INTRODUCTION    Hemodialysis (HD) patients show a weaker response to hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination than the healthy population. Several gene variants were reported to be associated with the levels of antibodies to HBV surface antigen (anti-HBs) after HBV vaccination among healthy individuals. OBJECTIVES    The aim of the study was to determine the effect of immunity-related genes on the m...

BACKGROUND Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The aim of the study was to evaluate HBV immunization status and anti-HBs titer among HCWs. METHODS AntiHBs titer was prospectively examined in all vaccinated of the 464 HCWs enrolled. A comparison was done between two groups who had received vaccination within or beyond 5 years (Group A >5 years, Gro...

BACKGROUND Universal anti-hepatitis-B vaccination of infants and adolescents was implemented in Italy in 1991. We undertook a multicentre study in previously vaccinated individuals to assess the duration of immunity and need for booster, over 10 years after vaccination. METHODS In 1212 children and 446 Italian Air Force recruits vaccinated as infants and adolescents, respectively, we measured...

Protective measures against occupational exposure to the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) must be taken in order to prevent infection in dental care workers. To determine the best way to protect these workers, our study examined viral hepatitis infection in dental care workers in regions with a high prevalence of HCV infections in Japan. In total, 141 dental care workers (inc...

We identified the demographics of 385 health care workers (HCWs) to identify those whose chance of developing a protective response to a standard primary hepatitis B immunization series was so high that the need for testing for antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) would be obviated following immunization. In addition, using sensitivity analysis, we analyzed the economic conseque...

BACKGROUND We studied whether hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)/anti-HBs immune complex levels in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving antiviral therapy could be used as a response marker at baseline (BL) or early during treatment to predict treatment outcome. METHODS An experimental array-based assay (immunological multi-parameter chip technology [IMPACT]; Roche Diagnostics, Penzbe...

BACKGROUND Thalassemia patients that are conventionally treated by a regular transfusion regimen are exposed to blood born viral infections.The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among all multitransfused thalassemia patients in west north of Iran. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospect...