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Background

Patient's satisfaction for a given treatment is an important clinical outcome because a satisfied patient is more likely to comply with treatments, attend follow-ups and advocate the service to others. Therefore, knowing patients' expectations before a planned procedure or treatment and the actual level of satisfaction and fulfillment of their initial expectations thereafter is much helpful. As far as the knowledge and experience of the researchers is concerned, there has not been any study conducted in Ethiopia to find out about patients' preoperative expectations and postoperative level of satisfaction for actual outcomes. This study was therefore, conducted to describe and find out the relationship between preoperative expectations of cataract patients and the actual postoperative experience and their satisfaction level following the surgery at ophthalmology department in Jimma University Specialized Hospital.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing first eye cataract surgery was conducted from July 10 to Oct., 10, 2007 in the Ophthalmology department of Jimma University Specialized Hospital. Detailed interviews that included general and vision specific health status measures and patients' preoperative expectations for cataract surgery outcomes were performed followed by visual acuity testing. Postoperatively, visual acuity testing was taken again and patients' level of satisfaction with attained postoperative vision was assessed. Data were collected and filled in a separate questionnaire form for each patient, and entered into a computer and analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 12.0.

Results

Of the 200 patients operated for cataract, 179 (89.5%) were followed for the whole five weeks. The average expected preoperative Visual Function-15 score was 96.3, compared to an achieved (postoperative) Visual Function-15 score of just 96.2. However, the most unrealistic expectations observed were reading small prints and doing fine handiwork. The final pinhole visual acuity postoperatively was ≤ 6/18 in 126 (70.4%) patients. Of the 78 (39%) patients who were bilaterally blind preoperatively, 5 (2.5%) patients remained blind postoperatively.

Conclusions

Significant improvements were obtained in clinical, functional, and perceived vision by cataract surgery involving extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantations. Expectations regarding visual functioning after cataract surgery were very high, and in most cases and in most cases they were fulfilled.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection as well as current risk behaviors among HIV positive and negative injection drug users (IDUs) in Chennai, India.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of a convenience sample of 912 IDUs recruited between March 2004 and April 2005. Specimens were tested for HIV, HBV and HCV. Adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance estimates.

Results

The prevalence of HIV, HBsAg and anti-HCV were 29.8%, 11.1% and 62.1%, respectively. Among HIV-infected IDUs, prevalence of co-infection with anti-HCV and HBsAg/anti-HCV were 86% and 9.2%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, injecting at a dealer’s place (PR: 1.57) and duration of injection drug use ≥ 11 years (PR: 3.02) were positively associated with prevalent HIV infection. Contrastingly, alcohol consumption ≥ 1/week (PR: 0.55) was negatively associated with HIV. HIV positive IDUs were as or more likely compared to HIV negative IDUs to report recent high-risk injection-related behaviors.

Conclusion

There is a high burden of HIV, HCV and HBV among IDUs that needs to be addressed by improving access to therapies for these infections; further, preventive measures are urgently needed to prevent further spread of HIV, HBV and HCV in this vulnerable population.

Background

Hepatitis B and C cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Little is known about the existence of hepatitis B and C among high risk groups of the Pakistani population. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C in high risk groups, their comparison and the possible mode of acquisition by obtaining the history of exposure to known risk factors.

Methods

This cross sectional study was carried out in Karachi, from January 2007 to June 2008.

HBsAg and Anti HCV screening was carried out in blood samples collected from four vulnerable or at risk groups which included injecting drug users (IDUs), prisoners, security personnel and health care workers (HCWs). Demographic information was recorded and the possible mode of acquisition was assessed by detailed interview. Logistic regression analysis was conducted using the STATA software.

Results

We screened 4202 subjects, of these, 681 individuals were reactive either with hepatitis B or C. One hundred and thirty three (3.17%) were hepatitis B reactive and 548 (13.0%) were diagnosed with hepatitis C. After adjusting for age, security personnel, prisoners and IV drug users were 5, 3 and 6 times more likely to be hepatitis B reactive respectively as compared to the health care workers. IDUs were 46 times more likely to be hepatitis C positive compared with health care workers.

Conclusion

The prevalence of hepatitis B and C was considerably higher in IDUs, prisoners and security personnel compared to HCWs group. Hepatitis C is more prevalent than hepatitis B in all these risk groups. Prevalence of hepatitis C increased with the increase in age. Use of unsterilized syringes, used syringes, body piercing and illicit sexual relations were found to be important associated risk factors for higher prevalence of Hepatitis B and C in these groups.

