Articles tagged with Hepatitis B
A study by Brown University researchers found high prevalence of life-threatening and contagious infections among incoming inmates. Nearly 20% tested positive for hepatitis B, highlighting the need for vaccination to prevent transmission upon release into the community.
The temporary suspension of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth due to mercury concerns led to a significant decrease in first-day vaccination coverage. The study found that 11% of children born during the suspension were not vaccinated on their first day, resulting in an excess of 182,000 undervaccinated children by 19 months.
Research has identified improved screening programs for HIV coinfection with chronic hepatitis C, as well as predictive models for inflammation and fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B. These advances aim to improve treatment decisions and quality of life for affected individuals.
A new ribozyme package has been shown to be effective against the hepatitis B virus in an animal model, reducing viral production by over 80% in just three to five days. The treatment uses a specialized cassette that targets and destroys the virus's RNA, making it a promising approach for fighting other viruses as well.
A US CDC study found that 10% of vaccine doses administered to children in 2002 were invalid, resulting from premature vaccination. Invalid doses need to be repeated to ensure adequate protection against disease.
A newly discovered protein causes blood clots in the livers of humans with viral hepatitis and mice exposed to corona virus. Blocking this protein may offer a new approach to treating patients with chronic viral hepatitis and potentially SARS.
Researchers found that fibroleukin is a prothrombinase that contributes to the development of thrombosis in viral hepatitis. The study suggests a potential link between fibroleukin and the progression of viral hepatitis, highlighting the importance of further investigation into this area.
A recent study found that 95% of skin penetration operators believe guidelines are needed, but only half follow them. Tattoo shop operators were more knowledgeable about infection control than others. Barriers to compliance include client perceptions and busy schedules.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that HIV increases the severity of hepatitis B infections, leading to higher liver disease-related deaths among men with both conditions. The research suggests physicians may see an increase in hepatitis B-related liver disease among the 1 million people living with HIV in the US.
A UC Berkeley study analyzed 27 clinical trials and found that combining Chinese herbal treatments with interferon alfa was 1.5-2 times more effective in reducing viral load than using interferon alfa alone. The most promising results came from patients using a combination of bufotoxin and kurorinone with interferon alfa.
Researchers have found a combination therapy of lamivudine and hepatitis B immune globulin significantly reduces HBV infection recurrence after liver transplant, with one-year and three-year survival rates of 92% and 81%, respectively. This breakthrough treatment offers hope for patients with chronic HBV cirrhosis.
The University of Maryland Medical Center has successfully reduced barriers to kidney transplantation for African-Americans, cutting the median waiting time from 1,335 days to 681 days. The comprehensive program includes patient education and living donation efforts, leading to better graft survival rates.
Researchers found that most hepatitis B virus infections in adult humans are uncomplicated and do not result in large-scale destruction of infected liver cells. A new noncytolytic process targets the virus' ability to reproduce, leaving the liver relatively unscathed.