MedWorm: Hepatitis A

Low vaccination rate puts teens at risk for hepatitis A

Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Less than half of adolescents have been vaccinated against the hepatitis A virus, leaving a large segment of this population susceptible to the infection as they enter adulthood. Yet participation is higher when health care providers recommend the vaccine to their patients. Find out how you can make a huge difference for your teen patients by encouraging compliance. (Source: Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics)

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Hepatitis A Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents in the United States

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Hepatitis A infection causes severe disease among adolescents and adults. Hepatitis A vaccination (HepA) is recommended universally at 1 year, with vaccination through 18 years based on risk or desire for protection. This is the first study to evaluate adolescent HepA coverage in the United States using provider-reported vaccination data. HepA coverage was low among adolescents, leaving a large population susceptible to hepatitis A infection maturing into adulthood. (Read the full article) (Source: PEDIATRICS)

The Risk of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura After Vaccination in Children and Adolescents

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: ITP is unlikely after early childhood vaccines other than MMR. Because of the small number of exposed cases and potential confounding, the possible association of ITP with hepatitis A, varicella, and tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccines in older children requires further investigation. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Pretravel preparation and travel‐related morbidity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Pretravel advice for IBD patients was often deficient. There was a considerable amount of travel‐related morbidity and inconvenience. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012;) (Source: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases)

Use of a Catalytic Model to Estimate Hepatitis A Incidence in a Low-Endemicity Country: Implications for Modeling Immunization Policies

Medical Decision Making — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study estimates the true incidence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in Canada using a catalytic model. Methods. A catalytic model was used to reconcile HAV seroprevalence data with the corresponding true cumulative risk of infection estimated from incidence data. Results. The average annual reported incidence was 6.2 cases per 100 000 from 1980 to 1989 and 7.7/100 000 from 1990 to 1999, indicating that Canada is a low-incidence country. The seroprevalence in Canadian-born individuals (n = 7 studies) was approximately 1%–8% in ages <20, 1%–11% in ages 20–29, 7%–29% in ages 30–39, and higher in older age groups. Between 1980 and 1995, the catalytic model estimated an average annual incidence of 60/100 000 (95% confidence interval, 33–524); appr...

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U.S. hepatitis A vaccine rates vary widely, survey shows

Reuters: Health — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:40:00 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Although about 85 percent of kids in two U.S. states have had a complete set of hepatitis A vaccines, overall just three in 10 have had both shots, according to a new survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Source: Reuters: Health)

U.S. Hepatitis A Vaccine Rates Vary Widely, Survey Shows

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:39:41 +0100

Although about 85 percent of kids in two U.S. states have had a complete set of hepatitis A vaccines, overall just three in 10 have had both shots, according to a new survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Childhood Immunization, Hepatitis A (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Most US Teenagers Lack Hepatitis A ImmunizationMost US Teenagers Lack Hepatitis A Immunization

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:45:29 +0100

Most adolescents in the United States lack immunization for hepatitis A, leaving them susceptible to infection going into adulthood. Greater provider education about vaccine efficacy is advised. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Teens Lacking in Protection Against Hepatitis A (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Gastroenterology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Most adolescents have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A virus, leaving them vulnerable to serious disease as they move into adulthood, a cross-sectional study showed. (Source: MedPage Today Gastroenterology)

Hepatitis A Vaccine Coverage Rates in Teens

About.com Pediatrics — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The hepatitis A vaccine is now a part of the CDC childhood immunization schedule and is routinely given to toddlers as a two dose series, with the first dose being given as early as 12-months of age and then second dose six-months later. Although the exact timing of when they get the shots may vary depending on when they get other vaccines, most toddlers finish the series by the time they are two-years-old....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Pediatrics)

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Hepatitis A among men who have sex with men in Barcelona, 1989-2010: insufficient control and need for new approaches

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Annual incidences remain high among MSM without tendency to decrease. More strategies which effectively reach the whole MSM community are needed. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Presence and fate of coliphages and enteric viruses in three wastewater treatment plants effluents and activated sludge from Tunisia.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research International — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: No clear correlation between studied enteric viruses and coliphages concentration was proved. Coliphages abundance in collected samples should raise concerns about human enteric viruses transmission as these residues are reused in agricultural fields. PMID: 22261843 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environmental Science and Pollution Research International)

Interim data on long-term efficacy, safety and tolerability of a plasma-derived factor VIII concentrate in 109 patients with severe haemophilia A.

Hamostaseologie — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, haemoctin SDH was effective, safe and well tolerated in long-term prophylaxis and treatment on demand. PMID: 22250808 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Hamostaseologie)

Interim data on long‐term efficacy, safety and tolerability of a plasma‐derived factor VIII concentrate in 109 patients with severe haemophilia A

Haemophilia — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, haemoctin SDH was effective, safe and well tolerated in long‐term prophylaxis and treatment on demand. (Source: Haemophilia)

Hypoxic hepatitis: a challenging diagnosis

Hepatology International — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:41:44 +0100

Surveillance for chronic hepatitis B virus infection - new york city, june 2008-november 2009.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This report summarizes investigations of 180 randomly selected HBV cases reported during June 2008-November 2009. Approximately two thirds (67%) of patients were Asian, and the most commonly reported reason for HBV testing was the patient's birth country or race/ethnicity (27%). In 70% of cases, the clinician did not know of any patient risk factors. Sixty-nine percent of clinicians stated that they counseled their patients about notifying close contacts about their infection, and 75% counseled about transmission and prevention. Sixty-two percent did not know their patient's hepatitis A vaccination status despite recommendations. This surveillance effort provided quantitative data on health disparities useful for identifying opportunities for outreach and education, and it showed that not ...

Monitoring the hepatitis A virus in urban wastewater from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:11:31 +0100

Abstract: Hepatitis A is a viral disease with a significant public health impact, especially in developing countries. Improvements in sewage services could prevent hepatitis A virus (HAV) dissemination into the environment and minimize the risk of infection. The aim of this study was to monitor HAV for one year in urban sewage samples from the largest wastewater treatment plant in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to assess environmental contamination with HAV and its dissemination after treatment by an activated sludge process. For this purpose, 48 samples (24 raw sewage samples and 24 treated effluent samples) were collected from August 2009 to July 2010 for HAV detection.Using quantitative real-time PCR 14 (58%) raw sewage samples were positive for HAV, and the highest viral genome loads were dete...

Aggregate travel vs. single trip assessment: Arguments for cumulative risk analysis.

Vaccine — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Leder K, Chen LH, Wilson ME Abstract Vaccine recommendations for travellers are based on individual risk assessments of multiple factors, most importantly the destination and duration of the impending trip. Many people undertake frequent trips, but existing WHO, CDC and national advisory board recommendations do not explicitly consider cumulative travel-associated risks. Given the period of protection provided by many vaccines, in particular rabies, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and yellow fever vaccines, an aggregate multi-trip risk assessment which views vaccines as an investment for future travel health may be more appropriate than separately evaluating the risks for each trip. PMID: 22234265 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Hepatitis A/B vaccine completion among homeless adults with history of incarceration

Journal of Forensic Nursing — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study determined predictors of vaccine completion in homeless adults (N= 297) who reported histories of incarceration and who participated in one of three nurse‐led hepatitis programs of different intensity. Moreover time since release from incarceration was also considered. Just over half of the former prisoners completed the vaccine series. Older age (≥40), having a partner, and chronic homelessness were associated with vaccine completion. Recent research has documented the difficulty in providing vaccine services to younger homeless persons and homeless males at risk for HBV. Additional strategies are needed to achieve HBV vaccination completion rates greater than 50% for formerly incarcerated homeless men. (Source: Journal of Forensic Nursing)

Efficacy results of a trial of a herpes simplex vaccine.