Objective

The goal of this study was to understand the knowledge about AIDS, identify the correlates and determine the prevalence of HIV infection, syphilis, HCV among migrant workers in Zhejiang, China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using face-to-face anonymous questionnaire interviews was conducted and blood samples were collected for HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis C infection screening.

Results

17,377 (92.8%) of 18,730 migrant workers approached were interviewed. Among 17,377 participants, the HIV/AIDS knowledge rate was 66.2%. A total of 12,694 (73%) of the participants reported having ever had sexual intercourse, with 30.1% of single participants reporting having had sexual intercourse. Among those respondents with sexual experiences, 7.5% admitted they had two or more sexual partners and 4.9% reported having had sex with casual (unpaid) partners in the previous 12 months, whilst 3.7% had paid for sex. More than half of those who had paid for sex (59.4%) had not used a condom every time in their sexual acts with the sex workers. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that high risk sexual behavior (defined as sex with a casual or commercial sex partner without using a condom consistently) was associated with being divorced or widowed (P<0.05 for single); male gender; shorter duration of stay in Zhejiang; working in factory, market or domestic service (P<0.05 for odd job); having a province of origin inside Zhejiang; and drug use. The prevalence of HIV and HCV infections were 0.02% (95% CI: 0.01%–0.06%) and 0.40% (95%CI: 0.31%–0.51%), respectively. The prevalence of syphilis among those who were sexually active was 0.55% (95% CI: 0.43%–0.70%). Risk factors for syphilis included shorter duration of stay in Zhejiang, ethnic minority status, being divorced or widowed and having had multiple sex partners.

Conclusions

Much greater efforts are needed to promote safer sex, and programs for the control of syphilis need to be tailored for migrant workers in China.

AIM: To investigate the risk factors for postoperative liver insufficiency in patients with Child-Pugh class A liver function undergoing liver resection.

METHODS: A total of 427 consecutive patients undergoing partial hepatectomy from October 2007 to April 2011 at a single center (Department of Hepatic SurgeryI, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China) were included in the study. All the patients had preoperative liver function of Child-Pugh class A and were diagnosed as having primary liver cancer by postoperative histopathology. Surgery was performed by the same team and hepatic resection was carried out by a clamp crushing method. A clamp/unclamp time of 15 min/5 min was adopted for hepatic inflow occlusion. Patients’ records of demographic variables, intraoperative parameters, pathological findings and laboratory test results were reviewed. Postoperative liver insufficiency and failure were defined as prolonged hyperbilirubinemia unrelated to biliary obstruction or leak, clinically apparent ascites, prolonged coagulopathy requiring frozen fresh plasma, and/or hepatic encephalopathy. The incidence of postoperative liver insufficiency or liver failure was observed and the attributing risk factors were analyzed. A multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the independent predictive factors.

RESULTS: Among the 427 patients, there were 362 males and 65 females, with a mean age of 51.1 ± 10.4 years. Most patients (86.4%) had a background of viral hepatitis and 234 (54.8%) patients had liver cirrhosis. Indications for partial hepatectomy included hepatocellular carcinoma (391 patients), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (31 patients) and a combination of both (5 patients). Hepatic resections of ≤ 3 and ≥ 4 liver segments were performed in 358 (83.8%) and 69 (16.2%) patients, respectively. Seventeen (4.0%) patients developed liver insufficiency after hepatectomy, of whom 10 patients manifested as prolonged hyperbilirubinemia unrelated to biliary obstruction or leak, 6 patients had clinically apparent ascites and prolonged coagulopathy, 1 patient had hepatic encephalopathy and died on day 21 after surgery. On univariate analysis, age ≥ 60 years and prealbumin < 170 mg/dL were found to be significantly correlated with postoperative liver insufficiency (P = 0.045 and P = 0.009, respectively). There was no statistical difference in postoperative liver insufficiency between patients with or without hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and esophagogastric varices. Intraoperative parameters (type of resection, inflow blood occlusion time, blood loss and blood transfusion) and laboratory test results were not associated with postoperative liver insufficiency either. Age ≥ 60 years and prealbumin < 170 mg/dL were selected on multivariate analysis, and only prealbumin < 170 mg/dL remained predictive (hazard ratio, 3.192; 95%CI: 1.185-8.601, P = 0.022).

