Association of Polymorphisms in the Glutathione S-Transferase Theta-1 Gene with Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Brazilian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C.

Oxidative stress contributes to hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced liver damage. Host genetic factors may be involved in progression of HCV infection. The present study was conducted to determine the influence of glutathione S-transferase (GST)-M1 and T1 gene polymorphisms during different stages of HCV infection, including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

The First Complete Genome Sequences of Hepatitis C Virus Subtype 2b from Latin America: Molecular Characterization and Phylogeographic Analysis.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) has remarkable genetic diversity and exists as eight genotypes (1 to 8) with distinct geographic distributions. No complete genome sequence of HCV subtype 2b (HCV-2b) is available from Latin American countries, and the factors underlying its emergence and spread within the continent remain unknown. The present study was conducted to determine the first full-length genomic sequences of HCV-2b isolates from Latin America and reconstruct the spatial and temporal diversification of this subtype in Brazil.

Evaluating HBsAg rapid test performance for different biological samples from low and high infection rate settings & populations.

Background: Rapid tests (RTs) might have several advantages over standard laboratory procedures, increasing access to diagnosis, especially among vulnerable populations and/or those living in remote areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of RTs for the detection of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) in samples from different populations/settings.

Methods: Three RTs for HBsAg detection (Vikia® HBsAg, HBsAg Teste Rápido®, and Imuno-Rápido HBsAg®) and different biological specimens (serum, whole blood, and saliva) were evaluated.

Knowledge and prevalence of viral hepatitis among beauticians.

Beauty treatments, such as tattooing, piercing, manicures, pedicures, and barbershop shaving, can pose an important risk of virus transmission. This study was conducted to determine hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence in a sample of beauticians from Rio de Janeiro (Southeast Brazil) and to assess the knowledge and attitudes of these professionals regarding viral hepatitis and their practices during their activities. One hundred nineteen beauticians were recruited in September 2010.

Genetic variability of hepatitis B and C viruses in Brazilian patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma.

Most cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are due to chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the viral genotypes and frequency of 17 mutations (15 for HBV and 2 for HCV), described previously as able to influence the course of chronic liver disease, in patients with and without HCC. This transversal study included 157 Brazilian patients with chronic hepatitis B (n = 51) and C (n = 106).

Evaluation of saliva specimens as an alternative sampling method to detect hepatitis B surface antigen.

In this study, a modified enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was evaluated for the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among whole saliva and oral fluid samples. Specimens were collected from 115 individuals who gave serum and oral fluid using Salivette (Sarstedt, Nümbrecht, Germany) and whole saliva. Saliva specimens were tested following a modified ELISA, and the results were compared with paired serum specimens that were tested according to the supplier's instructions.

Risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Background: Despite international efforts to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection through global vaccination programs, new cases are still being reported throughout the world.

Methods: To supply data that might assist in improving preventive measures and national surveillance for HBV infection, a cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals referred to the Brazilian National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis (Rio de Janeiro) during a two-year period. Reported risk factors among infected subjects ("HBV-positive") were compared to those of subjects never exposed ("HBV-negative") to HBV.