Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Kelley Chan, Neeraj Mangla
Summary: Studies conducted in rural northeastern United States showed an increasing incidence of positive HCV screening, with a bimodal age distribution. Risk factors associated with drug use are contributing to challenges in disease eradication in this population. A suggestion for one-time screening for individuals aged 35 to 40 could aid in earlier diagnosis and treatment of HCV infection in rural populations.
ANNALS OF HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Xinhe Zhang, Lin Guan, Haoyu Tian, Zilu Zeng, Jiayu Chen, Die Huang, Ji Sun, Jiaqi Guo, Huipeng Cui, Yiling Li
Summary: HCC is a common cancer with increasing incidence caused by HBV and HCV infections, liver cirrhosis, and metabolic risk factors. Predictive factors can assess the risk of HCC, and prevention strategies include vaccination, antiviral treatment, and HCC management to reduce recurrence.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Gina Gheorghe, Camelia Cristina Diaconu, Vlad Ionescu, Gabriel Constantinescu, Nicolae Bacalbasa, Simona Bungau, Mihnea-Alexandru Gaman, Madalina Stan-Ilie
Summary: Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignant tumor with varying incidence and mortality rates depending on geographical location. Early diagnosis and screening strategies are crucial for improving the prognosis of patients. The risk factors for pancreatic cancer can be categorized into extrinsic (such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and viral infections) and intrinsic factors. Further research is needed to fully understand the pathophysiological mechanisms linking viral liver infections and pancreatic cancer development.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Kuihao Liu, Yiran Zhao, Jun Zhao, Ningwei Geng, Fanliang Meng, Siqi Wang, Jing Li, Zhaobing Zhong, Liya Zhu, Sidang Liu, Ning Li
Summary: This study revealed the molecular epidemiological characteristics of avian HEV in Shandong Province, China, showing genetic diversity and potential novel genotypes. The results also uncovered complex mixed infections of avian HEV in clinical samples, contributing to the enrichment of epidemiological data on avian HEV in the region.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexander Nersesov, Arnur Gusmanov, Byron Crape, Gulnara Junusbekova, Salim Berkinbayev, Almagul Jumabayeva, Jamilya Kaibullayeva, Saltanat Madenova, Mariya Novitskaya, Margarita Nazarova, Abduzhappar Gaipov, Aiymkul Ashimkhanova, Kainar Kadyrzhanuly, Kuralay Atageldiyeva, Sandro Vento, Alpamys Issanov
Summary: High-intermediate endemicity for HBsAg and high endemicity for anti-HCV antibodies were found in three large regions of Kazakhstan. Blood transfusion was associated with anti-HCV seropositivity, but further epidemiological studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of preventive measures in healthcare settings.
Article
Virology
Luiz V. L. Moreira, Andreza P. Malheiros, Kemere M. Barbosa, Pedro E. B. Freitas, Andrea L. Silva, Ana C. R. Cruz, Heloisa M. Nunes, Andre A. C. das Chagas, Alex J. S. de Souza
Summary: This study retrospectively evaluated the serological and molecular prevalence of HAV infection in patients with acute hepatitis in the Brazilian Eastern Amazon. The results showed that males and children under 10 years old are at a higher risk of HAV infection. Genotyping revealed that HAV subgenotype IA was the most common.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Xue-Di Cheng, Hua-Feng Xu, Feng Wei, Li-Xin Jiang, Hai-Zhou Zhou
Summary: This study revealed a higher recombination rate (23%) among HCV patients in Heilongjiang Province, China, with the unique finding of the 2a/1b recombinant in the 5'UTR, E1, and NS5B regions.