CONCLUSION: Prealbumin serum level is a predictive factor for postoperative liver insufficiency in patients with liver function of Child-Pugh class A undergoing hepatectomy. Since prealbumin is a good marker of nutritional status, the improved nutritional status may decrease the incidence of liver insufficiency.

Background

There are little data on the prevalence of serological markers of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses in pregnant women in Iran.

Objectives

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among pregnant women in Lorestan, west of Iran.

Patients and Methods

Serum samples of 827 pregnant women who lived in rural (36.8%) and urban areas (63.2%) of Lorestan were collected during 2007-2008. Data were obtained through questionnaires. Samples were first screened for anti-HCV and anti-HBc by ELISA. Those who were positive for anti-HBc were tested for HBsAg.

Results

Anti-HBc was found in 28 of 827 pregnant women (overall prevalence, 3.4%; 14 of 523 in urban areas, 2.7%; 14 of 304 in rural areas, 4.6%). Of the 28 positive samples, 6(0.7%) were positive for HBs-Ag. Only 2 samples (0.2%) were anti-HCV-positive.

Conclusions

These results underscore the need for prenatal screening for HBV infection in pregnant women and treatment of newborns from HBsAg-positive mothers.More studies are needed to identify risk factors of HCV infection and highlight the importance of HCV screening and treatment programs.

Objectives:

To study the epidemiology of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCP) in a relatively new industrial community in Yanbu, and to find out whether any relationship exists between increased serum Alanine Transferase (ALT) and HBV infection.

Method:

A group of Saudi male workers (n=332) (mean age = 32 years) were screened for Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV), and Alanine Transferase (ALT) level and the results were correlated with age and marital status.

Results:

Overall, the prevalence of anti-HBc, HBsAg, and anti-HCV were 23.2%, 7.7% and 0.6% respectively. Age-related HBsAg carrier rates were 7.8%, 6.4% and 9.4% for age groups 18-20, 21-30 and over 30 years respec-tively. Anti-HBc positivity rates lucre 7.8%, 24.3% and 23.1 M for the same age groups. Anti-HCV was positive in only two cases (0.6%) of all subjects. Con-sidering marital status, HBsAg and anti-HBc positivity rates were 7.8% and 20.5% for single subjects compared with 7.4% and 24.5% for married subjects (P=> 0.5 and > 0.5). Twenty-two percent of all subjects had ALT levels above 35 U/L with no correlation between the increase of ALT and anti-HBc or HBsAg positivity.

Conclusions:

The findings of this work: (1) Support the notion of relatively low prevalence of HCV in the Saudi Population as compared to HBV. (2) Provide clues regarding possible routes of transmission of HBV in Saudis that may help in vaccination policies for control of HBV infection. (3) Emphasize the fact that ALT level is an independent factor of HBV infection, and (4) Signify the need to screen industrial workers fir non-viral causes of liver disease.

Background and Aims

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are also likely to be at risk for other infectious pathogens including hepatitis B(HBV) and C(HCV) viruses, which complicate the clinical course, management, and therapy. The literature on the prevalence of HBV/HCV coinfection with HIV in Iran is sparse. Hence this study was conducted to investigate this coinfection pattern and its risk factors in Isfahan, Iran.

Methods

All of the HIV-infected patients attending clinics for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) research and education in Isfahan province during the period of May 1998 through April 2007 were included in this cross-sectional study. After giving their informed consent, the patients were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), and anti-HCV-positive cases were confirmed with the RIBA test. The demographic data and information about risk behaviors were collected as well. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for HBV and HCV.

Results

The subjects included 130 patients (128 males and 2 females) with a mean age of 50.23 ± 8.81 years. Most of the subjects were unemployed (61.5%) and single (56.2%). A history of imprisonment, ,intravenous drug abuse, and high-risk sexual activity were reported by 83.7%, 83.5%, and 48% of the subjects, respectively. Coinfection with hepatitis viruses was observed in 78.5% of the subjects. Low levels of education, a history of imprisonment, and youth were the main risk factors for HCV/HIV coinfection (OR = 196, 114, and 0.9 respectively).

Conclusions

Our study showed that there is a high prevalence rate of HCV/HIV coinfection in Isfahan, Iran, with the major risk factor being a history of imprisonment.

