Importance of CHB's grey zone: analysis of patients with HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Introduction: HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection is defined by viremia < 2,000 IU/ml (or < 20,000 IU/ml), normal ALT activity and minimal liver fibrosis. Some patients do not meet all the criteria and belong to the so-called grey zone. The aim of the work was to analyse a group of patients with asymptomatic chronic HBV infection, divide them according to the levels of HBV DNA during follow-up and to compare the clinical and laboratory parameters of the patients within the groups.

Distribution and relevance of hepatitis B genotypes in the general population of Slovakia.

Aims: The aim of the presented study was to determine the distribution of HBV genotypes and their influence on selected parameters in patients in eastern Slovakia.

Methods: The study includes 202 patients with confirmed chronic HBV infection or hepatitis. For each patient, basic demographic data, and serum samples were collected.

Is Slovakia Almost a Hepatitis D Free Country?

Background: It is assumed that the prevalence of hepatitis D in HBsAg-positive individuals reaches 4.5-13% in the world and on average about 3% in Europe. Data from several European countries, including Slovakia, are missing or are from an older period.

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection in the Czech Republic and Slovakia: an analysis of patient and virus characteristics.

Objectives: The MOSAIC study gathered data on chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and its treatment in various countries worldwide. Here we summarise patient and HCV characteristics in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Methods: MOSAIC was an observational study that included patients with chronic HCV infection untreated at the time of enrolment.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E among hospitalized patients in Slovakia: first report.

Objective: Hepatitis E infection is one of the most frequent acute hepatitis in the world. Currently five human genotypes with different geographical distributions and distinct epidemiologic patterns are identified. In Slovakia, only rare cases of hepatitis E have been reported in recent years.

Noninvasive Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B or C by Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

To develop a noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method for evaluation of liver fibrosis. We evaluate the utility of hepatocyte-phase Gadoxetate disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in staging hepatic fibrosis and compare it with histological analysis as the reference standard (liver biopsy). Prospective cohort of 78 patients, who received Gadoxetate disodium dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), were divided into three groups.

Single centre clinical experience with fidaxomicin in the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection in Slovakia.

Objective: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has become one of the most common causes of hospital-acquired infections. Fidaxomicin is one of the latest antibiotics used in the treatment of CDI, however, treatment cost affects recommendations for its use in several countries. We have analysed the treatment of our patients with CDI, treated by fidaxomicin since it was introduced to the market in 2018 and became available in the second biggest Slovak hospital, University Hospital of L.

Milk outbreaks of tick-borne encephalitis in Slovakia, 2012-2016.

Objective: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is most commonly transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected tick. Alimentary infection through the consumption of TBEV-contaminated dairy products is also well-documented and is responsible for some diseases in endemic areas. The aim of the study was to emphasize the risk of contracting tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) by consuming raw milk and dairy products and to describe TBE epidemics in Slovakia for the period 2012-2016.

Glucose Metabolism Changes in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Treated with Direct Acting Antivirals.

Background And Aims: Chronic hepatitis C is a systemic disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) belongs to more common extrahepatic. The aim of this study was to (i) explore the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and T2DM in patients with chronic hepatitis C, (ii) explore the effect of direct acting antivirals (DAA) treatment on the glycemia, and (iii) explore the factors that modulate the effect of DAA treatment on glycemia in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Methods: We performed a longitudinal retrospective observational study focused on the patients undergoing DAA treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Roma and Non-Roma People in Slovakia.

Unlabelled: Prevalence of Hepatitis B is relatively low in developed European countries. However specific subpopulations may exist within each country with markedly different Hepatitis B burden. Roma minority is very numerous in Slovakia and their lifestyle is completely different to non-Roma population.

Lower Viral Response to Pegylated Interferon Alpha 2a Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B in Roma People in Eastern Slovakia.

Aim. To evaluate the compliance and virological response to pegylated interferon alpha 2a treatment of chronic hepatitis B in Roma population compared to majority Caucasian population in Slovakia. Methods.

Strategies to manage hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection disease burden - volume 2.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic was forecasted through 2030 for 15 countries, and the relative impact of two scenarios was considered: (i) increased treatment efficacy while holding the treated population constant and (ii) increased treatment efficacy and increased annual treated population. Increasing levels of diagnosis and treatment, in combination with improved treatment efficacy, were critical for achieving substantial reductions in disease burden. In most countries, the annual treated population had to increase several fold to achieve the largest reductions in HCV-related morbidity and mortality.