Review
Microbiology
Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh, Michinori Kohara, Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
Summary: Hepatotropic viruses can cause acute and chronic liver infections, leading to morbidity and mortality in humans. In Bangladesh, hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are the main causative agents of acute hepatitis. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology of these hepatotropic viruses in Bangladesh and discusses their transmission modes and control and prevention measures.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Samina Ejaz, Iqra Abdullah, Waqas Nazir Malik, Shazia Anjum, Muhammad Ashraf, Naveed Akhtar, Aurangzeb Khan, Yasir Hameed, Muhammad Usman, Usman Cheema, Safeena Sidiq
Summary: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of hepatitis among students and employees in Pakistan and implement measures to make IUB hepatitis free. The study found that hepatitis is more prevalent in men and is associated with sharing of needles and certain behavioral and medical factors.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ilona Argirion, Parag Mahale, Ruth M. Pfeiffer, Ping Liu, Adaora A. Adimora, Matthew J. Akiyama, Hector H. Bolivar, Audrey French, Michael Plankey, Jennifer C. Price, Aadia Rana, Anandi Sheth, Jill Koshiol, Eric C. Seaberg, Mark H. Kuniholm, Jeffrey Glenn, Thomas R. O'Brien
Summary: HBV infection is more common among HIV-infected women, while HDV infection primarily occurs with participants enrolled during 2013-2015 and HBV carriers. Among HBsAg-positive women, HDV infection is associated with the presence of advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis. These results highlight the importance of HDV testing in HBV-infected US women.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cih-En Huang, Jung-Jung Chang, Yu-Ying Wu, Shih-Hao Huang, Wei-Ming Chen, Chia-Chen Hsu, Chang-Hsien Lu, Chao-Hung Hung, Chung-Sheng Shi, Kuan-Der Lee, Chih-Cheng Chen, Min-Chi Chen
Summary: This study compared the different risk factors and impacts of hepatitis C virus-associated thrombocytopenia (HCV-TP) and hepatitis B virus-associated thrombocytopenia (HBV-TP). The findings showed that the incidence of thrombocytopenia was higher in HCV patients compared to HBV patients. Additionally, the risk factors for thrombocytopenia varied with the severity and virus type, suggesting the need for different management approaches for HCV-TP and HBV-TP.
BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Penglei Jiang, Hongyu Jia, Xinyue Qian, Tian Tang, Yingli Han, Zhaoru Zhang, Lingli Jiang, Zebin Yu, Lin Zheng, Guodong Yu, Huan Cai, Shanyan Zhang, Xiaoli Zhang, Jueqing Gu, Chanyuan Ye, Lisha Yang, Yingfeng Lu, Heng Liu, Xiaoqing Lu, Ciliang Jin, Yue Ren, Miaomiao Lu, Lingling Xu, Jiong Yu, Xi Jin, Yida Yang, Pengxu Qian
Summary: This study used single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate the transcriptomic landscape of peripheral immune cells in CHB patients before and after PegIFN-alpha therapy. The study identified specific cell subsets associated with CHB and found that PegIFN-alpha treatment could decrease hyperactivated monocytes, increase long-lived naive/memory T cells, and enhance effector T cell cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the treatment altered the transcriptional profiles of immune cells and enhanced innate antiviral response.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Margaret Littlejohn, Lesley-Anne Jaskowski, Ros Edwards, Kathy Jackson, Lilly Yuen, Darrel Crawford, Stephen A. Locarnini, Graham Cooksley
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the hepatitis B virus (HBV) from Indigenous populations in Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands. The HBV isolated from the Torres Strait Islanders was notably different from the HBV/C4 strain isolated from Indigenous people of mainland northern Australia, reflecting the differences in culture and origin between the two.
INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Alessandra Mangia, Rosa Cotugno, Giovanna Cocomazzi, Maria Maddalena Squillante, Valeria Piazzolla
Summary: The World Health Organization's goal of eliminating Hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030 using direct-acting antiviral treatments has become less attainable post the 2020 pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019. Therefore, a more realistic approach of micro-elimination in population segments where targeted strategies of prevention and treatment are easily attained has been promoted in Europe. Active involvement of stakeholders and community participation are essential components for the success of a micro-elimination project tailored at the geographical level according to HCV epidemiology and individual country's income.
WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mawuena Binka, Zahid Ahmad Butt, Geoffrey McKee, Maryam Darvishian, Darrel Cook, Stanley Wong, Amanda Yu, Maria Alvarez, Hasina Samji, Jason Wong, Mel Krajden, Naveed Zafar Janjua
Summary: This study examined factors associated with HBV and/or HCV and/or HIV infection among different ethnic groups in a large population-based cohort in British Columbia, Canada. It found variations in risk factor distributions among individuals of different ethnic backgrounds, highlighting the need for tailored infection screening approaches for different ethnic groups.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Heli Harvala, Claire Reynolds, Samreen Ijaz, Vicki Maddox, Sujan Dilly Penchala, Alieu Amara, Laura Else, Susan Brailsford, Saye Khoo
Summary: Residual testing of blood donors in England found evidence of PrEP/PEP use in a small proportion of male donors, indicating non-compliance with donor eligibility criteria.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Onome Akpogheneta, Steve Dicks, Donald Grant, Zainab Kanneh, Brima Jusu, Joseph Edem-Hotah, Lansana Kanneh, Foday Alhasan, Michael Gbakie, John Schieffelin, Samreen Ijaz, Richard Tedder, Hilary Bower
Summary: Although the true burden of Lassa Fever (LF) in Africa remains undefined, a new species-neutral Double Antigen Binding Assay (DABA) showed promising results in detecting antibodies to LF in both plasma and oral fluid. The study found high sensitivity and specificity of the assay in both sample types, with the potential to support large-scale seroprevalence surveys for LF control and zoonotic investigations. Further research is planned to explore the assay's performance in definitive case/control ascertainment.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Samreen Ijaz, Jade Derrick, Justin Shute, Georgina Ireland, Iain Hayden, Siew Lin Ngui, Sema Mandal, Richard S. Tedder
Summary: The transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) from mother to infant involves multiple mechanisms. Better utilization of currently available interventions should be considered to reduce further HBV transmission. Surveillance programs in infants born to mothers with HBV provide valuable insights into the transmission mechanisms and the use of interventions for controlling mother-to-child HBV infections.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tatiana Garcia Vilaplana, David Leeman, Koye Balogun, Siew Lin Ngui, Emily Phipps, Wazirzada M. Khan, Sooria Balasegaram, Incident Team
Summary: A national outbreak of hepatitis A virus linked to the consumption of Medjool dates has been reported, with 29 cases of three genetically related sequences identified. Epidemiological investigation pointed to a suspected product with a significant risk factor, leading to its recall. With Ramadan approaching, there is a potential ongoing contamination risk as date consumption is expected to increase.
Article
Virology
Christopher A. Davis, Becky Haywood, Sreenu Vattipally, Ana Da Silva Filipe, Mariam AlSaeed, Katherine Smollet, Sally A. Baylis, Samreen Ijaz, Richard S. Tedder, Emma C. Thomson, Tamir T. Abdelrahman
Summary: The research focuses on developing a method to sequence the full genome of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) using custom RNA probes and target enrichment protocol. By optimizing the protocol, the study successfully obtained whole genome consensus sequences from HEV RNA-positive serum samples, providing valuable insights for virology and epidemiological analysis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rachel Roche, Ruth Simmons, Louise Logan, Juan Ledesma, Caroline Sabin, Samreen Ijaz, Sema Mandal
Summary: Among MSM and heterosexual users of a self-sampling HIV service, evidence of immunisation to HBV infection was low and susceptibility to infection was comparatively high, suggesting suboptimal delivery of HBV immunisation in sexual health services.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Adam Trickey, Sara Croxford, Eva Emanuel, Samreen Ijaz, Matthew Hickman, Joanna Kesten, Clare Thomas, Claire Edmundson, Monica Desai, Peter Vickerman
Summary: Fixed low dead space syringes (LDSS) retain less blood after injection compared to syringes with detachable needles, and always using fixed LDSS can significantly reduce the likelihood of hepatitis C virus infection among antibody-negative PWID.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Annabel A. Powell, Georgina Ireland, Frances Baawuah, Joanne Beckmann, Ifeanyichukwu O. Okike, Shazaad Ahmad, Joanna Garstang, Andrew J. Brent, Bernadette Brent, Felicity Aiano, James Hargreaves, Sinead M. Langan, Punam Mangtani, Patrick Nguipdop-Djomo, Joanna Sturgess, William Oswald, Katherine Halliday, Emma Rourke, Fiona Dawe, Zahin Amin-Chowdhury, Meaghan Kall, Maria Zambon, John Poh, Samreen Ijaz, Angie Lackenby, Joanna Elli, Kevin E. Brown, Sir Ian Diamond, Mary E. Ramsay, Shamez N. Ladhani
Summary: Following the reopening of schools in England, this study investigated the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in students and staff who were in contact with confirmed cases in school bubbles, as well as their household members. The results showed that the overall risk of secondary infection in school bubbles and their household contacts was low compared to other institutional settings.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maryam Khan, Carolina Rosadas, Ksenia Katsanovskaja, Isaac D. Weber, Justin Shute, Samreen Ijaz, Federica Marchesin, Eleanor McClure, Salem Elias, Barnaby Flower, He Gao, Rachael Quinlan, Charlotte Short, Annachiara Rosa, Chloe Roustan, Maya Moshe, Graham P. Taylor, Paul Elliott, Graham S. Cooke, Peter Cherepanov, Eleanor Parker, Myra O. McClure, Richard S. Tedder
