Hepatitis: Domínguez A

Almeda J, Casabona J, Allepuz A, García-Alcaide F, del Romero J, Tural C, Colm J, Bolao F, Campins M, Domínguez A, Force L, Giménez A, Guerra-Romero L, Anonymous00243. · Centre de Estudis Espidemiològics sobre la Sida a Catalunya. Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol. Badalona. España. · Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin. · Pubmed #12372236 links to  free full text

Abstract: Evidence is lacking on the possible efficacy and effectiveness of non-occupational postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). However, because of its biological plausibility, the use of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to prevent the development of infection in certain cases of accidental or sporadic exposure has begun to be considered as common clinical practice. Previous studies performed in Spain have demonstrated both the demand and the prescription of ARV as PEP and especially the diversity and inconsistency in the criteria used. In this context, in April of 2000 the Centre for Epidemiological Studies on AIDS of Catalonia (CEESCAT) (Department of Health and Social Security of the Autonomous Government of Catalonia), in collaboration with the National AIDS Plan and the AIDS Study Group (GESIDA), promoted the creation of a working group for the drafting of recommendations for PEP against HIV outside the occupational health context. The recommendations have been made bearing in mind the exceptional character of the exposure, the time elapsed since exposure, as well as evaluation of the risk of infection according to the type of exposure and the information available on the source of infection. In addition, the recommendations include the immediate measures necessary, as well as the preventive measures and clinical follow-up required both for HIV and for other infectious agents. All PEP regimens should be started within 72 hours of exposure and appropriate daily doses of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and a protease inhibitor (PI), or two NRTIs and a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTIs), should be administered for four weeks, bearing in mind the pharmacological and clinical situation of the source person. These recommendations should be updated periodically.

Cuadrado A, Orive A, García-Suárez C, Domínguez A, Fernández-Escalante JC, Crespo J, Pons-Romero F. · Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, University Hospital "Marqués de Valdecilla", Santander, Spain. · Obes Surg. · Pubmed #15826485 No free full text.

Abstract: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by an excessive accumulation of fatty acids and triglycerides within the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes of non-alcohol users. The natural history varies according to the initial histological diagnosis. A current consideration is that cryptogenic cirrhosis may be representative of a late stage of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which has lost its features of necroinflammatory activity and steatosis in up to 80% of patients. Since NASH is able to progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development may be an end-stage of this disease. We report below two clinical cases of patients diagnosed with NASH who developed HCC. The relationship between NAFLD and HCC is reviewed.

Diago M, Suárez D, García-Villarreal L, Castro A, Domínguez A, Pardo M, del Olmo JA, Pérez-Hernández F, Aguilar J, Quiroga JA, Carreño V. · Hospital General Universitario, Valencia, Spain. · J Med Virol. · Pubmed #11468730 No free full text.

Abstract: One hundred fifty-five chronic hepatitis C patients were assigned at random to receive natural lymphoblastoid interferon (IFN)alpha-n1, s.c., for 13 months in one of three treatment regimens: initial daily induction with 10 million units (MU) followed (group 1, n = 50) or not (group 2, n = 52) by 1 month of rest and then three times weekly 10 MU (2 months), 5 MU (2 months), and 3 MU (8 months); group 3 (n = 53) received tiw 5 MU (2 months) followed by 3 MU (11 months). By intention-to-treat analysis, ALT normalization at completion of treatment was greater in patients who received continuous IFNalpha-n1 therapy with initial daily induction (group 2: 24/52, 46%) compared with those given intermittent therapy with initial daily induction (group 1: 17/50, 34%) and those who received standard IFNalpha-n1 therapy (group 3, 18/53, 34%; P not significant). The sustained ALT response was 26%, 27% and 21% and the sustained virological response was 20%, 27%, and 19%, in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. A trend was observed towards a higher biochemical and virological end-of-treatment response in patients given induction therapy (17%) compared with standard therapy (6%, P = 0.053). Sustained biochemical and virological responses were 20%, 27%, and 17% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Platelet and leukocyte counts decreased following daily high-dose treatment and remained low until therapy cessation (P < 0.001). The data suggest that daily s.c. induction with 10 MU IFNalpha-n1 followed by intermittent or continuous maintenance therapy for 1 year does not improve the results achieved with the standard 1-year IFNalpha course in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients.

