Articles tagged with Hepatitis
Researchers discovered a mutated form of the hepatitis E virus that produces non-infectious particles but can bind antibodies, potentially giving the virus an advantage. The study found that one mutation affects the capsid protein and leads to smaller, non-infectious particles that are correctly recognized by the immune system.
An analysis of European data found a significant link between adenovirus and severe liver inflammation (hepatitis) in children under 5. Most affected were those with adenovirus testing positive, with a notable decline in cases after week 17. The study calls for further investigation into the cause of this syndrome.
Researchers have identified two distinct phenotypes of inflammatory cell infiltration in severe alcoholic hepatitis, suggesting separate mechanisms driving liver injury and failure. These findings could lead to personalized treatment approaches, such as identifying patients who are more or less likely to respond to steroid therapy.
A rise in severe acute hepatitis of unknown causes (SAHUC) in children has been reported worldwide, with symptoms including jaundice, vomiting, and diarrhea. Diagnostic tests such as liver enzymes and biopsy reports can help identify the disease, but its etiology remains unclear.
A study analyzed the exposure to Hepatitis E Virus in Iberian lynxes, finding a higher risk of infection in captive animals compared to those in the wild. The study found seroprevalence rates of 33% in captive populations and 7% in free-ranging populations.
Researchers developed machine-learning algorithms to distinguish between alcohol-associated hepatitis and acute cholangitis using routinely available lab values. The algorithms demonstrated excellent performances for discriminating the two conditions, with over 93% accuracy.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum have identified modified plant compounds that can effectively inhibit the replication of the hepatitis E virus. The study found that these compounds, known as rocaglates, have a stronger effect than natural ones, with some showing inhibition at concentrations as low as 0.5 nanomolar.
A novel study has identified metabolic defects, impaired protein secretion, and altered phosphoproteomic signatures in alcohol-associated cirrhosis and hepatitis. These findings may lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for a disease with limited treatment options.
Research in the Journal of Hepatology suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to cause liver injury, but liver transplant patients may experience delayed care due to the pandemic. The study found that vaccinated patients with liver disease had a lower antibody response compared to healthy patients.
A new scoring system, MIAAH, accurately identifies patients at highest risk of death and those likely to survive from alcohol-associated hepatitis. The tool incorporates laboratory variables and demographic data, offering a valuable prognostic model for clinicians.
A new pathway has been discovered to explain how excessive alcohol consumption damages the liver, specifically through mitochondrial dysfunction. By targeting an enzyme called MATα1, researchers believe they can develop a new treatment for people suffering from alcohol-associated liver disease.
Researchers found a 50% increase in hospitalizations for alcoholic hepatitis between May 2020 and September 2020 compared to the same period from 2016-2019. The spike was attributed to stress, anxiety, and job loss during the pandemic.
The study, published in Digital Health, finds that a culturally-tailored social media campaign increases Hepatitis B awareness among Korean Americans, improving knowledge and perceptions about HBV testing. The campaign, delivered via Kakao Talk, had a 95% retention rate and comparable results to existing in-person interventions.
A recent study found that most common hand disinfectants are ineffective against the hepatitis E virus (HEV), a leading cause of acute liver inflammation worldwide. Despite being non-enveloped and highly resistant to chemical influences, HEV can still be infectious after exposure to certain disinfectants.
During the pandemic, registrations for alcoholic hepatitis and deceased donor liver transplants increased by over 50%, associated with rising alcohol sales. Alcoholic hepatitis can lead to permanent scarring and long-term damage if left untreated, highlighting the need for public health interventions around excessive alcohol consumption.
Researchers successfully simulated the capsid disassembly step of hepatitis B viral infection at an unprecedented atomic level, identifying specific regions of the capsid protein that contribute to breakage. This high-accuracy simulation can help design drugs to interrupt these processes and prevent chronic infection.
A new biomarker, HBcrAg, has been found to accurately predict viral load in patients with chronic hepatitis B and reflect response to anti-viral treatments. This discovery may lead to improved monitoring methods for CHB, enabling clinical decisions and potentially improving patient outcomes.
The study analyzed patient data before and during the pandemic, revealing a significant increase in liver transplant requests and procedures. During the pandemic, more patients with acute alcohol-associated hepatitis underwent liver transplantation, highlighting the need for increased access to transplantation services.
