Articles tagged with Hepatitis B
Researchers identify a combination of classical and emerging viral biomarkers to predict functional cure in chronic hepatitis B. Multimarker models exhibit superior predictive discrimination compared to single viral markers, enabling more accurate treatment decisions.
Research suggests that targeting short-chain fatty acids and bile acids signaling pathways can suppress HBV replication and enhance antiviral immunity, offering a promising approach to improve functional cure rates. Early studies propose biomarker-guided stratification and multi-target strategies to tackle this challenge.
Gaps in hepatitis prevention measures across Europe hinder efforts to eliminate the disease by 2030. Despite progress in vaccination and harm reduction, some countries struggle with low vaccine coverage and inadequate access to sterile needles for injecting drug users.
Researchers have announced promising results of the B-Well clinical trials, showing that 20% and 19% of patients achieved a functional cure for their chronic hepatitis B infections after 24 weeks of bepirovirsen treatment. This represents a significant step towards developing a curative treatment for the disease.
This study found that pegylated interferon-based treatment significantly improved virological response rates, hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion rates, and HBsAg loss rates in immune-tolerant patients. Patients under 30 years old and those with a significant decline in HBsAg level by week 24 also showed better response rates.
Researchers discovered that CD4+ immune cells spot and attack the virus in the liver, leading to viral clearance. This finding points to a potential cure for hepatitis B, with therapies designed to activate these immune cells.
A real-world cohort study investigates the association between HBV DNA levels and clinical outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. Patients achieving a sustained virological response had lower rates of hepatocellular carcinoma, liver-related death, and progression to decompensation.
A new study from Cornell University found that delaying the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine after birth leads to increased infections and higher healthcare costs. The longer the delay, the more severe the consequences for newborns, who are at high risk of developing chronic infections and premature death.
A recent study found that lower vaccination coverage among infants born to unscreened mothers is associated with a substantial increase in HBV infections. The researchers used simulation modeling to examine the impact of different levels of newborn vaccination coverage and maternal screening on HBV infection rates.
Brief delays in hepatitis B vaccine initiation result in substantial increases in virus infections, adverse health outcomes, and healthcare expenses. Economic evaluations reveal the significant financial burden of such delays on individuals and society.
Targeted birth-dose vaccine recommendation may increase neonatal HBV infections unless maternal screening improves or infant vaccination coverage increases. Universal screening and vaccination remain essential safeguards against these infections.
This eight-year analysis showed that tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) maintained viral suppression, normalized alanine aminotransferase levels, and improved renal and bone safety in patients with CHB. The study's findings support the use of TAF as the preferred long-term treatment option for this population.
Researchers have overturned decades-long assumptions about why HBV fails to infect mouse liver cells, pointing towards a new disease model. The study suggests that the problem lies in a late step during the viral entry process, which could be disrupted by certain mechanisms.
Three European countries reach 90% HPV vaccination coverage among girls by age 15, marking progress in cervical cancer prevention. HPV vaccination programmes show significant reductions in infections and precancerous lesions, with early administration increasing full protective potential.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control estimates that between 2.4 and 4.1 million people in the EU/EEA are living with chronic hepatitis B infection. The prevalence varies significantly across countries, with the highest rates found in southern and eastern Europe.
Researchers compare viral and MASLD cirrhosis pathogenic mechanisms, identifying shared pathways and diagnostic differences. The study aims to establish a framework for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of MASLD cirrhosis.
A multicenter analysis of 920 patients with compensated cirrhosis found that interferon therapy was not associated with a higher risk of serious complications compared to standard treatment. Milder side effects were more common and required closer monitoring.
A new study found that US newborn hepatitis B virus vaccination rates declined by over 10 percentage points in the last 2 years. This decline reverses 6 years of growth and is aligned with WHO and CDC coverage estimates through 2022.
A prospective study of 49 treatment-naive CHB patients found that HBV genotype significantly influences liver histological response. Patients with genotype B showed higher histological improvement rates and greater inflammation resolution compared to those with genotype C.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of pegylated interferon treatment found HBsAg decline at week 24 to be the best predictor of functional cure, while on-treatment HBV RNA levels were most reliable for HBeAg loss. Novel virologic markers were less effective than traditional indicators.