Salleras L, Domínguez A, Bruguera M, Plans P, Espuñes J, Costa J, Cardeñosa N, Plasència A. · Department of Public Health, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. · J Clin Virol. · Pubmed #19230752 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In recent years there has been a substantial reduction in hepatitis B incidence as a result of routine vaccination of preadolescents and the selective vaccination of high risk groups and newborns of HBsAg+ mothers. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection markers and of serologic markers of hepatitis B vaccination in a representative sample of pregnant women in Catalonia. STUDY DESIGN: A representative sample was obtained by random cluster sampling (hospitals with maternity units) stratified by provinces. Anti-HBc, anti-HBs and HBsAg were determined using an ELISA test (Behring, Marburg, Germany). The crude and adjusted odds ratios for the sociodemographic variables analyzed were also calculated. RESULTS: The global prevalence of carriers of HBsAg+ was 0.1% (95% CI 0.0-0.3), that of hepatitis B infection (anti-HBc+) was 5% (95% CI 3.9-6.1) and that of serologic markers of vaccination (anti-HBs+ and anti-HBc-) was 16.4% (95% CI 14.5-18.2) The prevalence of infection increased with age from 3.0% (15-19 years age group) to 14.8% (40-44 years age group). The prevalence of anti-HBc+ was higher in women born in Asia (27.6%) and Africa (18.8%) than in those born in Spain (3.7%), Europe (3.3%) and America (4.6%), with the differences being statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirm the change in the pattern of endemicity of hepatitis B infection in pregnant women in Catalonia after the introduction of vaccination programmes. They also confirm the increasingly important role played by immigration in the epidemiology of hepatitis B.

Domínguez A, Oviedo M, Carmona G, Jansá JM, Borrás E, Salleras L, Plasència A. · Department of Public Health, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. · J Viral Hepat. · Pubmed #18837835 No free full text.

Abstract: A universal vaccination program for preadolescents, aged 12 years, with the hepatitis A + B vaccine was introduced in 1998 in Catalonia (Spain) with the aim of protecting the whole population against hepatitis A. The hepatitis A + B vaccine program replaced the hepatitis B vaccination program for preadolescent started in 1991. The impact of the hepatitis A + B vaccination program was studied by assessment of the trend of reported cases of hepatitis A. All cases of viral hepatitis reported from 1992 to 2006 were included in the study. To evaluate changes in the epidemiology of hepatitis A, two periods were considered: a prevaccination period (1992-1998) and a post-vaccination period (2001-2006). The ratios of the rates were calculated according to age and sex. The comparison of rates and proportions was made by calculation of the normal z statistic. A total of 7536 cases of viral hepatitis were reported, of which 4109 (54.52%) were hepatitis A. The incidence rate of hepatitis A fell from 5.44 per 100 000 person-years in the prevaccination period to 3.02 in the post-vaccination period. In males, the rate fell from 6.85 to 3.89 and in females from 4.10 to 2.18. The male-female ratio of incidence rates was lower in the post-vaccination period. In males the global decline of incidence rate was 43.26% and in females 46.96%. The greatest decline occurred in the 15 to 19 years age group in both sexes (79.1% in men and 78.34% in women) but declines in the 10-14 years age group were also very important (69.21% and 67.88%, respectively). In conclusion, hepatitis A incidence fell in Catalonia in the post-vaccination period in vaccinated adolescents and also in other unvaccinated groups who have benefited from the indirect effects of the vaccination program.

Oviedo M, Pilar Muñoz M, Domínguez A, Borras E, Carmona G. · CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona, c/Dr. Aiguadé 88, Barcelona, Spain. · Vaccine. · Pubmed #18804511 No free full text.