Summary: At-home self-sampling using dried blood spot (DBS) is crucial for large scale seroprevalence studies, providing a highly sensitive and specific antibody assay with a strong correlation to serum reactivities. DBS self-sampling offers sensitivity comparable to serum and can be used in seroprevalence studies and post-vaccine response monitoring.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Katja Hoschler, Samreen Ijaz, Nick Andrews, Sammy Ho, Steve Dicks, Keerthana Jegatheesan, John Poh, Lenesha Warrener, Thivya Kankeyan, Frances Baawuah, Joanne Beckmann, Ifeanichukwu O. Okike, Shazaad Ahmad, Joanna Garstang, Andrew J. Brent, Bernadette Brent, Felicity Aiano, Kevin E. Brown, Mary E. Ramsay, David Brown, John Parry, Shamez N. Ladhani, Maria Zambon
Summary: Seroepidemiological studies are important for monitoring the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in a population. Noninvasive sampling methods, such as collecting oral fluids, are advantageous for reducing barriers to investigations. In this study, three different assays were evaluated using paired serum and oral fluid samples from children and adults. The anti-NP IgG capture assay showed the highest sensitivity, making it a suitable candidate for population-based surveillance. Oral fluid assays using spike protein and RBD antigens also achieved reasonable sensitivity and specificity in the target population. Overall, oral fluid assays based on the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are a useful tool for seroepidemiology studies in children.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sara Croxford, Eva Emanuel, Ammi Shah, Cuong Chau, Vivian Hope, Monica Desai, Samreen Ijaz, Justin Shute, Claire Edmundson, Ross J. Harris, Valerie Delpech, Emily Phipps
Summary: This study describes the epidemiology of HIV among people who inject drugs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland since 1981. The prevalence of HIV remained relatively low, but there were concerns about late diagnosis, sharing of injecting equipment, and low HIV testing uptake.
Article
Virology
Temi Lampejo, Carmel Curtis, Samreen Ijaz, Becky Haywood, Ashley Flores, Malur Sudhanva, Kate El Bouzidi, Sameer Patel, Mick Dowling, Mark Zuckerman
Summary: This study describes the investigation and management of a nosocomial HEV transmission incident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The transmission occurred due to a breach in infection control practices in the intensive care unit. One patient developed chronic HEV infection, possibly related to COVID-19 and/or immunomodulatory therapy. Further investigation did not find any transmission of HEV to other patients or healthcare workers.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Samreen Ijaz, Steve Dicks, Keerthana Jegatheesan, Eleanor Parker, Ksenia Katsanovskaja, Elen Vink, Myra O. McClure, J. Shute, Joshua Hope, Nicola Cook, Peter Cherepanov, Lance Turtle, William A. Paxton, Georgios Pollakis, Antonia Ho, Peter J. M. Openshaw, J. Kenneth Baillie, Malcolm G. Semple, Richard S. Tedder
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Carolina Rosadas, Maryam Khan, Eleanor Parker, Federica Marchesin, Ksenia Katsanovskaja, Macia Sureda-Vives, Natalia Fernandez, Paul Randell, Ruth Harvey, Alice Lilley, Benjamin H. L. Harris, Mohamed Zuhair, Michael Fertleman, Samreen Ijaz, Steve Dicks, Charlotte-Eve Short, Rachael Quinlan, Graham P. Taylor, Kai Hu, Paul McKay, Annachiara Rosa, Chloe Roustan, Mark Zuckerman, Kate El Bouzidi, Graham Cooke, Barnaby Flower, Maya Moshe, Paul Elliott, Alexandra J. Spencer, Teresa Lambe, Sarah C. Gilbert, Hugh Kingston, J. Kenneth Baillie, Peter J. M. Openshaw, Malcolm G. Semple, Peter Cherepanov, Myra O. McClure, Richard S. Tedder
Summary: Accurate and sensitive detection of antibody to SARS-CoV-2 is crucial in pandemic response. A double antigen binding assay (DABA) has been developed to detect and measure anti-RBD, predicting neutralising activity and vaccine response.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGICAL METHODS
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Katherine E. Halliday, Patrick Nguipdop-Djomo, William E. Oswald, Joanna Sturgess, Elizabeth Allen, Neisha Sundaram, Georgina Ireland, John Poh, Samreen Ijaz, Justin Shute, Ian Diamond, Emma Rourke, Fiona Dawe, Alison Judd, Taane Clark, W. John Edmunds, Chris Bonell, Punam Mangtani, Shamez N. Ladhani, Sinead M. Langan, James Hargreaves
Summary: The COVID-19 Schools Infection Survey (SIS) aims to assess the role of schools in SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission, and mitigate transmission through the implementation of control measures. The study was conducted in primary and secondary schools in England, and measured virus prevalence, antibody prevalence, school attendance rates, feasibility and acceptability of control measures, and investigated school outbreaks. The findings aim to inform national guidance and public health policy for educational settings.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2022)