Due to their spatial structure virus-like particles (VLPs) generally induce effective immune responses. VLPs derived from the small envelope protein (HBsAg-S) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) comprise the HBV vaccine. Modified HBsAs-S VLPs, carrying the immunodominant hypervariable region (HVR1) of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope protein E2 within the exposed 'a'-determinant region (HBsAg/HVR1-VLPs), elicited HVR1-specific antibodies in mice. A high percentage of the human population is positive for anti-HBsAg antibodies (anti-HBs), either through vaccination or natural infection. We, therefore, determined if pre-existing anti-HBs could influence immunisation with modified VLPs. Mice were immunised with a commercial HBV vaccine, monitored to ensure an anti-HBs response, then immunised with HBsAg/HVR1-VLPs. The resulting anti-HVR1 antibody titre was similar in mice with or without pre-existing anti-HBs. This suggests that HBsAg/HVR1-VLPs induce a primary immune response to HVR1 in anti-HBs positive mice and, hence, they may be used successfully in individuals already immunised with the HBV vaccine.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0264-410x(03)00182-8 | DOI Listing |
Niger Med J
January 2025
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria.
Background: Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis viruses B and C have been reported to be endemic in some Nigeria's institutions of higher learning. Several studies have reported varying prevalence rates for hepatitis B and C viruses and HIV among undergraduate students in Nigerian universities.
Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive prevalence study of hepatitis B and C viruses and HIV among students at Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare conducted on the 2nd of December 2023.
EClinicalMedicine
February 2025
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen Mary Hospital, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Progress towards achieving global elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) by 2030 remains unsatisfactory. Prevention of mother to child transmission is crucial but current Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) gave diverse recommendations, creating confusion and leading to significant challenges in the practical implementation across various regions owing to global inequity. We reviewed 47 CPGs on the management of hepatitis B during pregnancy against twelve important clinical questions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWorld J Hepatol
January 2025
Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Konya 42130, Türkiye.
Immunoprophylaxis is routinely recommended for infants born to mothers with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection within the first 12-24 hours. Detection of hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) resulting from hepatitis B immunoglobulin administered at birth may be perceived as a real vaccine response. This makes it difficult to detect HBV infection.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWorld J Hepatol
January 2025
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8520, Japan.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes acute and chronic hepatitis, compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. The actual status of HBV infection and its treatment in certain regions of Asian and African countries, including Ethiopia, has not been well-documented thus far. Antiviral therapy for HBV infection can prevent the progression of HBV-related liver diseases and decrease the HBV-related symptoms, such as abdominal symptoms, fatigue, systemic symptoms and others.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTransfusion
January 2025
Infectious Disease Consultant, North Potomac, Maryland, USA.
Background: US blood donors are tested for syphilis because the bacterial agent is transfusion transmissible. Here we describe trends over an 11-year period of donations positive for recent and past syphilis infections, and donations classified as syphilis false positive (FP).
Methods: Data from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2023 (11 years) were compiled for all American Red Cross blood donations to evaluate demographics/characteristics and longitudinal trends in donors testing syphilis reactive/positive.
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