The present and future disease burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections with today's treatment paradigm - volume 2.

Morbidity and mortality attributable to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are increasing in many countries as the infected population ages. Models were developed for 15 countries to quantify and characterize the viremic population, as well as estimate the number of new infections and HCV related deaths from 2013 to 2030. Expert consensus was used to determine current treatment levels and outcomes in each country.

Historical epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in select countries - volume 2.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of liver related morbidity and mortality. In many countries, there is a lack of comprehensive epidemiological data that are crucial in implementing disease control measures as new treatment options become available. Published literature, unpublished data and expert consensus were used to determine key parameters, including prevalence, viremia, genotype and the number of patients diagnosed and treated.

High hepatitis B and low hepatitis C prevalence in Roma population in eastern Slovakia.

Background: Viral hepatitis B and C prevalence in the Roma population of eastern Slovakia is largely unknown. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and associated risk factors of chronic viral hepatitis B and C among Roma living in segregated communities in eastern Slovakia.

Methods: Data from the cross-sectional HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 among Roma living in rural communities were used.

Closed tube method for rapid screening of IL28B polymorphisms involved in response to hepatitis C treatment.

Background & Aim: Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus. Interferon and ribavirin combination therapy has been a standard treatment of chronic hepatitis C. But only about 50% of patients have positive response to treatment and achieve so called sustained virological response.

[Genetic polymorphisms as new predictive factors for successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C].

Currently, the gold standard for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C is combination therapy with pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin. Despite advances in treatment modalities, only 50 % of patients achieve sustained virological response. Therefore, determination of predictive factors related to response to therapy is very important.

[Epidemiological survey of hepatitis C at the Clinic of Infectology and Travel Medicine in Kosice].

Introduction: The study objective was to evaluate epidemiological aspects in patients with hepatitis C treated at the Clinic of Infectology and Travel Medicine in Kosice.

Material And Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of 232 patients (132 males and 100 females, mean age 43.8 years) followed up and treated with the diagnosis of hepatitis C (HC) in 2003 through 2007.

[Experiences with the treatment of chronic hepatitis C and prognostic factors for its efficacy in clinical practice].

Objective: The study aimed at evaluating antiviral therapy and the impact of selected factors on its efficacy in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated at the Department of Infectology and Travel Medicine in Kosice, Slovakia, between 2003 and 2007.

Material And Methods: A retrospective analysis of a group of 213 patients treated for chronic hepatitis C and of prognostic factors for treatment efficacy in a subgroup of 159 patients who completed therapy with pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin.

Results: From the entire group, 193 patients were treated with a combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin, 5 received pegylated interferon monotherapy and in 15 cases, conventional interferon was used.

Impact of TTV and SENV infection in chronic hepatitis B or C on liver histology and therapy outcome.

Aim: To determine the influence of TTV and SENV on histological findings and viral response in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B and C.

Background: The clinical impact of TTV or SENV coinfections in these patients remains unclear.

Methods: Serum and liver biopsy specimens from chronic hepatitis B and C patients, 107 with liver biopsy and 105 who had finished complete antiviral therapy, were investigated for the presence of TTV and SENV.

[Haematologic adverse effects of treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B and C].

Objective: To determine the incidence and severity of adverse effects of treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C (CHB and CHC).

Material And Methods: A group of 104 patients with CHC and 74 CHB patients treated in 1994-2005 was evaluated. The patients were divided according to their treatment patterns and sex.

Evaluation of recombinant line immunoblot for detection of Lyme disease in Slovakia: comparison with two other immunoassays.

In the present study the sensitivity and the specificity of three serological tests (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], indirect fluorescent antibody test [IFA], and recombinant line immunoblot) were compared by examining 74 sera from patients diagnosed with Lyme disease in Eastern Slovakia. In addition, the reactivity to each of the recombinant proteins in the immunoblot was examined in order to evaluate their diagnostic value. Generally, the immunoblot (93.

[Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Slovakia].

Objective: To assess the prevalence of hepatitis C in the general Slovak population without any further evaluation or risk group stratification.

Material And Methods: A total of 3,608 remnant serum specimens from epidemiological surveys in 1997 (1,484 specimens) and 2002 (2,124) were analyzed. These were from randomly selected persons over 15 years of age from all over Slovakia.