Background

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection is well known to induce a spectrum of acute and chronic liver diseases which further advance to cirrhosis, fulminant hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Aim

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis D virus super-infection among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive individuals in the highly populated province of Pakistan which is not well known.

Methods

Sera samples were subjected to HBsAg and anti-HDV screening and finally anti-HDV and HBsAg positive coinfected samples were used for HDV active RNA confirmation using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Out of total 200 HBsAg positive samples by rapid device, 96 (48%) were also found reactive for HBsAg using enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Out of these HBsAg ELISA positive samples, 80 (88.8%) were anti-HDV ELISA positive which were then subjected to PCR. The amplification results further confirmed 24 (30%) samples to be HDV RNA positive. HDV super-infection was more common in male patients than female patients (81% VS 19%).

Conclusion

The current study shows a high prevalence rate of HDV-HBV co-infection in Pakistan that tends to increase over time.

Background:

Viral hepatitis during pregnancy is associated with high risk of maternal complications and has become a leading cause of foetal death.

Aims:

This study aimed at determining the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viral infections among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

Patients and Methods:

This was a hospital based cross-sectional study that included 5760 pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic of the hospital during the periods of October 2009 - October 2010. Relevant data was gathered and women having history of previous liver diseases, diabetes and pre-eclamptic toxemia were excluded from the study. Rapid diagnostic test kits were used to screen for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies.

Results:

720 (12.5%) and 206 (3.6%) out of 5,760 pregnant women included in the study were found to be positive for Serum antibodies to hepatitis B and C respectively. 33 (0.57%) were found to have mixed infections of hepatitis B and C. None of the expected risk factors had significant outcome.

Conclusion:

This study showed that the prevalence of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) among pregnant women in this study area is of intermediate endemicity (12.5%).

Background

Infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) can lead to chronic liver disease and hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC). This cross-sectional study estimated the prevalence and identified risk factors associated with Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HCV antibody (anti-HCV) sero-positivity among children 1 to 15 years of age.

Methods

The study targeted the low to middle socioeconomic population that comprises 80% to 85% of the population. Consent was obtained from parents of the eligible children before administering questionnaire and collected a blood sample for anti-HCV and HBsAg serology.

Results

3533 children were screened for HBsAg and anti-HCV. 1826 (52 %) were males. 65 (1.8 %) were positive for HBsAg, male to female ratio 38:27; mean age 10 ± 4 years. 55 (1.6 %) were positive for anti-HCV with a mean age 9 ± 4 years. 3 (0.11%) boys were positive for both HBsAg and anti-HCV. The overall infection rate was 3.3 % in the studied population. Hepatitis BsAg was more prevalent in subjects who received therapeutic injections 45 (69.2%) positive [Odd Ratio OR = 2.2; 95% Confidence interval CI: 1.3–3.6] inspite of using new needle and syringe 44 (67.7%) positive [OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.3–3.7] and vaccination in the government healthcare facilities 46 (70.7 %) positive with [OR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.4–6.4]. These factors were not significant in anti-HCV positive cases.

Conclusion

There is a need to educate general population regarding HBV and HCV infection and risks associated with inappropriate therapeutic injections. Hepatitis B vaccine should be administered to all newborns regardless of maternal HBsAg status.

Introduction

Hepatitis co-infection with HIV is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

Methods

This cross sectional study was carried out among HIV positive patients and HIV negative blood donors, HIV infected patients were recruited from the antiretroviral therapy clinics of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, in Nigeria. The diagnosis of HIV infection among patients and predonation screening of control blood donors was carried out using Determine1/2 screening rapid kits. (Inverness Medical, Japan). Reactive patients’ sera were confirmed with Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (Elisa) based immuuocomb1&11 comb firm kits (Orgenics, Israel). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) were assayed using 4th generation Dialab Elisa kits for patients and control sera.

Results

Dual presence of HBsAg and anti-HCV was observed in 4(3.9%) of HIV infected patients, while 29(28.4%) and 15(14.7%) were repeatedly reactive for HBsAg and anti-HCV respectively. HIV negative blood donor controls have HBsAg and anti-HCV prevalence of (22) 6.0% and (3) 0.8% respectively. The prevalence of hepatitis co infection is higher among the male study patients 16(50%) than the female32 (45.7%).p > 0.001.Data analysis was done with statistical Package for social sciences (SPSS,9) and Chi square tests.

