Hepatitis D double reflex testing of all hepatitis B carriers in low-HBV- and high-HBV/HDV-prevalence countries.

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection occurs as a coinfection with hepatitis B and increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, decompensated cirrhosis, and mortality compared to hepatitis B virus (HBV) monoinfection. Reliable estimates of the prevalence of HDV infection and disease burden are essential to formulate strategies to find coinfected individuals more effectively and efficiently. The global prevalence of HBV infections was estimated to be 262,240,000 in 2021.

Genomic analysis of a recently identified virus (SEN virus) and genotypes D and H by polymerase chain reaction.

Background/aims: SEN virus (SENV) was discovered in 1999 as a DNA virus with hepatotropic properties. Nine genotypes (A-I) have been identified with genotypes D and H being more prevalent in cases of chronic hepatitis. Attempts to determine whether SENV causes liver disease have been hampered by limited diagnostic testing.

The absence of up-regulation of telomerase activity during regeneration after partial hepatectomy in hepatitis B virus X gene transgenic mice.

Background/aims: Transgenic mice that express HBV X protein (HBx) have increased sensitivity to hepatocarcinogens. In the present study, we hypothesized that HBx interferes with the DNA protective increases in telomerase activity that occur in proliferating hepatocytes.

Methods: Male CD-1 mice (4-6/grp) were killed and hepatic telomerase activity measured at 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 h post partial hepatectomy (PHx).