Herpes — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: In a study population that was representative of the general population of HSV-1- and HSV-2-seronegative women, the investigational vaccine was effective in preventing HSV-1 genital disease and infection but not in preventing HSV-2 disease or infection. (Funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and GlaxoSmithKline; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00057330.). PMID: 22216840 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Herpes)

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[Articles] Cross-protective efficacy of HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine against cervical infection and precancer caused by non-vaccine oncogenic HPV types: 4-year end-of-study analysis of the randomised, double-blind PATRICIA trial

The Lancet Oncology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryBackgroundWe evaluated the efficacy of the human papillomavirus HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine against non-vaccine oncogenic HPV types in the end-of-study analysis after 4 years of follow-up in PATRICIA (PApilloma TRIal against Cancer In young Adults).MethodsHealthy women aged 15–25 years with no more than six lifetime sexual partners were included in PATRICIA irrespective of their baseline HPV DNA status, HPV-16 or HPV-18 serostatus, or cytology. Women were randomly assigned (1:1) to HPV-16/18 vaccine or a control hepatitis A vaccine, via an internet-based central randomisation system using a minimisation algorithm to account for age ranges and study sites. (Source: The Lancet Oncology)

Randomized Trial: Immunogenicity and Safety of Coadministered Human Papillomavirus-16/18 AS04-Adjuvanted Vaccine and Combined Hepatitis A and B Vaccine in Girls

Journal of Adolescent Health — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:43:29 +0100

Conclusions: Results support coadministration of HPV-16/18 vaccine with HAB vaccine in girls aged 9–15 years. The HPV-16/18 vaccine was immunogenic and generally well tolerated in 9-year-old girls. (Source: Journal of Adolescent Health)

Immunization schedule of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics: 2012 recommendations.

Anales de Pediatria — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Moreno-Pérez D, Alvarez García FJ, Aristegui Fernández J, Barrio Corrales F, Cilleruelo Ortega MJ, Corretger Rauet JM, González-Hachero J, Hernández-Sampelayo Matos T, Merino Moína M, Ortigosa Del Castillo L, Ruiz-Contreras J, Abstract The Advisory Committee on Vaccines of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (CAV-AEP) updates the immunization schedule every year, taking into account epidemiological data as well as evidence on the effectiveness and efficiency of vaccines. The present schedule includes grades of recommendation. We have graded as routine vaccinations those that the CAV-AEP believes all children should receive; as recommended those that fit the profile for universal childhood immunization and would ideally be given to all children, but that can be pri...

Rhys Morgan: 'They are trying to silence me'

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:30:00 +0100

A 17-year-old schoolboy from Cardiff is proving an unlikely but effective opponent of powerful organisations pushing miracle cures for serious diseasesLike many teenage boys, Rhys Morgan loves video games, rock music and hanging around with his friends. He works hard at school and tries to do his bit helping out at home. But what makes this 17-year-old a little different is that he also finds time to join battle with powerful, wealthy organisations that promote miracle alternative cures for serious diseases.Morgan's burgeoning campaign, run from the front room of his family's house in a cul-de-sac in Cardiff, is gaining him friends and enemies. He is winning plaudits from within the sceptical community and from some journalists impressed at his gumption, but is berated ...

Updated Case Counts

About.com Pediatrics — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:44:55 +0100

Some updated case counts of vaccine-preventable diseases (not all pediatric) include: at least 223 reported cases of measles for the year, the most since 1996 120 pediatric flu deaths from the 2010-2011 flu season, an increase from the previous total of 118 deaths to include two deaths that were recently reported to the CDC 7 cases of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) 168 cases of invasive meningococcal disease types A, C, Y, and W-135 1,078 cases of hepatitis A 2,315 cases of hepatitis B 13,188 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) ...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Pediatrics)

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[Immunization schedule of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics: 2012 recommendations.]

Anales de Pediatria — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Moreno-Pérez D, Alvarez García FJ, Arístegui Fernández J, Barrio Corrales F, Cilleruelo Ortega MJ, Corretger Rauet JM, González-Hachero J, Hernández-Sampelayo Matos T, Merino Moína M, Ortigosa Del Castillo L, Ruiz-Contreras J, Abstract The Advisory Committee on Vaccines of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (CAV-AEP) updates the immunization schedule every year, taking into account epidemiological data as well as evidence on the effectiveness and efficency of vaccines. The present schedule includes grades of recommendation. We have graded as routine vaccinations those that the CAV-AEP believes all children should receive; as recommended those that fit the profile for universal childhood immunization and would ideally be given to all children, but that can be pri...

Possible widespread presence of hepatitis A virus subgenotype IIIA in Japan: Recent trend of hepatitis A causing acute liver failure

Hepatology Research — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Fujiwara et al. reported a frequency of HAV subgenotype IIIA of only 2.1% in Japan. We conclude that HAV subgenotype IIIA might be widespread in our country. (Source: Hepatology Research)

Autoimmune hepatitis – learning about your patients from their autoantibody profiles

Liver International — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 09:55:44 +0100

(Source: Liver International)

Lifecourse infectious origins of sexual inequalities in central adiposity

International Journal of Epidemiology — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions These observations are consistent with the lifecourse hypothesis that early exposure to infections makes women vulnerable to central obesity. This hypothesis potentially sheds new light on the developmental origins of obesity, and is consistent with the generally higher levels of central obesity among women than men in developing populations. (Source: International Journal of Epidemiology)

Trends in Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Travel Risk Groups Toward Prevention of Hepatitis A: Results From the Dutch Schiphol Airport Survey 2002 to 2009

Journal of Travel Medicine — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. The results of this longitudinal survey in Dutch travelers suggest an annual 5% increase in protection rates against hepatitis A coinciding with an annual 1% decrease in intended risk‐seeking behavior. This improvement may reflect the continuous efforts of travel health advice providers to create awareness and to propagate safe and healthy travel. The KAP profile of travelers visiting friends and relatives (VFR) and solo as well as last‐minute travelers to high‐risk destinations substantially increased their relative risk for hepatitis A. These risk groups should be candidates for targeted interventions. (Source: Journal of Travel Medicine)

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Clinical features of adult patients with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis from causes other than lymphoma: an analysis of treatment outcome and prognostic factors

Annals of Hematology — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:51:12 +0100

Abstract Although hemophagocytic syndrome (HS) featuring secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has a grave prognosis, little is known about the natural course of the disease. Patients who showed the clinical features of HLH as well as tissue-proven hemophagocytosis when seen at Asan Medical Center between 1999 and 2010 were included in this analysis. Patients with proven lymphoma were excluded. The median age of our 23 study patients was 49 years. Epstein–Barr virus was suspected to have caused HS in 16 (70%) patients and hepatitis A virus in one patient. Twenty-two patients were treated, 13 according to the HLH protocol and nine using immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroid and/or cyclosporine. Five patients undertook allogeneic hematopoietic c...

Hepatitis A, B Susceptibility High in Patients on MethadoneHepatitis A, B Susceptibility High in Patients on Methadone

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:17:43 +0100

Coinfection with hepatitis C carries extra risks; the high rates underscore the need to vaccinate those in drug treatment programs. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Variants in ABCB1, TGFB1, and XRCC1 genes and susceptibility to viral hepatitis A infection in mexican americans

Hepatology — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Genetic variants in ABCB1, TGFB1, and XRCC1 appear to be associated with susceptibility to HAV infection among Mexican Americans. Replication studies involving larger population samples are warranted. (HEPATOLOGY 2011.) (Source: Hepatology)

Surveillance study of hepatitis A virus RNA on fig and date samples.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Boxman IL, Te Loeke NA, Klunder K, Hägele G, Jansen CC Abstract Ninety-one fig and 185 date samples were analyzed by RT real time PCR for the presence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) RNA. Two batches of dates tested positive and HAV RNA detected was genotyped as IA. These findings warrant further development of methods applicable to food exported from HAV endemic countries which is consumed untreated. PMID: 22138987 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology)

Henoch-schönlein purpura after hepatitis a vaccination: the role of interleukin 10?

Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:06:29 +0100

Authors: Park SJ, Shin JI PMID: 22123392 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology)

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Report on a single topic conference on “chronic viral hepatitis – strategies to improve effectiveness of screening and treatment”

Hepatology — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe 2010 Institute of Medicine Report on “Hepatitis and Liver Cancer” indicated that lack of knowledge and awareness about chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) infections and insufficient understanding about the extent and seriousness of this public health problem impeded current efforts to prevent and control hepatitis B and C. A single topic conference was held in June 2011 to discuss strategies to improve the effectiveness of screening, care referral and clinical management of chronic HBV and HCV infections with the ultimate goal of reducing morbidity and mortality from these infections. Various models that have been shown to improve hepatitis screening and effectiveness of hepatitis treatment in the community including rural settings and populations that have traditi...

TWINRIX (Hepatitis A And Hepatitis B (Recombinant) Vaccine) Injection, Suspension [GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Nov 22, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

A tetravalent meningococcal serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine is immunogenic and well-tolerated when co-administered with Twinrix(®) in subjects aged 11-17 years: An open, randomised, controlled trial.

Vaccine — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study suggests that MenACWY-TT vaccine could be co-administered with HepA/B without adversely impacting the immunogenicity, safety and reactogenicity of either of the vaccines. PMID: 22107850 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Springer Medicine titles — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:05:32 +0100

A Guide for Practicing Cliniciansseries:Clinical GastroenterologyWith a focus on practical patient related issues, Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Guide for Practicing Clinicians serves as a useful practical, and much needed, resource for all those physicians presented with managing patients diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, both acutely and over the long term. It provides a basis for clinicians to understand the etiology of the disease, as well as special ... (Source: Springer Medicine titles)

Epidemiological and virological characteristics of symptomatic acute hepatitis E in Greater Cairo, Egypt.

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of acute hepatitis E in Greater Cairo.Acute hepatitis E patients were identified through a surveillance of acute hepatitis using the following definition: recent (<3 weeks) onset of fever or jaundice, ALT ≥3 times the upper limit of normal (uln), negative markers for other causes of viral hepatitis and detectable hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA. Comparison of the liver tests between acute hepatitis E and hepatitis A (HAV), case‐control analysis (4 sex and age (±1 year) matched HAV controls per case) to explore risk factors and phylogenetic analyses were performed.Of the 17 acute HEV patients identified between 2002 and 2007, 14 were male. Median age was 16 years (interquartile range (IQR) 13‐22). Compared to HAV (N=68 s...

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Epidemiological and virological characteristics of symptomatic acute hepatitis E in Greater Cairo, Egypt

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Clin Microbiol InfectAbstractThe aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of acute hepatitis E in Greater Cairo. Patients with acute hepatitis E were identified through a surveillance of acute hepatitis using the following definition: recent (<3 weeks) onset of fever or jaundice, alanine aminotransferase at least three times the upper limit of normal (uln), negative markers for other causes of viral hepatitis and detectable hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA. Comparison of the liver tests between acute hepatitis E and hepatitis A virus (HAV), case–control analysis (four sex‐matched and age‐matched (±1 year) HAV controls per case) to explore risk factors and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Of the 17 acute HEV patients identified between 2002 and 2007, 14 were male. ...

Probiotics improve liver enzymes in alcoholic hepatitis

Modern Medicine — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Probiotics may improve liver function in patients with alcoholic hepatitis, a randomized control trial has shown. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Polyclonal Immunoglobulins and Hyperimmune Globulins in Prevention and Management of Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases Clinics of North America — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:09:33 +0100

Immunoglobulin therapy has a rich history of use in preventing and treating infectious diseases; however, clinical data on the efficacy of immunoglobulin is lacking for many infectious diseases. Immunoglobulin therapy is routinely used in postexposure prophylaxis for bacterial infections, including tetanus, botulism, and diphtheria, and viral infections, including hepatitis A and B and varicella. Immunoglobulin therapy has also been used in many severe and life-threatening infections where treatments are limited, including toxic shock syndrome, respiratory syncytial virus infection, and cytomegalovirus infection. The authors review the evidence for the use of immunoglobulin therapy in common adult infectious diseases. (Source: Infectious Diseases Clinics of North America)

Sleep and immune function.

Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of Physiology — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Besedovsky L, Lange T, Born J Abstract Sleep and the circadian system exert a strong regulatory influence on immune functions. Investigations of the normal sleep-wake cycle showed that immune parameters like numbers of undifferentiated naïve T cells and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines exhibit peaks during early nocturnal sleep whereas circulating numbers of immune cells with immediate effector functions, like cytotoxic natural killer cells, as well as anti-inflammatory cytokine activity peak during daytime wakefulness. Although it is difficult to entirely dissect the influence of sleep from that of the circadian rhythm, comparisons of the effects of nocturnal sleep with those of 24-h periods of wakefulness suggest that sleep facilitates the extravasation of T...

Transplantation for Alcoholic Hepatitis — Time to Rethink the 6-Month “Rule”

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:00:18 +0100

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 365, Issue 19, Page 1836-1838, November 2011. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

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Use of hepatitis B vaccine in pregnancy

NeLM - Drugs in Pregnancy — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: UK Teratology Information Service Area: Evidence > Drugs in Pregnancy SUMMARY: Hepatitis B vaccine is an inactivated vaccine which is available in the United Kingdom as a single vaccine or in combination with hepatitis A vaccine. Hepatitis B is a blood borne virus that is transmitted by parenteral exposure to infected blood or body fluids, including by sexual contact. Perinatal transmission of the hepatitis B virus from mother to infant may result in chronic infection of the newborn. There is limited information available to assess the potential fetotoxic effects following exposure to hepatitis B vaccine in human pregnancy, however there is no conclusive evidence that inactivated vaccines as a group are associated with an increased incidence of adverse fetal e...

Chicken Pox Parties Is "Middle Ages Vigilante Vaccination"

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:00:00 +0100

If you think buying a lollipop contaminated with saliva from senders whose children are infected will protect your kids from chicken pox, think again - because it probably won't. More likely, you will be exposing them to more serious infections, such as hepatitis. A US attorney in Nashville, Jerry Martin, said not only is it unsafe to mail such contagious items, it is also illegal. After being interviewed by WSMV-TV regarding virus exchanges in Tennessee via online social media websites, Martin decided to speak out... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Antibody persistence and immune memory in adults, 15 years after a three‐dose schedule of a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine

Journal of Medical Virology — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This study confirms the long‐term immunogenicity of the three‐dose regimen of the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine, as eliciting long‐term persistence of antibodies and immune memory against hepatitis A and B for up to at least 15 years after a primary vaccination. J. Med. Virol. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Medical Virology)

Preliminary report on an ongoing outbreak of hepatitis A in Estonia, 2011.

Euro Surveill — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:35:05 +0100

Authors: Dontsenko I, Kerbo N, Pullmann J, Plank S, Voželevskaja N, Kutsar K PMID: 22027376 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

A comparative study of hepatitis caused by scrub typhus and viral hepatitis a in South Korea.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lee J, Kim DM, Yun NR, Byeon YM, Kim YD, Park CG, Kim MW, Han MA Abstract Abstract. We compared clinical features and laboratory findings of 104 patients with hepatitis A and 197 patients with scrub typhus. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, and jaundice were common in patient with hepatitis A, and fever and headache were significantly more common in patients with scrub typhus. At presentation, an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level ≥ 500 U/L was observed in 1% of scrub typhus patients and in 87.5% of hepatitis A patients (P < 0.001). A bilirubin level ≥ 1.3 mg/dL was observed in 16.8% of scrub typhus patients and 90.4% of hepatitis A patients. The ALT:lactate dehydrogenase ratio was ≤ 5 in 97.4% of the patients with scrub typhus and > 5 in 95.2% ...

