Detection and quantification of HBV and HCV in plasma samples by means of different molecular assays: Comparative study

INTRODUCTION

Viral load is a very useful marker for monitoring patients infected with HBV and HCV. This work compares assays based on transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) and on real-time PCR (RT-PCR) to verify whether they can be interchangeable.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A bicentric study, in which 147 plasma samples from patients infected with HBV and 229 with HCV were analyzed, was carried out. TMA-based assays (Aptima® HBV Quant and Aptima® HCV Quant Dx, employing Panther system (Hologic®)) and RT-PCR (COBAS® AmpliPrep/COBAS® TaqMan® and COBAS® 6800) were used and the degree of concordance between them was calculated.

RESULTS

Viral load was detected in both systems in 60 (40.82%) HBV samples (median log viral load: COBAS: 2.51IU/mL (IQR 2.20-3.17), Panther: 2.71IU/mL (IQR 2.21-3.22)) and in 39 (16.96%) HCV samples (median log viral load: COBAS: 3.93IU/mL (IQR 2.24-6.01), Panther: 3.80IU/mL (IQR 1.99-6.14)). The agreement between both systems was κ=0.943 for HBV and κ=0.925 for HCV. Comparison of viral load samples detected by both assays showed a hight correlation for HBV (R2=0.86) and for HCV (R2=0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

Both TMA and RT-PCR based assays may be interchangeable for the management of patients infected with HBV and HCV.

Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in blood donor population in Bosnia and Herzegovina: impact of the pre-donation questionnaire implementation and mandatory hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination schedule - 20 years' experience of the University Clinical Hospital Mostar

OBJECTIVES

Currently, there are limited data on the prevalence of HBsAg in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This study aimed to evaluate the trend of HBsAg prevalence during a period of 20 years in relation to the implementation of pre-donation questionnaires based on parenteral and sexual risk factors and mandatory HBV vaccination.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis performed on 67,336 blood donors at the University Clinical Hospital Mostar during three distinct periods: before introducing of mandatory HBV vaccination and pre-donation blood donor questionnaires (1998-2002); after introducing of pre-donation blood donor questionnaires, but without mandatory immunized blood donors (2004-2008); and after introducing of mandatory pre-donation blood donor questionnaires and mandatory vaccination (2015-2019).

RESULTS

According to implementation of mandatory pre-donation blood donor questionnaires and mandatory HBV vaccination the prevalence of HBsAg significantly decreased among blood donors in all three studied period of time (0.303% in 1998-2002, 0.236% in 2004-2008, and 0.021% in 2015-2019; P < 0.001). Out of 67,336 tested donors, there were 98 (0.145 %) HBsAg-positive donors during analysed periods, with a mean age of 34.76±11.37 years. The mean age of HBsAg-positive donors was 30.72±10.40, 37.56±10.13, and 47.28±12.14) in the 1998-2002, 2004-2008, and 2015-2019 periods, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study clearly shows a decreased rate of HBV infections among blood donors with respect to implementation of the HBV vaccination schedule and mandatory pre-donation blood donor questionnaires based on parenteral and sexual risk factors.

[Infection with the Hepatitis B virus in pregnant women in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of the Gabriel Touré University Hospital Center]

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to study hepatitis B virus infection in pregnant women.

METHOD

This was a one-year descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in the Gynecology-Obstetrics Department of the Gabriel Touré University Hospital.

RESULT

During this period, 796 pregnant people were seen in antenatal consultations. Ween rolled 500 pregnant women in whom the search for HBs Ag was carried out, a rate of 62.81%. Of these pregnant 85 had HBs Ag a prevalence of 17%. The average age of these women was 26.9±5.6 years. Our patients were paucipare sin 52.9%. Of these, 17.7% had a family history of chronic liver disease and 37.6% had once given birth in a referral health centre. Blood transfusion, polygamous focus and tattooing/scarification were the risk factors associated with HBs Ag carriage. Alarming clinical signs were absent in 95.2% of cases. Hepatic cytolysis and anaemia were foundin 28.8% and 76.3% of cases respectively; viral replication was observed in 13.6% of pregnant women with a high viral loadin 37.2%. Abdominal ultra sound was normal in 90.8% of cases and esophageal varices were present in 6% of women who performed eso-gastroduduedenal fibroscopy. Fibrosis was significant according to an APRI score in 3.4%.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of HBs A in pregnant women followed remains high.