Abstract: A program of routine hepatitis A+B vaccination in preadolescents was introduced in 1998 in Catalonia, a region situated in the northeast of Spain. The objective of this study was to quantify the reduction in the incidence of hepatitis A in order to differentiate the natural reduction of the incidence of hepatitis A from that produced due to the vaccination programme and to predict the evolution of the disease in forthcoming years. A generalized linear model (GLM) using negative binomial regression was used to estimate the incidence rates of hepatitis A in Catalonia by year, age group and vaccination. Introduction of the vaccine reduced cases by 5.5 by year (p-value<0.001), but there was a significant interaction between the year of report and vaccination that smoothed this reduction (p-value<0.001). The reduction was not equal in all age groups, being greater in the 12-18 years age group, which fell from a mean rate of 8.15 per 100,000 person/years in the pre-vaccination period (1992-1998) to 1.4 in the vaccination period (1999-2005). The model predicts the evolution accurately for the group of vaccinated subjects. Negative binomial regression is more appropriate than Poisson regression when observed variance exceeds the observed mean (overdispersed count data), can cause a variable apparently contribute more on the model of what really makes it.

Domínguez A, Oviedo M, Carmona G, Batalla J, Bruguera M, Salleras L, Plasència A. · Department of Public Health, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. · Vaccine. · Pubmed #18325642 No free full text.

Abstract: AIM: To investigate the impact of a mass hepatitis A vaccination programme in preadolescents seven years after introduction in terms of its effectiveness and the prevented fraction. SETTING: The age distribution of notified cases and incidence rates in Catalonia (Spain) in the periods before (1992-1998) and after (1999-2005) introduction of the vaccination programme were compared. MAIN RESULTS: The incidence rates in the whole population were 5.51 per 100,000 person-years in the 1992-1998 period and 2.98 in the 1999-2005 period. The rate reduction in the 10-19 years age group was 72.43% and was more than 45% in the 5-9 years and 20-29 years age groups. The effectiveness of the vaccination programme was 99.04 (95% CI: 93.11-99.88) and the prevented fraction in the 12-19 years age group was 90.13% (95% CI: 84.47-90.89). CONCLUSIONS: The universal vaccination programme of preadolescents has had an important impact on hepatitis A in Catalonia, not only in vaccinated cohorts but also in non-vaccinated age groups due to a herd immunity effect.

Buti M, Plans P, Domínguez A, Jardi R, Rodriguez Frias F, Esteban R, Salleras L, Plasencia A. · Liver Unit, Biochemistry Departament, Hospital Universitario Valle Hebron and CIBER-EHD of Instituto Carlos III, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-121, 08035 Barcelona, Spain. · Clin Vaccine Immunol. · Pubmed #18321881 links to  free full text

Abstract: The prevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV) antibodies was studied with a representative sample of 1,249 healthy children aged between 6 and 15 years. IgG anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 57 (4.6%) of the 1,249 samples analyzed, suggesting that some children are exposed to HEV in early childhood.

Salleras L, Domínguez A, Bruguera M, Plans P, Costa J, Cardeñosa N, Batalla J, Plasència A. · Department of Public Health, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. · Vaccine. · Pubmed #18045753 No free full text.

Abstract: AIMS: To analyze the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection markers and hepatitis B vaccination in a representative sample of the juvenile and adult population of Catalonia and to evaluate the changes with respect to seroepidemiological surveys carried out in 1989 and 1996. DESIGN: In all subjects anti-HBc and anti-HBs antibodies and HBsAg were determined using an ELISA test. The possible association between sociodemographic variables and the prevalence of markers was analysed by calculating the adjusted odd ratio (simple logistic regression). SETTING: The study was carried out in 2002 in representative samples of the juvenile (5-14 years) and adult population (>or= 15 years) of Catalonia (Spain). MAIN RESULTS: In 2002 the global prevalence of HBsAg+ was 0.7% (95% CI: 0.4-1.0) and that of anti-HBc+ 8.7% (95% CI: 7.6-9.8), values higher than those obtained in 1989 of 1.5% (95% CI: 1.0-2.1) and 15.6 (95% CI: 13.9-17.3). The prevalence of markers of infection increased with age. The only sociodemographic variable significantly associated with the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection was the place of birth. The risk of infection was twice as high in subjects born outside Catalonia (p<0.01), adjusted OR 2.0 (95% CI: 1.34-2.98) compared with those born in Catalonia. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection (anti-HBc+) in Catalonia (Spain) is currently the lowest it has ever been and suggest that there has been a change in the pattern of endemicity of hepatitis B virus infection in Catalonia, which has become a country of low endemicity.