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Oral fluid and hepatitis A, B and C: A literature review

Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: There is some evidence that hepatitis viruses A, B and C are present in oral fluids, particularly whole saliva and gingival crevicular fluid and may thus be possible sources of viral detection in clinical diagnosis and monitoring. However, the data are inconsistent and warrant the need for well‐planned longitudinal studies to explore the precise frequency of oral carriage of such viruses and to determine the virological and host factors that may influence the oral presence of hepatitis A, B and C viruses. (Source: Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine)

Hepatitis Transmission Risk in Nail Salons and Barbershops

Disabled World — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 23:29:34 +0100

Hepatitis transmission risk needs to be studied in nail salons, barbershops - New analysis questions adequacy of disinfection regulations... (Source: Disabled World)

Evaluation of tropical water sources and mollusks in southern Brazil using microbiological, biochemical, and chemical parameters.

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Souza DS, Ramos AP, Nunes FF, Moresco V, Taniguchi S, Guiguet Leal DA, Sasaki ST, Bícego MC, Montone RC, Durigan M, Teixeira AL, Pilotto MR, Delfino N, Franco RM, de Melo CM, Bainy AC, Barardi CR Abstract Florianópolis, a city located in the Santa Catarina State in southern Brazil, is the national leading producer of bivalve mollusks. The quality of bivalve mollusks is closely related to the sanitary conditions of surrounding waters where they are cultivated. Presently, cultivation areas receive large amounts of effluents derived mainly from treated and non-treated domestic, rural, and urban sewage. This contributes to the contamination of mollusks with trace metals, pesticides, other organic compounds, and human pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoan. The ai...

Complete coding sequence and molecular analysis of hepatitis A virus from a chimpanzee with fulminant hepatitis

Journal of Medical Primatology — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The chimpanzee may have been infected with human HAV genotype IB. The substitutions in VP2, VP4, 2B, 2C, and 3D, which may enhance virus proliferation, contributed to disease severity culminating in fulminant hepatic failure. (Source: Journal of Medical Primatology)

Toxicity after radiochemotherapy for glioblastoma using Temozolomide - a retrospective evaluation

Radiation Oncology — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our survival data were well within the range taken from the literature. However, we noticed a considerable frequency and intensity of side effects to bone marrow and liver. These lead to the recommendations that regular examinations of blood cell count and liver enzymes should be performed during therapy and temozolomide should not be applied or application should be terminated according to the criteria given by the manufacturer. (Source: Radiation Oncology)

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Seroprevalence of 13 common pathogens in a rapidly growing U.S. minority population: Mexican Americans from San Antonio, TX

BMC Research Notes — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate substantial seroprevalence rates of these common infections in this sample of Mexican Americans from San Antonio, Texas that suffers from high rates of chronic diseases including obesity and type-2 diabetes. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

Hepatitis A Virus genotype and its correlation with the clinical outcome of acute hepatitis A in Korea: 2006–2008

Journal of Medical Virology — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:32:56 +0100

This study aimed to investigate hepatitis A virus (HAV) genotypes and to compare clinical features between patients infected with HAV genotype IA and those with genotype IIIA. From September 2006 to August 2008, 595 patients with symptomatic hepatitis A were enrolled prospectively in four hospitals in Korea. Among them, 556 patients participated in this study by providing serum or stool samples for genotypic analysis. HAV RNA was detected in 499 patients (89.7%). Major genotypes included IA (n = 244, 48.9%) and IIIA (n = 244, 48.9%), and the remaining genotype was IB (n = 11, 2.2%). From September 2006 to August 2007, the distribution of genotypes IA and IIIA were 64.6% and 35.6%, respectively, which changed to 42.3% and 54.6%, respectively, from September 2007 to August 2008, ...

Preliminary report on an ongoing outbreak of hepatitis A in Estonia, 2011

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Challenges to mapping the health risk of hepatitis A virus infection

International Journal of Health Geographics — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: For future maps to be comparable across place and time, we propose the use of the age at midpoint of population susceptibility as a standard indicator for the level of hepatitis A endemicity within a world region. We also call for the creation of an accessible active database for population-based age-specific HAV seroprevalence and incidence studies. Health risk maps for other conditions with rapidly changing epidemiology would benefit from similar strategies. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics)

Establishment of a viral hepatitis surveillance system --- pakistan, 2009--2011.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This report describes the implementation of the viral hepatitis surveillance system in Pakistan and summarizes major findings from June 2010 through March 2011. A total of 712 cases of viral hepatitis were reported; newly reported HCV infection accounted for 53.2% of reported cases, followed by acute hepatitis A (19.8%), acute hepatitis E (12.2%), and newly reported HBV infection (10.8%). A history of health-care--related exposures, particularly receipt of therapeutic injections and infusions, commonly were reported by persons infected with HBV and HCV, and most patients reported drinking unboiled water. These findings point to the need for improved provider and community education about risks associated with unsafe injections, strengthening infection control practices in health facilities...

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HAVRIX (Hepatitis A Vaccine) Injection, Suspension [Dispensing Solutions, Inc.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Oct 13, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

International travel among HIV-positive and HIV-negative men who have sex with men, San Francisco, USA

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We measured the prevalence of international travel, the demographic and risk profile of international travellers and risk and preventive behaviours of travellers among HIV-negative and HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), based in San Francisco, CA, USA, through the addition of questions to the local implementation of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance survey in 2008. Of 270 MSM participating in the survey, slightly more than one-quarter (26.3%) had travelled internationally in the last year. Those with a history of international travel were more likely to be foreign born, of a higher socioeconomic status and HIV uninfected. Of eight HIV-positive MSM who travelled internationally (11.3% of HIV-positive MSM), all were on antiretroviral therapy and only three recalled being va...

Hepatitis A

eMedicineHealth.com — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0100

(Source: eMedicineHealth.com)

Cases of Malaria, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid Fever Among VFRs, Quebec (Canada)

Journal of Travel Medicine — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. Our study clearly shows that VFR children should be a primary target group for pre‐travel preventive measures. (Source: Journal of Travel Medicine)

Virus‐triggered autophagy in viral hepatitis – possible novel strategies for drug development

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Summary. Autophagy is a very tightly regulated process that is important in many cellular processes including development, differentiation, survival and homoeostasis. The importance of this process has already been proven in numerous common diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Emerging data indicate that autophagy plays an important role in some liver diseases including liver injury induced by ischaemia reperfusion and alpha‐1 antitrypsin Z allele‐dependent liver disease. Autophagy may also occur in viral infection, and it may play a crucial role in antimicrobial host defence against pathogens, while supporting cellular homoeostasis processes. Here, the latest findings on the role of autophagy in viral hepatitis B and C infection, which are both serious health th...

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TWINRIX (Hepatitis A And Hepatitis B (Recombinant) Vaccine) Injection, Suspension [GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Oct 11, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Comparison of chlorine and peroxyacetic-based disinfectant to inactivate Feline calicivirus, Murine norovirus and Hepatitis A virus on lettuce.

International Journal of Food Microbiology — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:05:56 +0100

This study illustrates the necessity of determining the effectiveness of technological processes against enteric viruses, using a relevant reference such as HAV, in order to reduce the risk of hepatitis and gastroenteritis by exposure to vegetables. PMID: 21924791 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Journal of Food Microbiology)

The development of a rapid SYBR Green I-based quantitative PCR for detection of Duck circovirus

Virology Journal — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This report describes a one-step real-time polymerase chain reaction assay based on SYBR Green I for detection of a broad range of duck circovirus (DuCV). Align with all DuCV complete genome sequences and other Genus Circovirus download from the GenBank (such as goose circovirus, pigeon circovirus), the primers targets to the replicate gene of DuCV were designed. The detection assay was linear in the range of 1.31x102-1.31x107 copies/muL. The reaction efficiency of the assay using the slope (the slope was -3.349) and the Y-intercept was 37.01 from the linear equation was estimated to be 0.99 and the correlation coefficient (R2) was 0.993. A series of experiments were carried out to assess the reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity of the assay, following by the low intra-assay and i...

Low prevalence of hepatitis A virus infection among autochthonous populations of New World non‐human primates

Journal of Medical Primatology — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Medical Primatology)

New AAP policy statements issued on vaccines

Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

New policy statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics provide recommendations on use of hepatitis A, varicella, poliovirus, and the tetanus toxoid, reduced content diphtheria toxoid, and aceullular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines. (Source: Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics)

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Changing epidemiological patterns of hepatitis a infection in singapore.

Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The incidence and seroprevalence of hepatitis A in Singapore are comparable to other developed countries. As Singapore is situated in a region highly endemic for HAV, it is very vulnerable to the introduction of the disease because of the high volume of regional travel and import of food, especially shellfi sh. While we note that there have been no further shellfi sh-associated outbreaks since 2002, sustained vigilance, strict control of food import by the authorities and public health education on the risk of consuming shellfi sh, especially cockles, raw and half-cooked, should be maintained. PMID: 22206052 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore)

Recommendations for Administering Hepatitis A Vaccine to Contacts of International Adoptees

PEDIATRICS — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend routine administration of hepatitis A vaccine for household members and close contacts, including baby-sitters, when children are adopted from countries with high or intermediate rates of hepatitis A infection. This policy expands previous AAP recommendations to immunize travelers to countries who are seeking to adopt a child in countries with high or medium hepatitis A endemicity. All previously nonimmune unvaccinated people who anticipate close exposure to international adoptees during the 60 days after their arrival should receive hepatitis A immunization, ideally 2 or more weeks before the arrival of the adopted child. (Source: PEDIAT...

Cloning, purification and preliminary crystallographic studies of the 2AB protein from hepatitis A virus

Acta Crystallographica Section F — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The Picornaviridae family contains a large number of human pathogens such as rhinovirus, poliovirus and hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is an infectious disease that causes liver inflammation. It is highly endemic in developing countries with poor sanitation, where infections often occur in children. As in other picornaviruses, the genome of HAV contains one open reading frame encoding a single polyprotein that is subsequently processed by viral proteinases to originate mature viral proteins during and after the translation process. In the polyprotein, the N-terminal P1 region generates the four capsid proteins, while the C-terminal P2 and P3 regions contain the enzymes, precursors and accessory proteins essential for polyprotein processing and virus replication. Here, the first cryst...

Anti-hepatitis A seroprevalence among chronic viral hepatitis patients in Kelantan, Malaysia.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that patients aged greater than 30 years of age were likely to have natural immunity to hepatitis A. Therefore, hepatitis A vaccination may not be routinely required in this age group. PMID: 22039329 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

Close Contacts of International Adoptees Need Hep A VaccineClose Contacts of International Adoptees Need Hep A Vaccine

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:08:27 +0100

The guidelines for hepatitis A vaccination related to international adoptions have been expanded. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Liver and biliary disease in childhood

Medicine — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:52:24 +0100

Abstract: Acute liver disease or failure in children is most often due to viral hepatitis (A, B, E or sero-negative), paracetamol overdose or inherited metabolic liver disease. The clinical presentation includes jaundice, coagulopathy and encephalopathy. Uncomplicated acute hepatitis resolves spontaneously, but progressive acute liver failure is fatal in 70% of cases and requires referral to specialized units to prevent complications and for consideration for liver transplantation. Chronic liver disease may be due to unresolved neonatal liver disease, either inherited cholestasis or α1-antitrypsin. Chronic viral hepatitis B and C are rare but significant diseases, which require family support and long-term monitoring. Treatment for hepatitis B remains unsatisfactory, but combination ther...

Updated Hepatitis A Vaccine Recommendations

About.com Pediatrics — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:42:40 +0100

The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for: all children 12 through 23 months of age people who are at increased risk of infection people who are at increased risk of severe hepatitis A disease any person who desires immunity ...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Pediatrics)

Response to hepatitis A vaccine in children with inflammatory bowel disease receiving infliximab

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases)

Letter regarding Guddat et al. “Fatal spontaneous subdural bleeding due to neonatal giant cell hepatitis: a rare differential diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome”

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:19:33 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorPages 1-1DOI 10.1007/s12024-011-9282-1Authors Neil E. I. Langlois, Forensic Science South Australia & University of Adelaide, 21 Divett Place, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

Hemocytes are Sites of Enteric Virus Persistence within Oysters.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Provost K, Dancho BA, Ozbay G, Anderson RS, Richards GP, Kingsley DH Abstract The study goal was to understand how enteric viruses persist within shellfish tissues. Several lines of novel evidence show that phagocytic blood cells (hemocytes) of Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica), play an important role for the retention of virus particles. Our results demonstrated the association of virus contamination with hemocytes but not with hemolymph. Live oysters contaminated overnight with hepatitis A virus (HAV) and murine norovirus (MNV) had 56% and 80% of extractable virus associated with hemocytes, respectively. Transfer of HAV-contaminated hemocytes to naïve (virus-free) oysters resulted in naïve oyster meat testing HAV-positive for up to 3 weeks. Acid tolerance of HAV,...

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Surveillance of Hepatitis A and E Viruses Contamination in Shellfish in Thailand

Letters in Applied Microbiology — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Significant contamination of HAV in edible bivalve shellfish was observed. Beside digestive tissue, gills are one of the important samples for viral genome detection. (Source: Letters in Applied Microbiology)

Hepatitis A and hepatitis A virus/HIV coinfection in men who have sex with men, Warsaw, Poland, September 2008 to September 2009.

Euro Surveill — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:08:02 +0100

Authors: Dabrowska M, Nazzal K, Wiercinska-Drapalo A PMID: 21903035 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

Autoimmunity and hepatitis A vaccine in children.

Journal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:56:08 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Although HAV can induce the production of autoantibodies, none of the children developed autoimmune disorders. Long-term follow up is necessary to check whether autoimmune disorders develop in children who still have ANA. Genetic, immunological, environmental, and hormonal factors are also important in the development of vaccine-induced autoimmunity. PMID: 21905502 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology)

Prevalence of immunity to hepatitis viruses A and B in a large cohort of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, and factors associated with HAV and HBV vaccination.

Vaccine — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Winnock M, Bani-Sadr F, Pambrun E, Loko MA, Lascoux-Combe C, Garipuy D, Rosenthal E, Carrieri P, Dabis F, Salmon D Abstract Hepatitis A (HAV) and B (HBV) vaccination is strongly recommended for HIV-infected patients, especially those with hepatitis C coinfection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies directed against HAV and HBV in a large cohort of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, and to identify factors associated with HAV and HBV vaccination. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 1175 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients enrolled in the ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH cohort, whose HAV and HBV serostatus was known. RESULTS: 1056 patients (89.9%) have been tested for anti-HBc IgG, anti-HBs, and HbsAg. Only 10.9% of patients had received HBV vaccination and 70% of the patie...

National and state vaccination coverage among children aged 19--35 months --- United States, 2010.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This report describes the 2010 NIS coverage estimates for children born during January 2007--July 2009. Nationally, vaccination coverage increased in 2010 compared with 2009 for ≥1 dose of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR), from 90.0% to 91.5%; ≥4 doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), from 80.4% to 83.3%; the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB), from 60.8% to 64.1%; ≥2 doses of hepatitis A vaccine (HepA), from 46.6% to 49.7%; rotavirus vaccine, from 43.9% to 59.2%; and the full series of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, from 54.8% to 66.8%. Coverage for poliovirus vaccine (93.3%), MMR (91.5%), ≥3 doses HepB (91.8%), and varicella vaccine (90.4%) continued to be at or above the national health objective targets of 90% for these vaccines.* The percen...