Conclusion

This study reveals a higher risk and prevalence of HBV and HCV co infections among HIV infected patients compared to HIV negative blood donors p < 0.001.

Background

The global epidemic of hepatitis B and hepatitis C is a serious publichealth problem. Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C are among the leading causes of preventable death worldwide. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to two billion people in the world have been infected with HBV; about 350 million people live with chronic HBV infection, and about 600,000 people die from HBV- related liver disease or HCC each year. The endemicity of infection is considered high in Yemen. Data for prevalence of HBsAg and HCV antibodies in Ibb city in Yemen is rare and inadequate.

Objectives

The study was undertaken to study the epidemiology and prevalence of viral hepatitis (HBV) and (HCV) in Ibb city, Yemen.

Patients and Methods

554 pre-designed questionnaires and sera samples were collected in July 2010. Sera were tested for HBsAg and HCV antibodies by ELISA quantitative technique. Each individual’s data were collected in a pre-designed questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of HBV in Ibb city was 1.81 %, whereas, the prevalence of HCV was 1.99 %.

Conclusions

This study revealed low level risk of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections. Inadequate information on the prevalence and risk determinants of viral hepatitis among the different population groups in Yemen are responsible about morbidity and mortality of HBV and HCV in Ibb city, Yemen.

Aims:

To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) control, visual prognosis and complications following manual small incision cataract surgery among eyes with phacomorphic glaucoma.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective, non-randomized interventional consecutive case series included all patients with phacomorphic glaucoma who presented to a tertiary eye care referral center in South India between March 2006 and April 2007. All patients underwent slit-lamp bio-microscopy, applanation tonometry and gonioscopy of the other eye to rule out angle closure. Small incision cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation was performed in all affected eyes. Complete ophthalmic examination was done at each follow-up visit.

Results:

A total of 74 eyes with phacomorphic glaucoma were included in this study. The preoperative mean IOP was 38.4±14.3 mmHg and mean IOP at last follow-up was 12.7±2.4 mmHg. There was a statistically significant difference between IOP at presentation and IOP at last follow-up (P< 0.001). None of the eyes required long-term antiglaucoma medication. No significant intraoperative complications were noted. The final postoperative best corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 51 patients. Eighteen eyes had corneal edema and 36 eyes had anterior chamber inflammation. Both conditions resolved with standard medical therapy.

Conclusion:

Manual small incision cataract surgery is safe and effective in controlling IOP and achieving good functional visual acuity with minimal complications in the management of phacomorphic glaucoma in developing countries.

Background/Aims

Cross-sectional studies have documented that 2-10% of patients who are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are also positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg). Data related to HCV-HBV coinfection are lacking in Korea. This study evaluated the clinical characteristics, the treatment efficacy of peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin, and the changes induced by such treatment in HBV status in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients coinfected with HBV.

Methods

Eighteen (2.37%) HBsAg-positive CHC patients were selected from among the 758 subjects from the K(G)yeonggi-Incheon Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C Treatment (KIPECT) study, which evaluated the treatment efficacy and safety of peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin in CHC patients. Data on changes in the status of HBV infections were obtained.

Results

HCV genotype 1b was the most common (44%). The overall sustained virologic response rate was 72% in all patients, and 60% and 87.5% in genotypes 1 and 2, respectively. Two of the 18 patients were positive for HBeAg, and 15 had baseline HBV DNA level of less than 2,000 IU/mL. Two of the three whose levels exceeded this threshold showed no detectable DNA after treatment. After the completion of treatment, serum HBV DNA levels were increased in the two patients whose baseline HBV DNA levels were less than 2,000 IU/mL.

Conclusions

The prevalence of HBV coinfection in CHC patients was 2.37% and most of the patients were inactive carriers. The treatment efficacy was similar to that of HCV mono-infection. Reactivation of HBV replication was observed in some patients after CHC treatment.

Objectives:

Patients with Hepatitis C Virus infection are at high risk of getting hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A virus is an important widespread virus that usually causes more severe medical consequences in patients with chronic liver disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate prevalence of Hepatitis A Virus antibody in patients with chronic HCV in Isfahan province, Iran.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 117 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus from spring 2010 to spring 2011. Subject's characteristics such as age, gender, education, genotype of HCV infection and history of intravenous drug use were collected by questionnaire and studied. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS software (version 19.0. 2010, SPSS) using Chi-square test, Fisher Exact tests and Cochran-Armitage trend test.