Domínguez A, Bruguera M, Plans P, Espuñes J, Costa J, Plasencia A, Salleras L. · Directorate of Public Health, Generalitat of Catalonia, Travessera de les Corts, Barcelona, Spain. · BMC Infect Dis. · Pubmed #17610736 links to  free full text

Abstract: BACKGROUND: One of the main uses of seroprevalence studies it to evaluate vaccination programmes. In 1998, a programme of universal vaccination of preadolescents in schools with the hepatitis A vaccine was begun in Catalonia. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis A virus infection (HAV) in a sample of the adult population of Catalonia in 2002 and to evaluate the changes with respect to a survey carried out in 1996. METHODS: The prevalence of HAV antibodies was determined by a third generation competitive immunometric assay in a representative sample of 1292 people aged >15 years. The association between the prevalence and different sociodemographic variables was determined by multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The standardized global prevalence of HAV antibodies in 2002 was 68.2%, increased with age (p < 0.0001) and was associated with being born outside Catalonia (OR: 1.75; 95% CI 1.11-2.76) and lower social class (OR: 1.14; 95% CI 1.05-1.25). Compared with the last survey carried out in 1996 the standardized global prevalence was lower (68.2% vs 77.8%; p < 0.0001) as was the prevalence in people under 45 years. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of the hepatitis A virus is decreasing in the adult population of Catalonia, especially in the younger age groups. The programme of vaccination of adolescents begun in 1998 to control the disease can provide indirect protection to the unvaccinated population.

Diago M, Olveira A, Solá R, Romero-Gómez M, Moreno-Otero R, Pérez R, Salmerón J, Enríquez J, Planas R, Gavilán JC, Del Olmo J, Uribarrena R, Sillero C, Benítez A, Sánchez-Galdón S, Dalmau B, Eraña L, Montoro M, Portu J, Garijo JM, Barniol R, Domínguez A, Rota R, Olcoz JL, Antón M, Pamplona X, Casanovas T, Jiménez E, Huarte M, Díaz F, Sánchez-Ruano J, Orive M, Muñoz-Sánchez M, Roset M. · Hospital General de Valencia, Valencia, Spain. · Aliment Pharmacol Ther. · Pubmed #17402993 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sustained virological response rates of up to 52% have been obtained with peginterferon alpha2a (40 kDa) plus ribavirin in patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 in randomized-controlled trials. Aim: To assess early virological response and its clinical utility in predicting an sustained virological response in patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 in routine clinical practice in Spain. METHODS: Treatment-naïve patients received pegylated interferon alpha2a (40 kDa) 180 microg/week plus ribavirin 1000/1200 mg/day for 48 weeks, and were followed for a further 24 weeks. Overall, 475 patients received at least one dose of medication and were included in the efficacy population. RESULTS: The overall sustained virological response rate was 48%. Of those with week 12 virological data, 83% had an early virological response. The negative predictive value of an early virological response was 93%. CONCLUSION: If sustained virological response is the goal, a treatment-decision based on a 12-week evaluation during routine clinical practice is feasible.