Research at TUM has discovered that non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is caused by auto-aggressive immune cells. These cells destroy liver tissue when exposed to inflammation signals and products of fat metabolism, leading to NASH. New therapies may be developed to target this destructive immune response.
The researchers have created a robust cell culture model for the hepatitis E virus, producing approximately 100 times more infectious virus particles than previous models. This allows for extensive studies on the virus and its impact on human liver cells, enabling the identification of key genes involved in the infection.
Researchers successfully applied phage therapy to mice with alcohol-related liver disease, eradicating the disease by targeting destructive gut bacteria. Nearly 90% of patients with cytolysin-positive alcoholic hepatitis died within 180 days, but phage therapy showed promise in treating the condition.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine successfully applied phage therapy in mice for a condition not considered a classic bacterial infection: alcoholic liver disease. Phages target the cytolysin toxin produced by Enterococcus faecalis, reducing bacteria and alleviating liver damage.
The study used machine learning to analyze data on Hepatitis E epidemics and environmental statistics, identifying areas with high risk of transmission. The researchers hope their map will inform prevention campaigns in high-risk regions, such as northern India.
Researchers have found a possible active substance against the hepatitis E virus in naturally occurring silvestrol, which inhibits pathogen replication in cell cultures and mice. Silvestrol is formed by mahogany plants and has been shown to be effective against the virus in both lab tests and animal models.
Liver transplant centers are increasingly accepting transplants for patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis, showing positive outcomes and high one-year survival rates of over 90%. Centers use selective criteria to evaluate candidates, assessing medical history, social support, and psychiatric disorders.
Many European countries have shortcomings in policies and programmes to support viral hepatitis elimination efforts, with notable gaps in national coordination and public awareness. The Hep-CORE study highlights the need for governments to address these issues and incorporate civil society perspectives into monitoring strategies.
Researchers found that hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections can be fatal in immunocompromised individuals and are linked to blood-borne transmission, highlighting the importance of HEV RNA screening of all blood products destined for transplant or immunosuppressed patients. The studies also show that HEV infection has been increasing ste...
Researchers discovered that a biological clock protein can alleviate symptoms and increase survival rates in fulminant hepatitis by regulating inflammation. The study found that injecting a molecule potentiating the action of this protein reduced the inflammatory response and improved outcomes.
Between 2005 and 2015, the number of confirmed HEV cases increased from 514 to 5,617, a ten-fold rise. Most infections were locally-acquired, with men and people over 50 being most affected.
A recent study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that the 10-year incidence of liver cancer in UK patients with cirrhosis is as low as 4%. Patients with cirrhosis due to chronic viral hepatitis have the highest risk, but even then, it's lower than expected.
A genome-wide association study has identified two genes, PNPLA3 and SLC38A4, that increase the risk of developing severe alcoholic hepatitis in heavy drinkers. The study found that individuals with these genetic variants are more susceptible to developing this serious and life-threatening illness.
Experts warn that the recent earthquake has created conditions ripe for a hepatitis E outbreak, which could be especially deadly to pregnant women. The researchers estimate that 500 pregnant women could die from the virus in the coming months if no action is taken.
Researchers created a mouse model showing telomere dysfunction triggers liver damage, including cirrhosis and hepatitis. Telomeres protect genetic data, but their dysfunction leads to disease.
A systematic analysis of hepatitis E virus transmission by blood components found that about 1 in 3000 donors in England have the virus. Around 1200 HEV-containing blood components are likely to be transfused every year in England.
The updated 2014-2016 HHS Viral Hepatitis Action Plan aims to tackle rising incidences of liver disease and cancer caused by untreated chronic viral hepatitis. The plan builds on previous goals but expands evaluation metrics, calling for further commitments to decrease morbidity and mortality.
A large-scale survey of South African healthcare workers reveals major gaps in workplace protection against tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis. Healthcare workers are at higher risk of contracting these diseases due to lack of screening, vaccination, and proper hygiene practices.
Researchers found a novel hepatitis virus that was mistakenly believed to be a genuine disease-causing agent. The team used next-generation DNA sequencing and data mining to track down the true source of the contamination, which was traced back to tiny oceanic algae called diatoms.
A recent study published in JAMA found that a combination of pentoxifylline and prednisolone did not improve 6-month survival rates in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis. Despite being the only and most successful medical treatments available, corticosteroids and pentoxifylline provide only modest improvements in mortality.