Analysis of the results of HIV-1, HCV and HBV viral loads of the SEIMC External Quality Control Program. Year 2018

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) viral load determinations are among the most relevant markers for the follow-up of patients infected with these viruses. External quality control tools are crucial to ensure the accuracy of the results obtained by microbiology laboratories. This article summarised the results obtained from the 2018 SEIMC External Quality Control Programme for HIV-1, HCV, and HBV viral loads and HCV genotyping.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the HIV-1 program, a total of five standards were sent. One standard consisted of seronegative human plasma, while the remaining four contained plasma from three different viremic patients, in the range of 2-5 log₁₀ copies/mL; two of these standards were identical, with the aim of determining repeatability. A significant proportion of the laboratories (28% on average) obtained values outside the accepted range (mean±0.25 log₁₀ copies/mL), depending on the standard and on the method used for quantification. Repeatability was good, with most laboratories reporting results within the limits (D<0.5 log₁₀ copies/mL). The HBV and HCV programme consisted of two standards with different viral load contents. Most of the participants, 87% in the case of HCV and 88% in the HBV, obtained all the results within the accepted range (mean±1.96 SD log₁₀ UI/mL).

CONCLUSIONS

Data from this analysis reinforce the utility of proficiency programmes to ensure the quality of the results obtained by a particular laboratory. Due to the marked interlaboratory variability, it is advisable to use the same method and the same laboratory for patient follow-up.

Analysis of the results of HIV-1, HCV and HBV viral loads of the SEIMC External Quality Control Programme. Year 2017

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) viral load determinations are among the most relevant markers for the follow-up of patients infected with these viruses. External quality control tools are crucial to ensure the accuracy of the results obtained by microbiology laboratories. This article summarised the results obtained from the 2017 SEIMC External Quality Control Programme for HIV-1, HCV, and HBV viral loads and HCV genotyping.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the HIV-1 programme, a total of five standards were sent. One standard consisted of seronegative human plasma, while the remaining four contained plasma from three different viremic patients, in the range of 2-5 log₁₀ copies/mL; two of these standards were identical, with the aim of determining repeatability. A significant proportion of the laboratories (35% on average) obtained values outside the accepted range (mean±0.25 log₁₀ copies/mL), depending on the standard and on the method used for quantification. Repeatability was good, with up to 94% of laboratories reporting results within the limits (D<0.5 log₁₀ copies/mL). The HBV and HCV programme consisted of two standards with different viral load contents. Most of the participants, 82% in the case of HCV and 87% in that of HBV, obtained all the results within the accepted range (mean±1.96 SD log₁₀ UI/mL).

CONCLUSIONS

Data from this analysis reinforce the utility of proficiency programmes to ensure the quality of the results obtained by a particular laboratory. Due to the marked interlaboratory variability observed, it is advisable to use the same method and laboratory for patient follow-up.

[Survey on HIV, HBV and HCV screening practices in cancerology, France]

HIV testing is recommended at time of cancer diagnosis, HBV and HCV screening because of the risk of reactivation with certain anticancer drugs.This is a cross-sectional study. The objectives were to assess the screening practices in cancer patients and the satisfaction of professionals in the event of use of the CancerHIV network. A questionnaire drafted by the CancerHIV expert and the OncoPaca-Corse Regional Cancer Network (RCN) was distributed in the region at the end of 2018 (part 1: V1) before being extended to the national level via the CancerHIV network (part 2: V2). Participation reached 160 and 130 respondents (V1 and V2, respectively). At the initial cancer assessment, 23% of respondents declared that they systematically screened for HIV at V1 (V2: 17%), 25% for HBV (V2: 20%) and 24% for HCV (V2: 19%). Before immunotherapy, the rates were 54% for HIV in V1 (V2: 52%), 57% for HBV (V2: 60%) and 55% for HCV (V2: 57%). Among the respondents, satisfaction when requesting a regional or national remedy was high (almost 100%). Screening for HIV, HBV and HCV allows supervised prescription of immunosuppressive or cytotoxic treatment to a potentially immunosuppressed patient. This study, resulting of an original collaboration between a RCN and a national expert network, underlines the lack of screening at the 2 examined stages of patient care, and the need for raising practitioners' awareness to recommendations.