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National survey shows more young children getting vaccines

Reuters: Health — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:19:47 +0100

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Despite some public concerns about vaccine safety, more young children are getting immunized in the United States for preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis A, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Thursday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

National Survey Shows More Young Children Getting Vaccines

MedlinePlus Health News — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:19:47 +0100

Despite some public concerns about vaccine safety, more young children are getting immunized in the United States for preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis A, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Thursday.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Childhood Immunization, Health Statistics (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Hepatitis A: Highly contagious form of liver infection

MayoClinic.com Full Feed — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Hepatitis A — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, treatment and prevention, including hepatitis A vaccine. (Source: MayoClinic.com Full Feed)

Mobile Outreach Strategies for Screening Hepatitis and HIV in High‐Risk Populations

Public Health Nursing — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Targeted outreach to hard to reach groups is effective in providing access for those at high risk for HIV and HCV infection. A mobile outreach strategy can focus needed resources for a variety of groups in a community. (Source: Public Health Nursing)

Survey shows more young children getting vaccines

Modern Medicine — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

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The Australia antigen and role of the late Philadelphia general hospital in reducing post‐transfusion hepatitis and sequelae

Hepatology — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 23:34:06 +0100

AbstractBaruch Blumberg, who received the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the Australia antigen, died on April 5, 2011. Arguably, that discovery has been the most important advance in the field of Hepatology. It led to the virtual elimination of transfusion related hepatitis B in most parts of the world and was essential to the identification of hepatitis A, C, D and E viruses. Credit for this is due Dr. Blumberg and teams in Philadelphia and Tokyo. In lieu of an Associate Editor commentary, Drs. Senior, London, and Sutnick, who were members of that remarkable team, tell us their inspiring story. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;) (Source: Hepatology)

Comparing live attenuated and inactivated hepatitis A vaccines: An immunogenicity study after one single dose.

Vaccine — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: While our study was not able to identify differences between Havrix(®), Healive(®) and H2 vaccine in terms of sero-conversion proportion and GMC between seven and 28 days, further studies should evaluate non-inferiority or equivalence of the Chinese vaccines, particularly with respect to the GMC concentration for the H2 vaccine since it could affect long-term protection. PMID: 21875638 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

U.S expert panel report finds that vaccines are largely safe

NeLM - News — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: Reuters Area: News Reuters features a story on a consensus report produced by The Institute of Medicine (IOM) in the United States (U.S). The IOM is an independent, non-profit organisation in the US which forms the health arm of the National Academy of Sciences. The report was commissioned by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help guide the Vaccine Injury Compensation Programme. A committee of the IOM was asked to review a list of adverse events associated with eight vaccines - varicella zoster, influenza (except 2009 H1N1), hepatitis B, HPV, MMR, hepatitis A, meningococcal, and those that contain tetanus - and evaluate the scientific evidence about the event-vaccine relationship. The IOM was not asked to assess the benefits or effectiveness of vaccines but on...

Tropical liver disease

Medicine — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:23:17 +0100

This article describes some hepatic and biliary problems that are seen in the tropics, or which may be imported from resource-poor settings. The epidemiology of hepatitis A is changing in some areas and hepatitis E is now recognised in an increasing range of tropical and non-tropical settings. Vaccines have been developed against hepatitis E. Hepatitis B and C continue to cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, but these may be eclipsed in epidemiological importance by the sequelae of the emerging epidemic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in many parts of the tropics. The pathophysiology of acute and chronic liver disease due to aflatoxins is better understood, as is the relationship of veno-occlusive disease of the liver to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Self-p...

Other liver viruses

Medicine — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:23:17 +0100

This article will outline the epidemiology, presentation and management of hepatitis A and E viruses, Epstein–Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus. In certain groups such as pregnant women, and patients in immunocompromised states, these viruses can, albeit rarely, cause fulminant hepatic failure. While some antiviral therapies can be used, the majority of cases can be managed expectantly. At-risk populations (travellers and the immunocompromised) should be offered vaccination where available. (Source: Medicine)

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Hepatitis A and hepatitis A virus/HIV coinfection in men who have sex with men, Warsaw, Poland, September 2008 to September 2009

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Survival of Hepatitis A and E Viruses in Soil Samples

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract:Survival of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in soil samples spiked with respective viruses was analyzed using real time PCR. Virus‐spiked soil samples were incubated at environmental temperature (ET) and 37°C & processed weekly. Both HAV and HEV were less stable at fluctuating ET than at 37°C. Of the 403 soil samples collected in the vicinity of Mutha river, India, 19.1% and 4.9% were found to be contaminated with HAV and HEV respectively. (Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection)

Antibody persistence and immune memory in healthy adults following vaccination with a two‐dose inactivated hepatitis A vaccine: Long‐term follow‐up at 15 years

Journal of Medical Virology — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractLong‐term persistence of vaccine‐induced immune response in adults was assessed annually for 15 years following primary immunization with a two‐dose inactivated hepatitis A vaccine. In 1992, 119 and 194 subjects aged 17–40 years and naïve for hepatitis A virus (HAV) were enrolled in two studies to receive 1,440 ELISA units (El.U) of inactivated hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix™, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Belgium) according to a standard 0, 6 or an extended 0, 12 months schedule, respectively. Serum samples were taken 1 month after the second vaccine dose and every consecutive year up to 15 years after primary vaccination for measurement of anti‐HAV antibody concentrations (NCT00291876 and NCT00289757).At year 15, 100% (48/48) and 97.3% (108/111) of subjects vaccinated at...

Acute Hepatitis E Infection Accounts for Some Cases of Suspected Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Gastroenterology — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: HEV infection contributes to a small but important proportion of cases of acute liver injury that are suspected to be drug induced. Serologic testing for HEV infection should be performed, particularly if clinical features are compatible with acute viral hepatitis. (Source: Gastroenterology)

What Factors Determine the Severity of Hepatitis A-related Acute Liver Failure?What Factors Determine the Severity of Hepatitis A-related Acute Liver Failure?

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:04:48 +0100

Do all hepatitis A patients ultimately develop liver failure, and, if so, what is the best way to determine the severity of disease? Journal of Viral Hepatitis (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Seroprevalence of hepatitis A in children and adolescents.

Jornal de Pediatria — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The results show a low prevalence of antibodies against HAV, which justifies the use of prophylactic measures, including early vaccination. PMID: 21842115 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Jornal de Pediatria)

Clinical features and outcomes of acute kidney injury among patients with acute hepatitis A

Journal of Clinical Virology — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: AKI is not a rare complication of acute hepatitis A and severity of hepatitis and hepatic injury influence the development of AKI in acute hepatitis A. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Predictors of outcome in children with acute viral hepatitis and coagulopathy

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Summary. The presence of coagulopathy in acute viral hepatitis (AVH) in children raises issues about prognosis and need for liver transplantation. We evaluated factors predicting outcome in such patients and determined the applicability of the paediatric acute liver failure study group (PALFSG) definition of acute liver failure (ALF) of coagulopathy alone in comparison with coagulopathy and encephalopathy. Children with AVH (clinical features, raised transaminases and positive viral serology) with uncorrectable coagulopathy [prothrombin time (PT) > 15 s] with or without hepatic encephalopathy (HE) were enrolled. Comparative analysis was based on (i) outcome: survivors/nonsurvivors and (ii) ALF criteria: group A coagulopathy (PT > 15 s) and encephalopathy and group B co...

Hepatitis A Infection in Recent International Adoptees and Their Contacts in Minnesota, 2007-2009

PEDIATRICS — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware that transmission of hepatitis A may occur among both direct and secondary contacts of young children recently adopted from hepatitis A–endemic areas and that infected young children may be asymptomatic. Household members and other close contacts of international adoptees should be counseled about hepatitis A prevention, including vaccination. In addition, screening for hepatitis A should be considered for recently arrived adoptees from endemic areas. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Henoch-Schönlein purpura after hepatitis A vaccination.

Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jariwala S, Vernon N, Shliozberg J PMID: 21802028 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology)

Fulminant hepatitis in typhoid fever

Journal of Infection and Public Health — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The association of typhoid fever with hepatitis A can result in fulminant hepatitis but in this case, is associated with complete recovery. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health)

South Africa: Efforts Strengthened to Contain Hepatitis 'A' Outbreak

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:11:35 +0100

The National Department of Health has joined Tshwane district and Gauteng province to arrest the outbreak of hepatitis A. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis A virus infections in Catalonia, Spain, 2005–2009: Circulation of newly emerging strains

Journal of Clinical Virology — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: During the period 2005–2009, the annual attack rates remained around 3.5 and even increased up to 6.5 in the first half of 2009. This increase with respect to the period 1999–2001, in which vaccination campaigns started to be implemented, is explained by an increase in the number of outbreaks. The predominant subgenotypes were IA and IB. However a considerable amount of strains imported from Peru through consumption of contaminated shellfish belonged to an undeterminded subgenotype that may constitute a new candidate subgenotype IC. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Identifications of polyphyletic variants in acute hepatitis suggest an underdiagnosed circulation of hepatitis E virus in Argentina

Journal of Clinical Virology — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Discussion: The polyphyletic variants widespread in Argentina suggest multiple sources of infection. Whether or not their reservoir is swine merits further investigation. Since hepatitis E is still considered rare, differential laboratory testing in unexplained acute liver disease is not routinely performed in Argentina. Broadening awareness of this disease is important in light of the decrease in hepatitis A incidence since universal vaccination was implemented in 2005. The diagnosis of hepatitis E with a combination of serological and molecular tools is needed to better understand its epidemiology and impact on the clinical management of patients with unexplained increased transaminases. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

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HAVRIX (Hepatitis A Vaccine) Injection, Suspension [GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Jul 26, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Recovery of duck hepatitis A virus 3 from a stable full-length infectious cDNA clone.

Virus Research — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pan M, Yang X, Du J, Zhou L, Ge X, Guo X, Liu J, Zhang D, Yang H Recently, duck hepatitis A virus 3 (DHAV-3) with genetically distinct characteristics from DHAV-1 and DHAV-2 was recognized in South Korea and China. In this short communication, we successfully constructed a stable full-length infectious cDNA clone derived from DHAV-3 by solving instability of cloned full-length cDNA in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The cDNA fragments amplified from the genome of DHAV-3 were assembled and inserted into a low-copy-number plasmid. Finally, a full-length cDNA clone containing an engineered SacII site that served as a genetic marker was obtained. The cDNA clone showed stable by serial passages in E. coli when propagated at 25°C under low level of antibiotic selection. BHK-21 cells we...

Inactivation of hepatitis A variants during heat treatment (pasteurization) of human serum albumin.

Transfusion — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: HAV variant and protein concentration of the HSA solution affect the overall HAV inactivation that is achieved during pasteurization. As the HAV inactivation capacity should not be overestimated, an HAV variant more resistant to heat inactivation should be used for studies investigating the viral safety profiles of plasma derivatives. PMID: 21790623 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Transfusion)

Changing epidemiology of hepatitis A infection in Izmir, Turkey.

Vaccine — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kurugol Z, Aslan A, Turkoglu E, Koturoglu G The seroprevalence study was conducted in order to determine the current seroepidemiology hepatitis A in Izmir, Turkey and to evaluate the epidemiological shift in HAV serostatus. Blood samples collected from 595 subjects aged 1-60 years were analyzed for anti-HAV IgG antibodies. The current study results were compared with those of a previous study conducted in 1998 involving the same location. There was a marked decrease in the prevalence of anti-HAV between 1998 and 2008. While anti-HAV seroprevalence rates in the current study were 4.6% in children aged 1-4 years, 23% in children aged 10-14 years, and 85% in young adults aged 20-29 years, the prevalence rates were 36% in the 1-4 years age group, 65% in the 10-14 years age group, ...

MEMS biosensor for detection of Hepatitis A and C viruses in serum.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Timurdogan E, Alaca BE, Kavakli IH, Urey H Resonant microcantilever arrays are developed for the purpose of label-free and real-time analyte monitoring and biomolecule detection. MEMS cantilevers made of electroplated nickel are functionalized with Hepatitis antibodies. Hepatitis A and C antigens at different concentrations are introduced in undiluted bovine serum. All preparation and measurement steps are carried out in the liquid within a specifically designed flowcell without ever drying the cantilevers throughout the experiment. Both actuation and sensing are done remotely and therefore the MEMS cantilevers have no electrical connections, allowing for easily disposable sensor chips. Actuation is achieved using an electromagnet and the interferometric optical sensing is ach...

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Treatment of severe acute hepatitis E by ribavirin

Journal of Clinical Virology — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Ribavirin therapy could be an effective treatment of severe acute hepatitis E. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Prolonged viral excretion in faeces among patients with hepatitis A.

Euro Surveill — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 23:15:03 +0100

Authors: Vatev N, Stoycheva M, Petrov A, Venchev C, Troyancheva M PMID: 21748866 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

Pharmacists can play a key role in federal action plan to control hepatitis

Drug Topics - Legal News — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:57:41 +0100

One component of a new federal action plan for controlling viral hepatitis calls for expanded delivery of hepatitis A and B vaccines through pharmacies, beginning in 2013. (Source: Drug Topics - Legal News)

Hepatitis A Risk in Foreign-Born Adoptees, Their ContactsHepatitis A Risk in Foreign-Born Adoptees, Their Contacts

Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 18:57:36 +0100

Foreign-born adopted children are often infected with hepatitis-A, and transmission can occur among both direct and secondary contacts even when the child is asymptomatic, a new study has found. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines)

Pharmacists can play a key role in federal action plan to control hepatitis

Drug Topics - Pharmacy News — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:07:30 +0100

Hepatitis A infection risk in foreign-born adoptees, their contacts

Modern Medicine — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Foreign-born adopted children are often infected with hepatitis-A, and transmission can occur among both direct and secondary contacts even when the child is asymptomatic, a new study has found. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Use of tacrolimus in the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis: a single centre experience

Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:39:29 +0100

(Source: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

Acute hepatitis A virus infection is associated with a limited type I interferon response and persistence of intrahepatic viral RNA [Microbiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is an hepatotropic human picornavirus that is associated only with acute infection. Its pathogenesis is not well understood because there are few studies in animal models using modern methodologies. We characterized HAV infections in three chimpanzees, quantifying viral RNA by quantitative RT-PCR and examining critical aspects of the innate immune response including intrahepatic IFN-stimulated gene expression. We compared these infection profiles with similar studies of chimpanzees infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), an hepatotropic flavivirus that frequently causes persistent infection. Surprisingly, HAV-infected animals exhibited very limited induction of type I IFN-stimulated genes in the liver compared with chimpanzees with acute resolving HCV infection, desp...

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Changes in hepatitis A and B vaccination rates in adult patients with chronic liver diseases and diabetes in the united states population

Hepatology — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Although vaccination rates in CLD and diabetic cohorts are increasing, they remain low. Given the public health implications of acute hepatitis A and hepatitis B in patients with CLD, better implementation of the vaccination recommendations for these populations is warranted. (HEPATOLOGY 2011.) (Source: Hepatology)

Changes in hepatitis A and B vaccination rates in adult patients with chronic liver diseases and diabetes in the U.S. population

Hepatology — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Although vaccination rates in CLD and diabetic cohorts are increasing, they remain low. Given the public health implications of acute hepatitis A and hepatitis B in patients with CLD, better implementation of the vaccination recommendations for these populations is warranted. (HEPATOLOGY 2011) (Source: Hepatology)

[Molecular and Clinical Characterization of Hepatitis A Virus in Gwangju and Jeonnam Province.]

Korean J Gastroenter... — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Genotype IIIA was a dominant genotype of recent HAV infection in Gwangju and Jeonnam province. This study provides valuable epidemiologic information of genetic distributions of HAV in Korea. PMID: 21694486 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Korean J Gastroenter...)

Hepatitis A antibody seroprevalence among medical school students

American Journal of Infection Control — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100

A total of 324 first- to third-year medical school students were examined for anti-hepatitis A virus IgG. Of these 324 students, 37 were found to be anti-hepatitis A virus IgG positive (11.4%). Mass screening of medical students for seropositivity and vaccination of nonimmune students should be considered before starting medical clerkships. (Source: American Journal of Infection Control)

Clinical review: Hepatitis C infection

NeLM - News — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and recommendations for the management of the case presented (Source: NeLM - News)

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Drug-Induced Autoimmune-Like Hepatitis: A Case of Chronic Course After Drug Withdrawal

Digestive Diseases and Sciences — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:03:16 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s10620-011-1786-8Authors Alexandra Heurgué-Berlot, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, CHU Reims, Reims, FranceBrigitte Bernard-Chabert, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, CHU Reims, Reims, FranceMarie-Danièle Diebold, Department of Anatomo-Pathology, CHU Reims, Reims, FranceGérard Thiéfin, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, CHU Reims, Reims, France Journal Digestive Diseases and SciencesOnline ISSN 1573-2568Print ISSN 0163-2116 (Source: Digestive Diseases and Sciences)

National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: revisions to the vaccine injury table. Final rule.