Results:

The mean age of the subjects was 33.18 ± 10.97 years. The seroprevalence of HAV was 94.9% in patients with chronic HCV. The prevalence of anti-HAV increased nearly as age increased. But, there was no statistically significant difference in HAV positive rate according to the age groups (P = 0.242) and other patient's characteristics.

Conclusions:

According to the high HAV immunity in our study and less severe form of HAV infection, vaccination was not required in these patients. However, hepatitis A vaccination program should be performed in HAV seronegative patients with HCV to produce an adequate immune response.

Backgrounds

With 10% of the general population aged 15–59 years chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), Egypt is the country with the highest HCV prevalence worldwide. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are therefore at particularly high risk of HCV infection. Our aim was to study HCV infection risk after occupational blood exposure among HCWs in Cairo.

Methodology/Principal Findings

The study was conducted in 2008–2010 at Ain Shams University Hospital, Cairo. HCWs reporting an occupational blood exposure at screening, having neither anti-HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) nor HCV RNA, and exposed to a HCV RNA positive patient, were enrolled in a 6-month prospective cohort with follow-up visits at weeks 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24. During follow-up, anti-HCV, HCV RNA and ALT were tested. Among 597 HCWs who reported a blood exposure, anti-HCV prevalence at screening was 7.2%, not different from that of the general population of Cairo after age-standardization (11.6% and 10.4% respectively, p = 0.62). The proportion of HCV viremia among index patients was 37%. Of 73 HCWs exposed to HCV RNA from index patients, nine (12.3%; 95%CI, 5.8–22.1%) presented transient viremia, the majority of which occurred within the first two weeks after exposure. None of the workers presented seroconversion or elevation of ALT.

Conclusions/Significance

HCWs of a general University hospital in Cairo were exposed to a highly viremic patient population. They experienced frequent occupational blood exposures, particularly in early stages of training. These exposures resulted in transient viremic episodes without established infection. These findings call for further investigation of potential immune protection against HCV persistence in this high risk group.

Hepatitis D virus (delta agent) markers were present in 111 (36%) of 308 intravenous drug abusers who were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), 52 of these having hepatitis D virus antigenaemia. IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc IgM) was present in 92 out of 95 subjects tested, indicating that hepatitis D virus and hepatitis B virus infections had been acquired simultaneously. Hepatitis D virus markers were present in three out of four patients with fulminant hepatitis, and in 80 of 223 (36%) with mild or moderate hepatitis compared with four of 29 (14%) of those who were asymptomatic. These proportional differences were significant (p less than 0.001). Hepatitis D virus markers were present in twice as many patients positive for anti-HBc IgM requiring admission to hospital with acute hepatitis compared with outpatients attending a drug treatment centre. Tests on one patient showed complete disappearance of HBsAg, but hepatitis D antigen (HDAg or delta antigen) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) were still present in serum samples. All five patients with chronic active hepatitis had hepatitis D antibody (anti-HD) compared with seven of 24 (29%) with chronic persistent hepatitis (p = 0.008). Blocking anti-HD persisted for long periods after simultaneous infections with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis D virus but at lower titres than in patients with chronic liver disease.

To determine the importance of the presence of serological markers of hepatitis B virus infection in patients with alcohol related liver disease we compared cumulative alcohol intake and clinical and histological features in patients with markers of hepatitis B virus infection and in those without. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected in five (2%) out of 285 patients studied and antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) in 41 (14%); one patient had antibody to hepatitis B core antigen alone. The combined prevalence of markers of hepatitis B virus infection was similar in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (18%) and precirrhotic liver disease (13%). Two patients positive for HBsAg had histological features of both alcoholic liver disease and chronic active hepatitis, with stainable HBsAg. Patients with anti-HBs were, however, histologically indistinguishable from patients without markers, and the mean cumulative alcohol intake of patients with anti-HBs was similar to or even higher than that of patients with liver disease of comparable severity who had no evidence of previous infection. The presence of markers of hepatitis B virus infection was related to former residence in countries with a high prevalence of the infection and to previous parenteral treatment and blood transfusions. Infection with hepatitis B virus does not enhance the development of chronic liver disease in heavy drinkers, except in the small number who remain positive for HBsAg.