Long-term efficacy and safety of nucleos(t)ides analogues in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Nucleos(t)ide analogues with high barrier to resistance are regarded as the principal therapeutic option for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Treatment with entecavir (ETV), tenofovir disoproxil (TDF) and the later released tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is highly effective at controlling hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and, in the vast majority of patients, is well tolerated. No significant differences in viral suppression have been described among the different regimens, although an earlier achievement in biochemical response has been suggested first under TDF and recently under TAF. High barrier to resistance NAs rarely achieve hepatitis B surface antigen sero-clearance, and therefore should be maintained life-long in most cases. This has increased concerns about treatment-related toxicity, especially in patients under TDF with additional risk factors for kidney and bone impairment. TAF has shown a better bone and kidney safety profile than TDF, although it is not yet available worldwide due to its higher cost. Emergence of adverse events should be monitored since treatment-switch to ETV/TAF seems to be effective and safe in HBV mono-infected subjects. Finally, although an effective antiviral treatment leads to a clear improvement in clinical outcome of CHB patients; the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not completely avoided with viral suppression. Whether tenofovir-based regimens provide any additional benefit over ETV in HCC prevention remains unclear and requires further investigation.

Epidemiological aspects and molecular characterization of the hepatitis B virus among blood donors in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

OBJECTIVES

The strains of HBV circulating among blood donors in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are not yet characterized. The purpose of this study was to determine seroprevalence, changes in biochemical parameters during HBV infection and molecular characterization of HBV in blood donors in Lubumbashi.

METHODS

The detection of HBsAg was carried out by rapid diagnostic test then confirmed by the Liaison XL® Quant HBsAg technique. PCR targeting the P gene was carried out on LightCycler® 96 and genotyping by the sequencing technique on ABI 3500.

RESULTS

The seroprevalence was 7.9%. The genotypes E (53.1%), A (41.8%), A3/E (3.8%), A1/E (1.3%) and some drug resistance mutations were identified. Disturbances of HDL-cholesterol, direct bilirubin, transaminases (ASAT and ALAT), PAL, GGT and albumin have been observed in HBsAg positive blood donors.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study indicated that Lubumbashi is in a region with high endemicity for HBV and report for the first time HBV of genotypes A, E, A1/E and A3/E. They highlight the need to implement strategies to improve transfusion safety in blood transfusion centers and hospital blood banks in Lubumbashi in order to reduce HBV infection in recipients. They could also contribute to the implementation of treatment strategies and the development of mapping of circulating HBV genotypes in the DRC.

[Mother-to-child hepatitis B virus markers transmission at a reference hospital in Cote d'Ivoire]

AIMS

To determine the seroprevalence of HBsAg in pregnant women and to determine the incidence of mother-to-child transmission.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

It was a prospective longitudinal study with a descriptive and analytical aim that took place in the maternity ward and in the pediatric department of the CHU of Cocody for 7 months. All newborns whose mothers were HBsAg carriers were included. The parameters studied in pregnant women were socio-demographic data, medical history, risk factors for HBV transmission, mode of delivery, and viral load. Concerning the newborn, the studied parameters were sex, gestational age, birth weight, HBsAg assay.

RESULTS

231 pregnant women were carriers of HBs Ag antigen, an overall frequency of 5.4%. The incidence of mother-to-child transmission was 23.3%. This transmission was statistically related to the high viral load in the mother (p = 0.014). There was a statistical relationship between HBV infection and the occurrence of fetal hypotrophy (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Health Education Program Focused on Preventing Vertical Transmission of HBV Must Accompany Expanded Infant Immunization Coverage.

[Antiviral prophylaxis for CMV, HSV/VZV and HBV in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in adult patients: Guidelines from the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)]

The Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC) organizes annual workshops in the attempt to harmonize clinical practices among different francophone transplantation centers. Here, we report our recommendations regarding the prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV) and hepatitis B virus infection after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in adult patients.