Fed Regist — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: On September 13, 2010, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) published in the Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing changes to the regulations governing the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Specifically, the Secretary proposed revisions to the Vaccine Injury Table (Table) to create distinct listings for hepatitis A, trivalent influenza, meningococcal, and human papillomavirus vaccines. The Secretary is now making this amendment to the Table by final rule; it is technical in nature. The four categories of vaccines described in this final rule are already covered vaccines under the VICP (starting in 2004) and are currently listed in a placeholder category (box XIII) in the Table. This final rule will list the...

First outbreak of norovirus in albania.

Letters in Applied Microbiology — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:55:57 +0100

Conclusions: This is the first report of NoV GGII.4 in Albania causing an outbreak. The genetic analysis showed several point mutations and amino‐acid substitutions respect to the international strains.Significance and Impact of Study: Over the last decades, Albania has suffered from different outbreaks as cholera, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and now, for the first time, it has been documented an outbreak of NoV. (Source: Letters in Applied Microbiology)

Acute Hepatitis A Evades Immune System More Effectively Than Chronic Cousin

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:00:00 +0100

Ongoing research into the problem of how Hepatitis C becomes a chronic disease has uncovered a deeper mystery about its sister strain, Hepatitis A. Hepatitis C is a continuing public health problem, which is difficult to measure because symptoms occur months to years after infection. The World Health Organization estimates as many as 2 to 4 million people in the United States may have chronic Hepatitis C, and most do not know they are infected. More than a third of those who are long-term carriers may develop chronic liver disease or liver cancer... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

New Study Reveals How The Immune System Responds To Hepatitis "A" Virus

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0100

A surprising finding in a study comparing hepatitis C virus (HCV) with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections in chimpanzees by a team that includes scientists from the Texas Biomedical Research Institute sheds new light on the nature of the body's immune response to these viruses. Understanding how hepatitis C becomes chronic is very important because some 200 million people worldwide and 3.2 million people in the U.S. are chronically infected with HCV and are at risk for progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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How the immune system responds to hepatitis A virus

ScienceDaily Headlines — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:13:13 +0100

A surprising finding in a study comparing hepatitis C virus (HCV) with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections in chimpanzees sheds new light on the nature of the body's immune response to these viruses. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Acute Hepatitis A evades immune system more effectively than chronic cousin

ScienceDaily Headlines — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:11:11 +0100

Researchers thought that Hepatitis C might become chronic by disrupting the host's interferon response -- part of the innate immune system that protects the body against any kind of "foreign" invader. However, in comparing data from experiments with Hepatitis A and Hepatitis C, scientists found that Hepatitis A virus, which causes only acute, self-limited disease, is more efficient at inhibiting the host's interferon response, and that the virus can actually linger in the body for almost a year. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

New study reveals how the immune system responds to hepatitis A virus

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Texas Biomedical Research Institute) A surprising finding in a study comparing hepatitis C virus (HCV) with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections in chimpanzees by a team that includes scientists from the Texas Biomedical Research Institute sheds new light on the nature of the body's immune response to these viruses. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

Acute Hepatitis A evades immune system more effectively than chronic cousin

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of North Carolina School of Medicine) Lemon and his colleagues thought that Hepatitis C might become chronic by disrupting the host's interferon response -- part of the innate immune system that protects the body against any kind of "foreign" invader. However, in comparing data from experiments with Hepatitis A and Hepatitis C, the team found that Hepatitis A virus, which causes only acute, self-limited disease, is more efficient at inhibiting the host's interferon response, and that the virus can actually linger in the body for almost a year. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

First outbreak of norovirus in Albania

Letters in Applied Microbiology — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This is the first report of NoV GGII·4 in Albania causing an outbreak. The genetic analysis showed several point mutations and amino acid substitutions with respect to the international strains.Significance and Impact of Study: Over the last decades, Albania has suffered from different outbreaks as cholera, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and now, for the first time, it has been documented an outbreak of NoV. (Source: Letters in Applied Microbiology)

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Positive Epstein–Barr virus and cytomegalovirus IgM assays in primary HIV infection

Journal of Medical Virology — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:00:22 +0100

Comparative analysis of disease severity between genotypes IA and IIIA of hepatitis A virus

Journal of Medical Virology — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:00:11 +0100

In conclusion, this study indicates that HAV genotype might be one of the viral factors responsible for the disease severity of hepatitis A. J. Med. Virol. 83:1308–1314, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: Journal of Medical Virology)

Drug-Induced Autoimmune-Like Hepatitis: A Diagnostic Challenge

Digestive Diseases and Sciences — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 05:47:40 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s10620-011-1787-7Authors Agustin Castiella, Gastroenterology Service, Mendaro Hospital, Mendaro, SpainMaria Isabel Lucena, Clinical Pharmacology Service, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, Málaga, SpainEva Maria Zapata, Gastroenterology Service, Mendaro Hospital, Mendaro, SpainPedro Otazua, Gastroenterology Service, Mondragon Hospital, Mondragon, SpainRaul J. Andrade, School of Medicine, Malaga University, Málaga, Spain Journal Digestive Diseases and SciencesOnline ISSN 1573-2568Print ISSN 0163-2116 (Source: Digestive Diseases and Sciences)

Hep A Vaccine Response Persists in Well-Controlled HIVHep A Vaccine Response Persists in Well-Controlled HIV

Medscape Hiv-Aids Headlines — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:11:36 +0100

Hepatitis A vaccine immunity persists for long durations in patients with well-controlled HIV, new research shows. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Hiv-Aids Headlines)

Hep A vaccine response persists in well-controlled HIV

Modern Medicine — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Hepatitis A vaccine immunity persists for long durations in patients with well-controlled HIV, new research shows. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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Drinking Coffee Improves Hepatitis C Treatment Response

Disabled World — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 21:43:35 +0100

Coffee intake has been associated with a lower level of liver enzymes. (Source: Disabled World)

Adult Immunizations: Update on Recommendations

The American Journal of Medicine — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices recommends universal influenza vaccination for 2010-2011. Older adults should be offered protection against herpes zoster, and younger adults should receive immunization against human papilloma virus and pertussis. Hepatitis B vaccination should be encouraged in non-immune adults. Recommendations also address vaccinations for tetanus/diphtheria, hepatitis A, pneumococcus, measles/mumps/rubella, and meningococcus. (Source: The American Journal of Medicine)

Prolonged Cholestasis due to Hepatitis A Virus Infection.

Indian Pediatrics — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We present a 12-year old boy with jaundice for 2 weeks. The child was deeply icteric and had hepatomegaly. IgM antibodies for hepatitis A virus were positive. However this child had prolonged cholestasis and cholestyramine was started. The child responded only after prednisolone was started. PMID: 21743116 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Indian Pediatrics)

Correlation of hepatitis C and prostate cancer, inverse correlation of basal cell hyperplasia or prostatitis and epidemic syphilis of unknown duration

International Braz J Urol — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:04:03 +0100

CONCLUSION: In inner city men of African and African-Caribbean, or Central and South American descent, prostate specific antigen levels did not correlate with prostate cancer. Hepatitis C antibody detection correlates significantly with prostate cancer. One prostate biopsy is sufficient to diagnose statistically significant prostate cancer. Histologic prostatitis and basal cell hyperplasia decrease odds of prostate cancer. Atypical small acinar proliferation may not correlate to prostate cancer and is pending further investigation. Men should be screened for epidemic syphilis of unknown duration. (Source: International Braz J Urol)