The CDC recommends shared clinical decision-making for some childhood vaccinations, allowing parents to choose or skip certain vaccines. However, a survey found that many Americans are unclear about what this means and who can be included as health care providers in the discussion.
A national survey of adults found that three-quarters support vaccinating newborns against hepatitis B, but Republicans are less likely to recommend the vaccine. The survey also found that most respondents believe the vaccine protects against liver disease, and there is little evidence justifying delaying vaccination.
Revising newborn hepatitis B vaccination guidelines may lead to increased perinatal infections, according to infectious disease experts. The study estimates that revoking the policy could result in a significant number of new infections.
Leading experts urge universal hepatitis B vaccination for all newborns in the US, citing a 95% decline in infant infections since 1991. The policy has prevented an estimated one million hospitalizations and 90,000 deaths.
This study found that combining traditional Chinese medicine with peginterferon α-2b significantly reduces hepatitis B surface antigen, HBeAg, and HBV DNA levels. The addition of TCM also reduced myelosuppression in treatment-discontinuing patients.
Serum HBV RNA and HBcrAg have emerged as promising biomarkers for chronic hepatitis B, enabling better monitoring of disease progression, treatment response, and risk stratification. These markers provide a window into intrahepatic viral activity, correlating with clinical outcomes such as HCC development and liver fibrosis severity.
People with hepatitis B immunity induced by vaccination have a lower risk of developing diabetes of any kind. The study found that higher HBsAb levels were associated with greater reductions in diabetes risk.
A study found that in immune-tolerant HBV patients, a cumulative HBsAg/HBV DNA ratio below 1.791 is associated with a lower risk of disease progression, while those above this threshold face increased risk. Early antiviral treatment may improve clinical outcomes for these patients.
A 48-week interim analysis of tenofovir amibufenamide treatment found that 74.2% of patients achieved HBV DNA levels <20 IU/mL, demonstrating a favorable safety profile. The study suggests TMF treatment as a potential therapeutic option for chronic HBV-infected patients with normal ALT levels.
The Lancet commission emphasizes the need for concrete goals to reduce hepatocellular carcinoma's growing disease burden. The authors propose a 2% annual reduction in age-standardized incidence rates and recommend evidence-based strategies to tackle viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, environmental risk factors, and disparities in he...
The European Union has launched a new toolkit to help eliminate viral hepatitis B and C in prisons across Europe. The toolkit provides practical tools and guidance for implementing interventions in prisons, with the goal of reducing transmission rates and promoting public health.
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.
The TherVacB vaccine aims to activate the natural immune response to eliminate the hepatitis B virus. In a new phase 1b/2a clinical trial, 81 patients will receive increasing doses of the vaccine components to determine its safety and effectiveness.
Despite reducing HBV prevalence from 9.72% to 5.86%, China still struggles with chronic infection, diagnosed cases, and treatment accessibility, particularly in rural areas. Innovative treatments and digital health tools hold promise for improving compliance and achieving functional cure.
A new study found that routine testing for multiple infectious diseases among migrants can identify key infections earlier, improving health outcomes and reducing onward transmission. The Leicester screening programme, which tested 4004 migrant patients, revealed new diagnoses of TB, Hepatitis B and C, and HIV.
This study explored the immune dynamics across different phases of HBV infection, identifying key factors influencing T cell function and liver priming. The research team uncovered distinct types of intrahepatic T lymphocytes and dual roles of DC-SIGN+ macrophages in modulating immune responses.
The EU/EEA is struggling to reach 2030 SDG targets for HIV, TB, viral hepatitis B and C, and STIs, with many countries not on track. Despite progress in some areas, significant data gaps hinder a complete assessment.
A Phase 3 clinical study found that adding hydronidone to entecavir resulted in significant reversal of liver fibrosis. The trial aimed to identify the antifibrotic effect and safety of hydronidone for CHB patients with significant liver fibrosis.
A study estimated the epidemiology of hepatitis D virus (HDV) in China, finding a prevalence of HDV antibody positivity among 4,936 patients with chronic HBV infection. The rate was 0.24%, with only one patient having both anti-HDV antibody and HDV RNA positivity.
A new rapid diagnostic test can accurately identify pregnant women with high levels of the hepatitis B virus, allowing for early detection and intervention. This breakthrough test could have a significant impact on hepatitis B management in low- and middle-income countries, reducing the spread of the infection.