[Occupational and non occupational exposure to viral risk]

The transmission of an infectious disease can occur through exposure to blood or other potentially infectious body fluids, particularly in the event of skin-puncture injuries for healthcare workers, and during sexual intercourse. These situations are known as accidental blood exposures and sexual exposures respectively. Combined actions carried out have allowed to significantly reduce risks, either to healthcare professionals (by standard precautions, provision of safety devices, Hepatitis B vaccination made compulsory in the 1990s, antiretroviral post-exposure prophylaxis that should be initiated as soon as possible after exposure), or to people engaging in unprotected sex (by prevention messages, condom promotion, and antiretroviral post-exposure prophylaxis). In any case, treatment of people infected by chronic diseases such as HBV or HIV, as well as possible drug eradication of HCV, are key for decreasing post-exposure risk of disease transmission. Post-exposure prophylaxis should be initiated as early as possible and intended for use only in patients with high-risk exposures. Knowledge of source person serostatus, information of exposed person on prevention, benefits and risks of treatment, and follow-up procedure are key points. Procedures to be followed in the event of an exposure must be known by all. Arrangements set up to allow risk assessment and management of exposed people rely on hospital services operating on a permanent basis.

Prevalence and risk factors for HBV and HCV in prisoners in Iran: a national bio-behavioural surveillance survey in 2015

OBJECTIVES

To provide more accurate estimates of the prevalence of Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) and their contributing factors among prisoners in Iran.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of 6200 Iranian prisoners in 2015. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. HBV infection and HCV exposure status of the participants was determined by HBsAg and HCV antibodies blood tests using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analysed in STATA-12.

RESULT

Prevalence of HCV exposure was 9.48% (95% CI: 8.73-10.27), and prevalence of HBV was 2.48% (95% CI: 2.07-2.89) in the general prison population. In multivariate analysis, the most important risk factor for HBV was a history of drug use in lifetime (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.17-3.02). The main risk factors for HCV exposure were a history of drug use in lifetime (AOR: 4.08, CI: 2.56-6.27), age over 30 (AOR: 2.68, CI: 2.01-3.56), and having tattoos (AOR = 1.67, CI: 1.35-2.07).

CONCLUSION

Although vaccination is used to control HBV among prisoners, prevalence of HCV exposure is alarming in the prison population of Iran, especially among people who inject drugs. Eliminating viral hepatitis in Iran by 2030 requires a national commitment and rapid measures for targeting this high-risk group. Given the increased efficiency of HCV treatment in recent years, prisons provide an opportunity to access patients for treatment.

[Analysis of the results of the HIV-1, HCV and HBV viral load of SEIMC External Quality Control Program. Year 2014]

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral load determinations are among the most relevant markers for the follow up of patients infected with these viruses. External quality control tools are crucial to ensure the accuracy of results obtained by microbiology laboratories. This article summarizes the results obtained from the 2014 SEIMC (Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology) External Quality Control Programme for HIV-1, HCV, and HBV viral loads. In the HIV-1 program, a total of 5 standards were sent. One standard consisted in seronegative human plasma, while the remaining 4 contained plasma from 3 different viremic patients, in the range of 2-5 log10 copies/mL; 2 of these standards were identical aiming to determine repeatability. A significant proportion of the laboratories (30.8% on average) obtained values out of the accepted range (mean ± 0.25 log10 copies/mL), depending on the standard and on the method used for quantification. Repeatability was excellent, with up to 95.8% of laboratories reporting results within the limits (Δ < 0.5 log10 copies/mL). The HBV and HCV program consisted of 2 standards with different viral load contents. Most of the participants, 83.7% in the case of HCV and 87.9% in the HBV, obtained all the results within the accepted range (mean ± 1.96 standard deviations log10 IU/mL). Data from this analysis reinforce the utility of proficiency programmes to ensure the quality of the results obtained by a particular laboratory, as well as the importance of the post-analytical phase on the overall quality. Due to the remarkable interlaboratory variability, it is advisable to use the same method and the same laboratory for patient follow up.

[Prevalence Of Hbs Antigen In Hiv-Infected Patients At The Regional Hospital Center In Maradi, Niger]

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBs Ag in HIV-infected patients followed at the Maradi CHR.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study based on the records of the infectious diseases department of the CHR of Maradi. Included were all HIV-positive adults seen in consultation who received HBs Ag research between 2006 and 2018. The data was collected from patients' medical records.

RESULTS

In total, 2770 patients included in our study. The average age of the cohort was 38 years old. Of these patients, 159 had HBs Ag or a prevalence of 5.74% (95% CI: 4.93 - 6.67). HIV-HBV coinfections were higher in men (52.20%). HIV1 subtype was involved in 96.86% of cases. Two patients co-infected with HIV-HBV had HIV1 and HIV2 dual profile. Which represents 1.26% (95% CI: 0.15 - 4.47).