Buti M, Domínguez A, Plans P, Jardí R, Schaper M, Espuñes J, Cardeñosa N, Rodríguez-Frías F, Esteban R, Plasència A, Salleras L. · Liver Service, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain. · Clin Vaccine Immunol. · Pubmed #17050741 links to  free full text

Abstract: The objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in a population sample from Catalonia and to analyze the demographic and clinical variables associated with the presence of these antibodies. A total of 1,280 subjects between 15 and 74 years of age were selected randomly from urban and rural areas. Data for sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected by using a questionnaire. IgG antibodies to HEV were determined by an immunoenzymatic method. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for studied variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine which variables were independently associated with the prevalence of HEV infection. Anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 96 (7.3%) of the 1,280 samples analyzed. The prevalence of antibodies was greater among males (7.8%) than among women (7%) and increased with age for both sexes, from 3% among subjects 15 to 24 years of age to 12% among subjects >/=65 years of age. Bivariate analysis of the sociodemographic and clinical variables showed an association between the prevalence of hepatitis E virus infection and minor surgery (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.24 to 3.11), abdominal surgery (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.12 to 2.73), and, for women, being uniparous or multiparous (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.19 to 6.79). The multivariate analysis showed an association with minor surgery only (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.70). In conclusion, anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 7.3% of the Catalan population. The seroprevalence of anti-HEV antibodies increased with age and was associated with previous minor surgery.

Llach-Berné M, Pañella H, Domínguez A, Caylà JA, Godoy P, Alvarez J, Sala R, Camps N, Anonymous00016. · Servicio de Epidemiología de la Agencia de Salud Pública de Barcelona. España. · Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin. · Pubmed #16956531 links to  free full text

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The currently low endemic level of hepatitis A in Spain favors manifestation of the disease as outbreaks among specific risk groups. The aim of this study is to analyze the hepatitis A outbreaks investigated in Catalonia (Spain) during the period of 1999 to 2003. METHODS: The criteria for including an outbreak were defined and outbreaks were classified according to the type of transmission. The variables analyzed were space, time, socio-demographic parameters, setting, risk factors, and preventive measures adopted. The incidence rate and rate ratio were calculated according to age and sex. RESULTS: Among 74 outbreaks, 73 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Most outbreaks involved person-to-person transmission (83.8%) and the rest had a common source of infection (14.9%). In total, 334 cases were included (cumulative incidence 1999-2003: 5.27 per 100,000 inhabitants), with an average age of 24.5 years. The settings yielding the most cases were family (143), community (97) and schools/preschools (87). The number of cases per outbreak ranged from 2 to 11, except one outbreak that occurred in 83 young homosexual men with high-risk sexual practices. The main factors related to the case index or to coprimary cases included belonging to age groups with low immunity (children and young adults) and travelling to or from endemic areas. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis A outbreaks in Catalonia are still frequent. They mainly occur in the family environment, by person-to-person transmission and in the most vulnerable groups (preschool or school employees, travelers, and men who perform high-risk sexual practices with other men).

Oviedo M, Muñoz MP, Domínguez A, Carmona G. · Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, Generalitat of Catalonia, Spain. · Ann Epidemiol. · Pubmed #16843008 No free full text.

Abstract: PURPOSE: Hepatitis A normally is underreported by statutory disease reporting systems. The objective of this study is to estimate the incidence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection from prevalence surveys of infection carried out in representative samples of the population in 1989, 1996, and 2002 and the reported disease incidence during 1991 to 2003 in Catalonia. METHODS: The real incidence of the infection was estimated from the reported incidence adjusted by the prevalence of susceptible individuals and the probability of presenting clinical manifestations. The bootstrap resampling technique was used to calculate 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of reported, clinical, and all infection cases. RESULTS: The infection rate estimated by the bootstrap method was 31.1/100,000 person-years (bootstrap studentized 95% CI, 19.4-56.0), and the rate of clinical hepatitis was 20.0/100,000 person-years (95% CI, 11.8-39.9), rates that were 6.3 and 4.1 times greater than the reported rate during the same period, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In children younger than 5 years, the estimated infection rate was 13.8 times greater than the reported rate. Combined use of reported cases and results of seroprevalence surveys suggest that underreporting of HAV infection is substantial in Catalonia, especially in children younger than 5 years.

