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New study in Ukraine indicates significant lifetime exposure and ongoing transmission of hepatitis B and C viruses among the general population

A nationwide study in Ukraine found substantial lifetime exposure to hepatitis B and C viruses, with significant ongoing circulation among the population. The study emphasizes the need for hepatitis B vaccination among infants and risk groups, as well as regular screening, treatment, and awareness-raising efforts.

Men who have sex with men in Europe still vulnerable to hepatitis A and B, highlighting need for public health action and support

Research analyzing European survey data from 113,884 men who have sex with men reveals that only 44% report being vaccinated against both hepatitis A and B. Strong public health support and creating an open environment are crucial to reduce outbreaks among MSM and eliminate hepatitis B.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 7, 2024

Designer drugs to inhibit hepatitis A virus

Researchers have identified a promising compound, golvatinib, that inhibits hepatitis A virus infection. The discovery was made possible by combining high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy and molecular modeling to understand the structural basis of neutralization.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 30, 2019

Italy: Ongoing hepatitis A virus outbreak among men who have sex with men is linked to current outbreaks in Europe

A study found that the Italian outbreak is predominantly caused by strains linked to recent European outbreaks, highlighting the risk of acute HAV infection via sexual transmission in high-risk groups like MSM. The study also emphasizes the importance of hepatitis A vaccine coverage and awareness campaigns for prevention.

The hepatitis A virus is of animal origin

A large-scale study reveals the hepatitis A virus is likely of animal origin, with viruses from small mammals showing similarities to the human virus. The discovery offers new perspectives for risk assessments and may hint at a distant ancestry in primordial insect viruses.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2015

Link between small mammals and evolution of hepatitis A virus to humans discovered

Researchers have found a link between the origins of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and small mammals, specifically bats and rodents. The study provides novel insight into the evolution of HAV and how it spread to humans, highlighting the importance of analyzing animal reservoirs for risk assessment of emerging viruses.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2015

Hepatitis A hospitalization rate declines in US

The rate of hospitalization due to hepatitis A virus infection has declined significantly in the US, with a decrease from 0.72 to 0.29 per 100,000 cases between 2002 and 2011. Vaccination of adults with chronic liver disease may help prevent HAV infection and hospitalization.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateNov 6, 2014

Acute Hepatitis A evades immune system more effectively than chronic cousin

A new study found that acute Hepatitis A virus is more efficient at evading the host's interferon response, allowing it to linger in the body for almost a year. This discovery undermines current theories on chronic Hepatitis C development and highlights the need for further research into Hepatitis-host interactions.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 2011

JCI table of contents: Feb. 21, 2011

Researchers have discovered a new cellular mechanism underlying hydronephrosis, a common congenital defect in the kidney. They found that the Hedgehog signaling pathway controls the development of cells required for urine flow, and genetic mutations can impair this process. The study also suggests potential therapeutic targets and gene...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 21, 2011

New tools used to control foodborne hepatitis A outbreaks related to green onions

Researchers used molecular epidemiologic methods to identify the relationships between four separate foodborne hepatitis A virus outbreaks in Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. The methods helped public health officials respond quickly to outbreaks and provided reassurance that a larger outbreak was not occurring.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 20, 2005

Viruses found in untreated city water

A study by Marshfield Clinic and USGS revealed that untreated city water in La Crosse contains various types of gastrointestinal viruses, including enteroviruses, rotavirus, hepatitis A virus, and norovirus. The presence of these viruses poses a risk to the drinking water supply, particularly in shallow sand and gravel aquifers.

SourceMarshfield Clinic·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 6, 2004