A new hepatitis B vaccine, Heplisav-B, was compared to standard vaccines in a study of previously vaccinated individuals. The results showed that Heplisav-B was more effective at boosting immunity, with 99.4% achieving protective levels compared to 92.7% for standard vaccines.
A new study by Korea University researchers reveals that switching to besifovir may improve patient kidney and bone health for long-term hepatitis B treatment. The study showed that patients who switched to besifovir had higher estimated glomerular filtration rate indicating improved kidney function and higher hip and spine bone densit...
A large-scale analysis sheds light on the critical steps needed to combat the vertical transmission of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Africa. The study estimates that hepatitis B vertical transmission could be eliminated in Africa with increased coverage of birth dose vaccine and maternal antiviral therapy.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered a vulnerability in the hepatitis B virus that could lead to new treatments. The study found a compound already in clinical trials against cancer that successfully disrupted the virus's ability to infect human liver cells.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends antiviral drugs for patients at risk of hepatitis B reactivation due to immunosuppressive medications. Screening and tailored risk assessments can help identify vulnerable patients, who are at increased risk of liver damage, hospitalization, and death.
A real-world multicenter study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of tenofovir amibufenamide in treating chronic hepatitis B. The study found that TMF was comparable to TDF in terms of treatment effectiveness, with improved renal safety and no impact on lipid levels.
Researchers found that a lower CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio after 12-24 weeks significantly predicted HBsAg clearance in IHCs treated with peginterferon alpha. Higher baseline percentages of CD3+CD8+ cells and lower CD4+/CD8+ ratios were also associated with improved outcomes.
A new hepatitis B vaccine, Heplisav-B, has been shown to be more effective than an older vaccine type in inducing a protective antibody response among people living with HIV who didn't respond to prior vaccination. The study found that up to 99.4% of subjects received the new vaccine showed protective levels of antibodies.
This study analyzed liver cancer epidemiological trends attributed to hepatitis B and alcohol use, revealing substantial increases globally and in China. The burden varies by gender and age, with males and those aged 40-75 years bearing a higher risk.
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.
A novel ratiometric fluorescent probe was synthesized to detect native human albumin (HA) activity in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Native HA activity levels were significantly higher in low albumin groups, correlating with increased severity of liver disease.
A 48-week follow-up study found that TMF treatment did not significantly affect blood lipid profiles in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Lipid indices remained stable, regardless of baseline characteristics.
A study by Dr. Hee-Soon Juon found that those who felt stigmatized reported worse depression and physical health, despite greater knowledge of the disease not alleviating feelings of judgment.
The Chinese College of Interventionalists has introduced a consensus statement on TACE refractoriness in hepatocellular carcinoma, providing a framework for clinicians to identify and manage the condition. This move aims to optimize treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes, particularly in China where HCC incidence is high due...
A study analyzing 5.5 million EU/EEA infectious disease cases over 10 years found significant sex differences in notified male versus female cases for several diseases. The proportion of males ranged from 40-45% for pertussis and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections to 75-80% for HIV/AIDS.
A new strategy for treating chronic hepatitis B virus infection in China advocates for early treatment of all patients with detectable HBV DNA or positive HBsAg. This approach aims to reduce liver-related diseases and improve patient outcomes.
A team of researchers has discovered a mechanism by which the liver's immune cells are suppressed in chronic hepatitis B, leading to organ damage. The 'sleep timer' function allows immune cells to weaken their activity over time, preventing them from proliferating excessively and causing further damage.
A study found that dopamine inhibits the expression of HBV surface and e antigens in HepG2 cells, increasing interferon-stimulated gene 15 expression. The JAK/STAT pathway was also activated, leading to decreased HBV DNA and antigen expression in a mouse model.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects about 296 million people and kills 1 million annually. Researchers from Rockefeller University have revealed mechanisms that may lead to new treatments by targeting the pol protein's unique properties, including a 'tethering' mechanism that allows it to bind to specific RNAs.
The 5-year TAF treatment efficacy was high and similar to that of 3-year TDF followed by 2-year TAF in Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients. Favorable effects on bone and renal parameters were sustained with TAF treatment alone and were observed following the switch from TDF to TAF.