Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus among monogamous heterosexual couples: the HCV partners study.

Unlabelled: The efficiency of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission by sexual activity remains controversial. We conducted a cross-sectional study of HCV-positive subjects and their partners to estimate the risk for HCV infection among monogamous heterosexual couples. A total of 500 anti-HCV-positive, human immunodeficiency virus-negative index subjects and their long-term heterosexual partners were studied.

HCV routes of transmission: what goes around comes around.

The widespread availability of injectable therapies and increase in illicit injection drug use were responsible for the rapid emergence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the latter half of the 20th century. Iatrogenic exposures and illicit injection drug use have been the predominant risk factors for HCV transmission worldwide. In developing countries, unsafe therapeutic injection practices appear to be responsible for most infections.

Immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine among hemodialysis patients: effect of revaccination of non-responders and duration of protection.

Background: Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for patients on hemodialysis, however, seroprotection after a primary vaccine series is suboptimum. Limited data are available on the effect of revaccination of non-responders and on persistence of immunity in this population.

Methods: Hepatitis B vaccine (40 μg/dose) was given to 77 susceptible patients on hemodialysis (0, 1, and 6 month schedule).

Patient-care practices associated with an increased prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among chronic hemodialysis patients.

Objective: To identify patient-care practices related to an increased prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among chronic hemodialysis patients.

Design: Survey.

Setting: Chronic hemodialysis facilities in the United States.

Incidence and transmission patterns of acute hepatitis C in the United States, 1982-2006.

Background: Monitoring disease incidence and transmission patterns is important to characterize groups at risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Clinical cases generally represent about 20% to 30% of all newly acquired infections.

Methods: We used sentinel surveillance to determine incidence and transmission patterns for acute hepatitis C in the United States using data from 25 years of population-based surveillance in the general community.

Aging of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected persons in the United States: a multiple cohort model of HCV prevalence and disease progression.

Background & Aims: The prevalence of chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) remains high and the complications of infection are common. Our goal was to project the future prevalence of CH-C and its complications.

Methods: We developed a multicohort natural history model to overcome limitations of previous models for predicting disease outcomes and benefits of therapy.

Seroprevalence of HCV infection in homeless Baltimore families.

Our objective was to investigate hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence in homeless caregivers and their children 2-18 years of age living in a family. During a 30-month period from October 2001 through April 2004 in Baltimore, 170 caregivers enrolled and 168 of these accepted testing for antibody to HCV (anti-HCV), as did all 336 children and adolescents enrolled. Main results.

Positive impact of a shelter-based hepatitis B vaccine program in homeless Baltimore children and adolescents.

Homeless youth are at increased risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and HBV vaccine coverage is poor in this group. The purpose of our study was to determine if a shelter-based HBV vaccine program in children and adolescents 2-18 years of age with a randomized controlled trial using a culturally appropriate HBV video could increase HBV vaccine coverage rates. Subjects were randomized to an 8 min HBV video or a control, smoking prevention video.

Hepatitis B vaccination coverage levels among healthcare workers in the United States, 2002-2003.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a well recognized risk for healthcare workers (HCWs), and routine vaccination of HCWs has been recommended since 1982. By 1995, the level of vaccination coverage among HCWs was only 67%.

Objective: To obtain an accurate estimate of hepatitis B vaccination coverage levels among HCWs and to describe the hospital characteristics and hepatitis B vaccination policies associated with various coverage levels.

Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection.

Globally, hepatitis C virus (HCV) has infected an estimated 130 million people, most of whom are chronically infected. HCV-infected people serve as a reservoir for transmission to others and are at risk for developing chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been estimated that HCV accounts for 27% of cirrhosis and 25% of HCC worldwide.

Infectivity of hepatitis C virus in plasma after drying and storing at room temperature.

Objective: To determine effect of environmental exposure on the survival and infectivity of hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Methods: Three aliquots of chimpanzee plasma containing HCV and proven infectious HCV inoculum were dried and stored at room temperature, 1 aliquot for 16 hours, 1 for 4 days, and 1 for 7 days. A chimpanzee (CH247) was sequentially inoculated intravenously with each of these experimental inocula, beginning with the material stored for 7 days.

Prevalence and risk factors for bloodborne exposure and infection in correctional healthcare workers.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for bloodborne exposure and infection in correctional healthcare workers (CHCWs).Design. Cross-sectional risk assessment study with a confidential questionnaire and serological testing performed during 1999-2000.