Researchers aim to identify genetic elements that enable animal hepatitis E strains to infect humans, with potential implications for fighting cross-species virus infections. The study will also investigate host immune factors that defend against the virus.
Research finds that tobacco use increases the risk of viral hepatitis reinfection after liver transplantation. Smokers may experience lower immune system response, making them more susceptible to complications.
A study published by the World Health Organization estimates that 20.1 million individuals were infected with hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 1 and 2 in 2005. This resulted in 3.4 million symptomatic cases, 70,000 deaths, and 3,000 stillbirths, primarily affecting countries in Asia and Africa.
A new treatment combining corticosteroids and N-acetylcysteine improves survival rates for patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis by 35-40% within a month, compared to the conventional cortisone-based treatment. The study results show that this combination therapy is well-tolerated and offers a promising prognosis for severe alcoholic...
Researchers have successfully infected and replicated swine hepatitis E virus in human hepatocytes, confirming its zoonotic potential. This breakthrough verifies the infectious disease can be transmitted from animals to humans., Hepatitis E is a major cause of epidemic and acute sporadic hepatitis worldwide.
Researchers are studying a rare form of Hepatitis E affecting middle-aged and elderly men in the UK. The two-year study will examine liver problems in hospital patients and explore transmission through contact with pigs and products.
Results from two French studies presented at the International Liver CongressTM 2010 show that early liver transplantation can be proposed to non-respondents to steroids, while treatment with combined corticoids plus N-acetyl cysteine (C+NAC) increases survival rates in patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis. The studies add to growin...
Researchers discovered that Oncostatin M improves interferon's antiviral effect, increasing immune response to viruses. This combination may be useful for treating chronic viral hepatitis and other tumors that don't respond to conventional therapy.
A study found that HCC cases with AIH and PBC have four clinical features: shorter survival intervals, more men affected, and liver failure as primary cause of death. The research highlights these common characteristics in HCC associated with AIH and PBC.
A recent study on halothane hepatitis in Iran found that a large percentage of cases could have been avoided by following strict guidelines. The researchers suggested avoiding halothane use in female patients with a history of surgery or delivery under general anesthesia to reduce the risk of HH.
Researchers, led by Dr. X.J. Meng, are developing a vaccine against Hepatitis E, a major public health problem in developing countries. The team has discovered two animal viruses related to HEV, which can be used as models for studying the disease.
Hepatitis E virus has been detected in European pigs and pork products, posing a risk to human health. The disease is often fatal for pregnant women and can be transmitted through direct contact with animals or contaminated food.
Researchers in Japan have found that over 95% of pigs are infected with the hepatitis E virus by 150 days of age, minimizing human infection risk. This reduces the likelihood of pigs passing on the virus to humans at slaughter.
Researchers found patients with NAFLD had an increased risk of heart disease, particularly among women. Elevated ALT activity in the absence of viral hepatitis or excessive alcohol consumption is most commonly due to NAFLD and associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
This study found that pediatric liver transplant patients develop chronic hepatitis, characterized by increasing fibrosis and autoantibody production. Regular monitoring of autoantibodies is necessary for early detection.
A study found that Vesivirus antibodies were present in over 40% of patients with clinical hepatitis, suggesting a potential link between the virus and human disease. The research also highlights the widespread distribution of Vesivirus in various animal species, including fish and primates.
Researchers found that asymptomatic autoimmune hepatitis patients had lower liver enzyme and IgG antibody levels, but did not differ from symptomatic patients in terms of inflammation. Despite treatment recommendations, most asymptomatic patients do well without immunosuppressive therapy as long as they remain asymptomatic.
Researchers have discovered a new role for NKT cells in the liver, which crawl along vessel walls to detect foreign molecules and trigger an immune response. This finding offers a potential new approach to treating hepatitis by manipulating the NKT cell's behavior and reducing inflammation.
A study in Japan found that consuming raw Japanese deer meat may transmit Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a rare liver disease. The infected deer meat tested positive for HEV RNA, suggesting an animal route of transmission. This discovery adds the Sika deer to the list of foods with a risk of transmitting HEV.
A study found that over 80% of wild rats in the US have HEV antibodies, suggesting they are a natural reservoir for the virus. This raises concerns about the possibility of infected rats transmitting the virus to humans, although experts emphasize there is no evidence of human risk.