Background

Coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) in HIV-infected patients receiving a commonly used nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy is a major concern for African clinicians owing to its high prevalence, the infrequent testing and treatment of viral hepatitis, and the impact of liver disease on the tolerability and effectiveness of anti-HIV treatment. We compared the hepatotoxicity and the immunological, virological and clinical effectiveness of a nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy between patients infected with HIV only and patients coinfected with hepatitis B or C virus in Cameroon.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among HIV-1-infected patients. Plasma HBV DNA and HCV RNA were tested in positive or indeterminate samples for HBsAg or HCV antibodies, respectively. All patients received nevirapine and lamivudine plus stavudine or zidovudine.

Results

Of 169 HIV-1-infected patients with a median baseline CD4 count of 135 cells/mm3 (interquartile range [IQR] 67-218), 21% were coinfected with HBV or HCV. In coinfected patients, the median viral load was 2.47 × 107 IU/mL for HBV (IQR 3680-1.59 × 108) and 928 000 IU/mL for HCV (IQR 178 400-2.06 × 106). Multivariate analyses showed that the risk of hepatotoxicity was 2-fold higher in coinfected patients (p < 0.01). The response to antiretroviral therapy was however comparable between monoinfected and coinfected patients in terms of CD4 cell count increase (p = 0.8), HIV-1 viral load below 400 copies/mL (p = 0.9), death (p = 0.3) and death or new AIDS-defining event (p = 0.1). Nevirapine was replaced by a protease inhibitor in 4 patients owing to hepatotoxicity.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy could be used safely as first-line treatment in patients with low CD4 cell count in Africa despite frequent coinfections with HBV or HCV and infrequent testing of these infections. Although testing for HBV and HCV should be systematically performed before initiating antiretroviral therapy, transaminases elevations at baseline or during treatment should be a decisive argument for testing when hepatitis status is unknown.

OBJECTIVE—To examine the value of universal antenatal screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among an inner London population, with regard to prevalence, uptake, and acceptability of testing, and identification of new cases.
DESIGN—Serum analysis for antibodies against HCV in pregnant women following informed consent ("opt out" policy). Samples positive for HCV antibodies were tested for the presence of HCV RNA by polymerase chain reaction. Information on hepatitis C was provided for all women. Acceptability of antenatal HCV testing and identification of risk factors for infection were assessed through the use of questionnaires randomly distributed among a cohort of 300 pregnant women.
SETTING—Antenatal clinics at St Mary's Hospital, London, serving a multiethnic population.
SUBJECTS—A total of 4825 pregnant women booking for antenatal care between November 1997 and April 1999.
RESULTS—The overall prevalence of anti-HCV was 0.8% and HCV viraemia was 0.6%. Ninety eight per cent of samples (n=4729) were tested; 0.2% of women had a false positive result. In 207 women who completed a questionnaire regarding our testing policy, 84% made a positive decision to be tested for anti-HCV and 92% said that HCV testing should be offered to all pregnant women. The majority (22/32—69%) of HCV infected women were newly diagnosed and although HCV positive women were significantly more likely to have a history of drug abuse, most (16/22—73%) new cases had no identified risk factors for HCV infection at booking.
CONCLUSION—The prevalence of anti-HCV in an inner London multiethnic antenatal population is high (0.8%). Routine screening for HCV is acceptable to pregnant women. The majority of women diagnosed during their current pregnancy would not have been identified as HCV infected by epidemiological risk factors at the time of booking.


Keywords: hepatitis C; pregnancy; transmission; screening

A key issue in the prevention and control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) is to provide access to health centres, and in diagnosing and treating STD. The present study is aimed to assess the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a population of immigrant female sex workers (FSWs). We conducted a cross sectional survey of FSWs working in Verona, North-eastern Italy. Screening test included serology for STDs [including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), syphilis and Hepatitis B virus (HBV)] and hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Sixteen out of 345 (4.6%) street FSWs screened during 1999-2007 resulted positive for HIV, 12 (3.5%) were positive for HBsAg, 7 (2.0%) were positive for syphilis serological test, and 3 (0.9%) were positive for HCV. Comparison of the prevalence data between women from Africa (286/345, 82.8%) and other countries showed no statistical difference for HIV infection (R.R. 1.44; 95% CI, 0.34-6.19) and for presence of HBsAg (R.R. 2.27; 95% CI, 0.30-17.24). The positivity of syphilis serologic tests had a lower prevalence among African FSWs (mostly coming from Nigeria) than among FSWs from Eastern Europe (57/345, 16.5%). This difference was statistically significant (R.R. 0.03; 95% CI, 0.00-0.28). The prevalence of HIV infection increased with age (p=0.04, by chi2 for trend analysis), but not with the time worked as sex workers in Italy. Moreover, the presence of any of the screened infections was predictable by both age and earlier time of immigration by way of logistic multivariable regression.