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the high prevalence rate of HBV coinfection in HIV-infected patients. It is therefore necessary to screen all HIV-infected patients for better management.

Fifteen years of Nucleic Acid Testing in France: Results and lessons

Of the 40 million donations screened with Nucleic acid testing (NAT) between July 2001 and December 2015 in France, 20 HIV-positive, 13 HCV-positive and 17 HBV (HBV-NAT was initiated in 2005 and extended to the whole country in 2010) donations were discarded thanks to NAT. The main benefit in terms of discarded donations is related to HBV with a yield of 0.88 per million donations, which is 12.5 and 1.8 times higher than for HCV and HIV respectively. The main risk factor found in these donors during the post donation interview was having sex with men for males (n=11, all repeat blood donors), having a partner HCV positive (n=6) or at-risk partner (originated from endemic area or HBV positive) for HBV (n=8) for HIV, HCV and HBV, respectively. Although the mean viral load was high for HIV (5.6 log copies/mL) and HCV (7 log IU/mL), HBV cases show low level of DNA (1.8 log IU/mL) demonstrating the need of a highly sensitive NAT assay. Overall, the clinical benefit for recipients remains those related to the prevention of HIV contaminations since HCV avoided transmissions are extremely rare (only one case in the last 5 years thanks to NAT) and the potential infectivity of HBV-NAT only positive cases is questionable due to the low level of HBV DNA and the presence of anti-HBs in more than a half of DNA positive/HBsAg and anti-HBc negative donors.

Changes in viral hepatitis B screening practices over time in West African HIV clinics

BACKGROUND

We aimed to describe changes in hepatitis B screening practices over a 3-year period among HIV-infected patients in West Africa.

METHODS

A medical chart review was conducted in urban HIV treatment centers in Ivory Coast (3 sites), Benin, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Togo (1 site each). Among patients who started antiretroviral treatment between 2010 and 2012, 100 per year were randomly selected from each clinic. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data was collected using a standardized questionnaire. We assessed changes in the proportion of patients screened over time and identified predictors of screening in a multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 2097 patients were included (median age: 37 years, 65.4% of women). Overall, 313 (14.9%) patients had been screened for hepatitis B, with an increase from 10.6% in 2010 to 18.9% in 2012 (P<0.001) and substantial differences across countries. In multivariable analysis, being aged over 45 years (adjusted odds ratio: 1.34 [1.01-1.77]) and having an income-generating activity (adjusted odds ratio: 1.82 [1.09-3.03]) were associated with screening for hepatitis B infection. Overall, 62 HIV-infected patients (19.8%, 95% confidence interval: 15.5-24.7) were HBsAg-positive and 82.3% of them received a tenofovir-containing drug regimen.

CONCLUSION

Hepatitis B screening among HIV-infected patients was low between 2010 and 2012. The increasing availability of HBsAg rapid tests and tenofovir in first-line antiretroviral regimen should improve the rates of hepatitis B screening.

Hepatitis B virus sequencing and liver fibrosis evaluation in HIV/HBV co-infected Nigerians

OBJECTIVES

Molecular characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV), such as genotype and genomic mutations, may contribute to liver-related morbidity and mortality. The association of these characteristics with liver fibrosis severity in sub-Saharan Africa is uncertain. We aimed to characterise molecular HBV features in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HBV co-infected Nigerians and evaluate associations between these characteristics and liver fibrosis severity before and after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation.

METHODS

HIV/HBV co-infected Nigerians underwent liver fibrosis estimation by transient elastography (TE) prior to and 36 months after ART initiation. Basal core promoter/precore (BCP/PC) and preS1/preS2/S regions of HBV were sequenced from baseline plasma samples. We evaluated associations between HBV mutations and liver fibrosis severity by univariate and multivariable regression.

