Hepatitis B vaccination: needs a revision

Hepatitis B Vaccination Status in Dental Practitioners: Local Horrifying Report, National Considerable Issue, and Global Health Impact

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Recommendations for the Clinical Management of Hepatitis C in Iran: A Consensus-Based National Guideline

CONTEXT

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health issue worldwide, including Iran. The new direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) with high efficacy have changed the landscape of HCV treatment. This guideline provides updated recommendations for clinical management of HCV infection in Iran.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The recommendations of this guideline are based on international and national scientific evidences and consensus-based expert opinion. Scientific evidences were collected through a systematic review of studies that evaluated efficacy and safety of DAA regimens, using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Expert opinion was based on the consensus of Iran Hepatitis Scientific Board (IHSB) in the 3^rd national consensus on management of Hepatitis C in Iran, held on 22^nd of July 2016.

RESULTS

Pegylated Interferon alpha (PegIFN), Ribavirin (RBV), Sofosbuvir (SOF), Ledipasvir (LDV) and Daclatasvir (DCV) are currently available in Iran. Pre-treatment assessments include HCV RNA level, HCV genotype and resistance testing, assessment of liver fibrosis, and underlying diseases. In HCV genotype 1 and 4, DCV/SOF and LDV/SOF are recommended. In HCV genotype 2, SOF plus RBV and in HCV genotype 3, DCV/SOF is recommended. Additional care for underlying diseases should be considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Affordable new HCV treatment regimens are available in Iran, providing an opportunity for HCV elimination. Recommendations provided in this current national guideline can facilitate evidence-based management of HCV infection.

Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the General Population of Iran: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

CONTEXT

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global public health problem, affecting more than 2 billion people worldwide. Accurate and updated data on HBV prevalence is important for further planning to control the infection. The aim of this study was to update the prevalence estimate of HBV infection in the general population of Iran.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review was done for data on the prevalence of HBV infection in the general Iranian population published between Jan. 1, 1990, and Jan. 1, 2016, in both international and national databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scientific Information Database, IranMedex, and Magiran. All papers with clearly described time and location of the study, proper sampling strategies, and proper analysis methods were included in the present study. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Prevalence of HBV infection with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using Stata software, version 13.

RESULTS

The polled estimated prevalence of HBV infection in the general population of Iran was 2.2 % (95% CI: 1.9% - 2.6%). The highest prevalence of HBV infection (8.9%, 95% CI: 7.6% - 10.2%) was reported from Golestan province, and the lowest prevalence (0.7%, 95% CI: 0.4% - 1.1%) was seen in Kermanshah province. The prevalence of HBV infection was estimated at 3% (95% CI: 2.2% - 3.8%) for Iranian males and 1.7% (95% CI: 1.2% - 2.3%) for Iranian females. The prevalence of HBV infection in the general population of Iran was 2.9% (95% CI: 2.5% - 3.4%) before 2010 and 1.3% (95% CI: 0.9% - 1.7%) after 2010.

CONCLUSIONS

In total, Iran was classified within the low-intermediate HBV prevalence areas (2% - 4%), while according to recent data (after 2010), Iran was classified within the low HBV prevalence areas (< 2%), indicating that preventive measures conducted in Iran have been effective.

Prevalence of hepatitis B and knowledge about hepatitis B among migrant workers in shandong province, china: a cross-sectional study

Background:

China is a country with a high prevalence of hepatitis B. As a special population, migrant workers are more vulnerable to hepatitis B.

Objectives:

The present study was conducted to gain insight into the prevalence of hepatitis B and knowledge about hepatitis B among migrant workers in Shandong Province, China, as well as to explore a series of strategies for preventing and controlling the spread and prevalence of hepatitis B.

Patients and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted without age restriction, in Shandong Province in China. The sample-size was determined scientifically. The study population was selected using the random multistage cluster sampling. Personal information, including sex, age, ethnicity, marital status, education level, years of duration of stay in Jinan and health insurance were obtained from 2065 migrant workers. Moreover, blood samples were collected for hepatitis B infection screening. Knowledge about hepatitis B was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Correct response rates were calculated.

Results:

Of 2065 migrant workers tested for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), 167 (126 men and 41 women) tested positive for HBsAg; the overall prevalence was 8.1%. The prevalence rates in men and women were 9.6% and 5.4%, respectively. The prevalence rates in subjects 18 - 30 years old and 30 years older were 3.5% and 9.3%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between those groups (P < 0.05). Correct response rates for the transmission of hepatitis B questions were low, especially for a question regarding whether hepatitis B can be transferred by sexual contact (36.8%) and whether it can be transferred from mothers to infants (33.9%). A total of 80.9% of migrant workers correctly responded that vaccination is effective for hepatitis B. However, 68% of migrants also had the misconception that it is necessary to receive a booster vaccination.

Conclusions:

The hepatitis B virus infection rate in migrant workers is higher than average infection rates in China, and these workers’ knowledge regarding hepatitis B is poor. It is urgent that an appropriate program be undertaken for the prevention and control of hepatitis B among migrant workers.