The prevalence of HIV and HBsAg was higher in the whole analyzed cohort compared to the general population; prevalence of syphilis was significantly higher in FSWs from Eastern Europe than in FSWs from Africa. HCV prevalence remains low among non intravenous drug abuser FSWs. The data offers a starting point to address targeted intervention that would prevent FSWs acquiring and transmitting STDs.

We studied the frequency and time of appearance of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) retrospectively in the sera of 127 patients who underwent heart surgery between 1983 and 1986. They received blood from volunteer donors hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative with normal serum alanine-aminotransferase levels. A prospective follow-up was carried out every 15 days for at least 6 months from the moment of the transfusion. Of the ten patients who developed biochemical criteria of post-transfusional non-A non-B hepatitis, six seroconverted to anti-HCV (60%). Of the other 117, two were already positive before transfusion (1.51%), one patient showed antibodies only in the first post-transfusional serum (passive transfer), and another two patients with no evidence of post-transfusional hepatitis developed HCV antibodies on the 90th day, remaining indefinitely (afterwards seroconversion without hepatitis); both patients' earlier sera were anti-HCV negative. Four (40%) of the ten patients with post-transfusional hepatitis did not develop any serum markers to known hepatotropic agents. Although these findings do not exclude a viral infection by these viruses, they are consistent with the involvement of an unidentified non-A, non-B, non-C agent.

Aim: A cross sectional study was carried out on 78 screened cataract patients of two screening camps in Kathmandu valley, Nepal, to assess the willingness to pay for cataract surgery.

Methods: A non-probability sampling technique with open ended and close ended questionnaires was used.

Results: The average age of patients was 68.8 years. The ratio of men and women was 0.9:1. 42.3% (33) of patients were willing to pay for cataract surgery. Among them 48.5% (16) of people were willing to pay less than $13 and 51.5% (17) were willing to pay more than $13. The mean was $2.3 (SD $15.5) per case. Patients with bilateral cataract were more willing to pay than unilateral cases. Poverty (44.4%, 20) was the main barrier for unwillingness to pay for cataract surgery. Other reasons were the lack of family support (28.9%, 13), lack of knowledge of surgery and belief that it was an unnecessary procedure (15.6%, seven), and waiting for a free surgical service (11.1%, five).

Conclusion: This study clearly indicates that although there was awareness of the availability of treatment and services provided within the reach, people are not willing to pay for the surgery and use the facility primarily because of poverty. Hence, to change patients’ attitudes, a more holistic approach is needed, keeping in view the cultural, social, and economic background of the society.

Background

Transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) from HBV-positive mothers to their infants is common and usually occurs when the mother is hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive and/or has a high HBV DNA load. In this study, we determined the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBeAg among pregnant women with known HIV status.

Findings

A total of 650 pregnant women with a mean age of 26.2 years including 301 HIV-positives and 349 HIV-negatives were screened for HBsAg (Monolisa AgHBs Plus Biorad, France). Among the HBsAg-positives, HBeAg and anti-HBe were tested (Monolisa Ag HBe Plus Biorad, France). Overall, 51 (7.85%) were positive for HBsAg. The prevalence of HBsAg was not statistically different between HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women [28/301 (9.3%) vs 23/349 (6.59%); p = 0.2]. None of the 45 HBsAg-positive samples was reactive for HBeAg.

Conclusions

Our study indicates a high prevalence of HBsAg with very low proportion of HBeAg in Cameroonian pregnant women. Since perinatal transmission of HBV is mostly effective when the mother is also HBeAg-positive, our data could suggest that perinatal transmissions play a minor role in HBV prevalence in Cameroon. In line with previous African studies, these findings further suggests that horizontal transmission could be the most common mechanism of HBV infections in Cameroon.