RESULTS

At baseline, 94 patients underwent TE with median liver stiffness of 6.4 (IQR 4.7-8.7) kPa. Patients were predominantly infected with HBV genotype E (45/46) and HBe-antigen negative (75/94, 79.8%). We identified BCP A1762T/G1764A in 15/35 (43%), PC G1896A in 20/35 (57%), 'a' determinant mutations in 12/45 (26.7%) and preS2 deletions in 6/16 (37.5%). PreS2 mutations were associated with advanced fibrosis in multivariable analysis. At follow-up, median liver stiffness was 5.2 (IQR 4.1-6.6) kPa. No HBV molecular characteristics were associated with lack of fibrosis regression, although HIV virologic control, body mass index (BMI) and baseline CD4+ T-cell count were associated with a decline in fibrosis stage.

CONCLUSION

Frequent BCP/PC and preS1/preS2/S mutations were found in ART-naïve HIV/HBV co-infected Nigerians. Median liver stiffness declined after initiation of ART, regardless of pre-ART HBV mutational pattern or virologic characteristics.

[Analysis of the results of the HIV-1, HCV and HBV viral load of SEIMC External Quality Control Program. Year 2013]

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) viral load determinations are among the most relevant markers for the follow up of patients infected with these viruses. External quality control tools are crucial to ensure the accuracy of results obtained by microbiology laboratories. This article summarized the results obtained from the 2013 SEIMC External Quality Control Programme for HIV-1, HCV, and HBV viral loads. In the HIV-1 program, a total of five standards were sent. One standard consisted in seronegative human plasma, while the remaining four contained plasma from three different viremic patients, in the range of 2-5 log10 copies/mL; two of these standards were identical aiming to determine repeatability. A significant proportion of the laboratories (25% on average) obtained values out of the accepted range (mean ± 0.25 log10 copies/mL), depending on the standard and on the method used for quantification. Repeatability was excellent, with up to 98.9% of laboratories reporting results within the limits (D < 0.5 log10 copies/mL). The HBV and HCV program consisted of two standards with different viral load contents. Most of the participants, 82% in the case of HCV and 78% in the HBV, obtained all the results within the accepted range (mean ± 1.96 SD log10 UI/mL). Data from this analysis reinforce the utility of proficiency programmes to ensure the quality of the results obtained by a particular laboratory, as well as the importance of the post-analytical phase on the overall quality. Due to the remarkable interlaboratory variability, it is advisable to use the same method and the same laboratory for patient follow up.

Hepatic safety of maraviroc in HIV-1-infected patients with hepatitis C and/or B co-infection. The Maraviroc Cohort Spanish Group

INTRODUCTION

Limited data is available regarding the hepatic safety of maraviroc in patients co-infected with HIV and HCV and/or HBV. Our objective was to compare the hepatic safety profile and fibrosis progression in HIV-mono-infected patients and co-infected with HCV and/or HBV treated with maraviroc.

METHODS

Retrospective multicentre cohort study of HIV-infected patients receiving treatment with a maraviroc-containing regimen in 27 hospitals in Spain.

RESULTS

A total of 667 patients were analyzed, of whom 313 were co-infected with HCV (n=282), HBV (n=14), or both (n=17). Maraviroc main indications were salvage therapy (52%) and drug toxicity (20%). Grade 3-4 hypertransaminasaemia (AST/ALT >5 times ULN) per 100 patient-years of maraviroc exposure, was 5.84 (95% CI, 4.04-8.16) and 1.23 (95% CI, 0.56-2.33) in co-infected and HIV-mono-infected patients, respectively (incidence rate ratio, 4.77; 95% CI, 2.35-10.5). However, the degree of aminotransferase abnormalities remained stable throughout the study in both groups, and no significant between-group differences were seen in the cumulative proportion of patients showing an increase in AST/ALT levels greater than 3.5 times baseline levels. No between-group differences were seen in liver fibrosis over time. With a maraviroc median exposure of 20 months (IQR, 12-41), two patients (0.3%) discontinued maraviroc because of grade 4 hepatitis, and other 2 died due to complications associated to end-stage-liver disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Maraviroc-containing regimens showed a low incidence of hepatitis in a large Spanish cohort of HIV-infected patients, including more than 300 patients co-infected with HCV and/or HBV. Co-infection did not influence the maximum liver enzyme level or the fibrosis progression throughout the study.

Optimizing hepatitis B vaccination in prison

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to establish the current status of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination in prison.

METHODS

We carried out two evaluations within a 1-year interval with inmates incarcerated for 6 to 12 months. A monitoring process was introduced in-between the two evaluations.

