The genetic variability of hepatitis B virus subgenotype F1b precore/core gene is related to the outcome of the acute infection.

Aim: To assess the association of viral and host genetic variability with the outcome of acute infection with hepatitis B virus subgenotype F1b (HBV/F1b).

Methods: The cohort consisted of 26 patients with acute HBV/F1b infection who exhibit different outcomes: spontaneous resolution (n = 10), progression to chronic hepatitis (n = 10) and acute liver failure (n = 6). HLA SNPs (rs3077, rs9277542, rs2856718 and rs7453920) were determined.

Compartmentalization of hepatitis C virus variants in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is a major risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. HCV Core protein has been associated with the modulation of potentially oncogenic cellular processes and E2 protein has been useful in evolutive studies to analyze the diversity of HCV. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate HCV compartmentalization in tumoral, non-tumoral liver tissue and serum and to identify viral mutations potentially involved in carcinogenesis.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency in COPD Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic disorder associated with early onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and liver disease. It is also a highly under-diagnosed condition. As early diagnosis could prompt specific interventions such as smoking cessation, testing of family members, genetic counselling and use of replacement therapy, screening programs are needed to identify affected patients.

Prevalence and trends of markers of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human Immunodeficiency virus in Argentine blood donors.

Background: Transfusion-transmitted infections are a major problem associated with blood transfusion. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence and trends of HBV, HCV and HIV in blood donors in Argentina.

Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in blood donors of 27 transfusion centers covering the whole country over a period of eight years (2004-2011).

Characterization of the basal core promoter and precore regions in anti-HBe-positive inactive carriers of hepatitis B virus.

Background: The study of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomic heterogeneity has become a major issue in investigations aimed at understanding the relationship between HBV mutants and the wide spectrum of clinical and pathological conditions associated with HBV infection. Although most chronically infected HBV patients are inactive carriers, several virological aspects of this state remain unclear.

Methods: In order to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of mutations in the basal core promoter (BCP) and precore (pC) regions among inactive carriers, the nucleotide sequences from 41 inactive carriers were analyzed and compared with those from 29 individuals with chronic active hepatitis.