A comprehensive immunization strategy to eliminate transmission of hepatitis B virus infection in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Part II: immunization of adults.

Hepatitis B vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its consequences, including cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. In adults, ongoing HBV transmission occurs primarily among unvaccinated persons with behavioral risks for HBV transmission (e.g.

Hepatitis C virus genotypes and viral concentrations in participants of a general population survey in the United States.

Background & Aims: Estimates of the long-term benefits of antiviral therapies for chronic hepatitis C are influenced by the frequency of characteristics that affect response in the population treated. This study determined hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and RNA titers among HCV-infected persons in the general population of the United States.

Methods: Genotypes were determined from the NS5b region, and HCV RNA was quantified by using Amplicor Monitor (Roche Diagnostic Systems, Inc, Branchburg, NJ) from 275 HCV RNA-positive participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted during 1988 to 1994.

Relationship of cosmetic procedures and drug use to hepatitis C and hepatitis B virus infections in a low-risk population.

We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional seroprevalence study of a population with a low frequency of injection drug use to determine whether persons with a history of cosmetic procedures, such as tattooing and body piercing, or intranasal drug use were at increased risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Students 18 years and older from eight college campuses in Houston, Texas, were invited to participate in the study. Of the 7,960 who completed a self-administered questionnaire and provided a blood sample, 5,282 U.

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in the United States, 1999 through 2002.

Background: Defining the primary characteristics of persons infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) enables physicians to more easily identify persons who are most likely to benefit from testing for the disease.

Objective: To describe the HCV-infected population in the United States.

Design: Nationally representative household survey.

Factors associated with personal protection equipment use and hand hygiene among hemodialysis staff.

Background: Because exposure to blood by health care workers is frequent during hemodialysis, gloves are required for all contact with patients and their equipment, followed by hand hygiene. In this study, we investigated factors associated with performing these practices as recommended.

Methods: Staff members from a sample of 45 US hemodialysis facilities were surveyed using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire.

A comprehensive immunization strategy to eliminate transmission of hepatitis B virus infection in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) part 1: immunization of infants, children, and adolescents.

This report is the first of a two-part statement from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that updates the strategy to eliminate hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission in the United States. The report provides updated recommendations to improve prevention of perinatal and early childhood HBV transmission, including implementation of universal infant vaccination beginning at birth, and to increase vaccine coverage among previously unvaccinated children and adolescents. Strategies to enhance implementation of the recommendations include 1) establishing standing orders for administration of hepatitis B vaccination beginning at birth; 2) instituting delivery hospital policies and procedures and case management programs to improve identification of and administration of immunoprophylaxis to infants born to mothers who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive and to mothers with unknown HBsAg status at the time of delivery; and 3) implementing vaccination record reviews for all children aged 11-12 years and children and adolescents aged <19 years who were born in countries with intermediate and high levels of HBV endemicity, adopting hepatitis B vaccine requirements for school entry, and integrating hepatitis B vaccination services into settings that serve adolescents.

Epidemiology of viral hepatitis and HIV co-infection.

Worldwide, hepatitis B virus (HBV) accounts for an estimated 370 million chronic infections, hepatitis C virus (HCV) for an estimated 130 million, and HIV for an estimated 40 million. In HIV-infected persons, an estimated 2-4 million have chronic HBV co-infection and 4-5 million have HCV co-infection. HBV, HCV and HIV share common routes of transmission, but they differ in their prevalence by geographic region and the efficiency by which certain types of exposures transmit them.

Prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection among adolescents in detention.

Objective: To assess the prevalence and correlates of hepatitis C virus infection in a sample of detained adolescents.

Design/setting/participants: Cross-sectional prevalence study with 10- to 18-year-old adolescents who were consecutively admitted to a juvenile detention center in San Antonio, Tex.

Main Outcome Measures: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and associated risk factors.

Risk factors for perinatal transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the natural history of HCV infection acquired in infancy.

Background: The goal of the present study was to assess risk factors for perinatal hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission and the natural history of infection among HCV-infected infants.

Methods: In a cohort study, 244 infants born to HCV-positive mothers were followed from birth until age > or =12 months. Maternal serum was collected at enrollment and delivery; infant serum was collected at birth and at 8 well-child visits.