RESULTS

We included 231 inmates. Overall, 42.9% were immunized because of a previous vaccination and 14.3% because of a previous exposure. Inmates born in an area of medium or high endemicity for HBV were significantly more exposed to HBV. The proportion of non-immunized inmates was 42.8% at the time of incarceration and 27.5% after 6 to 12 months. Vaccination coverage with two doses, after 6 to 12 months, was 63% among patients who were initially non-immunized.

CONCLUSION

The recently developed accelerated vaccination schedule should help improve HBV vaccination coverage.

[Evaluation of the efficacy of medical screening of blood donors on preventing blood transfusion-transmitted infectious agents]

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of medical screening to retain blood donors in window period by comparing the seroprevalence of infectious agents (HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis) in deferred versus accepted blood donors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective and transversal study was performed during 4 months in the National Blood Transfusion Center in Dakar (Senegal). We conducted a convenience sampling comparing the seroprevalence of infectious agents (HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilis) in deferred versus accepted blood donors after medical selection.

RESULTS

In total, 8219 blood donors were included. Medical selection had authorized 8048 donors (97.92%) and deferred donors were 171 (2.08%). The prevalence of HIV was higher in the deferred than in accepted blood donors (1.75% vs. 0.05%) (P=0.0003; OR=35.91), as well as for HBsAg (12.87% vs. 7.35%) (P=0.006; OR=1.86). HCV antibodies were present in 0.71% of accepted blood donors and 0.58% in deferred blood donors (P=0.65; OR=0.82). Only accepted donors had brought the infection of syphilis (0.34%) (P=0.56; OR=0).

CONCLUSION

Medical selection is efficient to exclude blood donors at high risk of HIV transmission and to a lesser extent of HBV. However, current medical screening procedures do not allow us to exclude donors asymptomatic carriers of HCV and syphilis.

[Consensus Document on post-exposure prophylaxis against HIV, HBV and HCV in adults and children]

OBJECTIVE

This consensus document is an update of occupational and non-occupational prophylaxis guidelines in HIV-patients, promoting appropriate use of them, from the standpoint of care.

METHODS

This document has been approved by expert panel of SPNS, GESIDA, SEMST and different scientific societies related, after reviewing the results of efficacy and safety clinical trials, cohort and pharmacokinetic studies published in biomedical journals (PubMed and Embase) or presented at conferences and different guidelines. The strength of the recommendation and gradation of their evidence are based on the GRADE system.

RESULTS

We have developed recommendations for assessing the risk of transmission in different types of exposure situations in which post-exposure prophylaxis should be recommended, special circumstances to consider, patterns of antiretroviral with the start and duration of early monitoring of tolerance and adherence to treatment, the subsequent monitoring of exposed persons regardless of whether they received post-exposure prophylaxis or not, and the need of psychological support.

CONCLUSIONS

These new guidelines updated previous recommendations regarding occupational post-exposure prophylaxis and non-occupational, in adults and children.

[Analysis of the results of the HIV-1, HCV and HBV viral load of SEIMC External Quality Control Program. Year 2012]

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) viral load determinations are among the most relevant markers for the follow up of patients infected with these viruses. External quality control tools are crucial to ensure the accuracy of results obtained by microbiology laboratories. This article summarized the results obtained from the 2012 SEIMC External Quality Control Programme for HIV-1, HCV, and HBV viral loads. In the HIV-1 program, a total of five standards were sent. One standard consisted in seronegative human plasma, while the remaining four contained plasma from three different viremic patients, in the range of 2-5 log10 copies/mL; two of these standards were identical aiming to determine repeatability. A significant proportion of the laboratories (22.3% on average) obtained values out of the accepted range (mean±0.25 log10 copies/mL), depending on the standard and on the method used for quantification. Repeatability was excellent, with up to 98.9% of laboratories reporting results within the limits (Δ < 0.5 log10 copias/mL). The HBV and HCV program consisted of two standards with different viral load contents. Most of the participants, 84% in the case of HCV and 88% in the HBV, obtained all the results within the accepted range (mean±1.96 SD log10 UI/mL). Data from this analysis reinforce the utility of proficiency programmes to ensure the quality of the results obtained by a particular laboratory, as well as the importance of the post-analytical phase on the overall quality. Due to the remarkable interlaboratory variability, it is advisable to use the same method and the same laboratory for patient follow up.