.8% and anti HBc/anti HBs in 18.9%, meanwhile no patients were positive for HBsAg alone. In patients with only positive anti-HBc, the levels of anti-HBc were significantly related to abnormal results of liver function. In patients with positive anti-HBs/anti-HBc (n = 27), 18 patients had abnormal liver function, and 9 patients had normal liver function with no significant difference between them.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that hepatitis B prevalence in our multitransfused hemodialysis patients is far in excess of that anticipated on the basis of HBsAg prevalence. Absence of HBsAg in the blood of hemodialyzed patients may not be sufficient to ensure lack of circulating HBV, and isolated positivity of anti-HBc may be a possible indicator of active hepatitis B infection.

Occult hepatitis C virus infection is more common than hepatitis B infection in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Patients of end stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis were enrolled to study the prevalence of occult and dual hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and non-occult hepatitis B and C virus infection. One hundred and two patients were enrolled. Thirty patients had HCV infection, three of them were positive in anti-HCV. So, 27 (90%) of HCV-positive patients had occult HCV infection. Eleven (11%) patients had HBV infection. Five patients were positive in anti-HBc or HBV-DNA, but negative in HBsAg (occult HBV infection). Three (3%) patients had dual HBV and HCV infection. None of the patients showed changes in viral markers during the follow-up of 8 mo on average (1-12 mo).