Pintó RM, Alegre D, Domínguez A, El-Senousy WM, Sánchez G, Villena C, Costafreda MI, Aragonès L, Bosch A. · Enteric Virus Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. · Epidemiol Infect. · Pubmed #16817987 No free full text.

Abstract: Molecular methods for the detection and typing of hepatitis A virus (HAV) strains in sewage were applied to determine its distribution in Cairo and Barcelona. The study revealed the occurrence of different patterns of hepatitis A endemicity in each city. The circulating strains characterized, whether in Cairo or Barcelona, were genotype IB. The effects of a child vaccination programme and the increase in the immigrant population on the overall hepatitis A occurrence in Barcelona were evaluated. While vaccination contributed to a significant decrease in the number of clinical cases, the huge recent immigration flow has probably been responsible for the re-emergence of the disease in the last year of study, in the form of small outbreaks among the non-vaccinated population.

Domínguez A, Bruguera M, Plans P, Costa J, Salleras L. · Directorate of Public Health, Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain. · J Med Virol. · Pubmed #15122789 No free full text.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis A antibodies (anti-HAV) in schoolchildren in Catalonia and to compare it with the rates found in previous studies. Sera from a representative sample of 1,342 children aged between 6 and 15 years, recruited in 2001, were tested for anti-HAV. The results were related to sociodemographic variables and vaccination history. The overall prevalence of anti-HAV was 51.4%. The prevalence was 5.5% in non-vaccinated children, similar to that found in a 1996 study, and 96.6% in vaccinated children. The prevalence of anti-HAV in non-vaccinated children increased significantly with age, reaching 11.6% in the 13-15 years age group. The prevalence of anti-HAV was higher in children born outside Catalonia than in those born in Catalonia (16.1% vs. 5.0%, P = 0.02). The expected continuation in the decline in the prevalence of anti-HAV in non-vaccinated schoolchildren, observed in Catalonia since 1986, was not found in 2001. The rate of anti-HAV in 2001 was slightly higher than in 1996, although the difference was not statistically significant (5.5 and 3.5%, respectively). This could be explained by the increased number of recent immigrant children born outside Catalonia, mainly in countries where hepatitis A is highly endemic.

Domínguez A, Salleras L, Carmona G, Batalla J. · Department of Health and Social Security, General Directorate of Public Health, Generalitat of Catalonia, Travessera de les Corts, 131-159, 08028, Barcelona, Spain. · Vaccine. · Pubmed #12531343 No free full text.

Abstract: A program of mass hepatitis A+B vaccination in preadolescents in schools was begun in the Catalonia in the last quarter of 1998. This study investigated the impact of the program by comparing the incidence of hepatitis A in vaccinated and unvaccinated cohort.The greatest reduction of the incidence rate of hepatitis A was observed in the 10-14 years age group, from 10.3 per 100000 persons-year in the period 1996-1998 to 1.8 per 100000 persons-year in the period 1999-2001. The global incidence decreased from 6.2 to 2.6 per 100000 persons-year.After analysis of cases occurring in the vaccinated and non vaccinated cohort, the effectiveness of the vaccination program was estimated at 97.0% (95% CI: 78.6-99.6).

Bruguera M, Saiz JC, Franco S, Giménez-Barcons M, Sánchez-Tapias JM, Fabregas S, Vega R, Camps N, Domínguez A, Salleras L. · Liver Unit, Institut de Malalties Digestives, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain. · J Clin Microbiol. · Pubmed #12409433 links to  free full text

Abstract: In July 2000, symptomatic acute hepatitis C was diagnosed in five patients who had attended the emergency room of a municipal hospital on the same day, about 6 weeks before. Investigation of the remaining 65 patients visited at the emergency room on that day disclosed that 8 patients had a positive anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) test and 4 of them had biochemical evidence of acute anicteric hepatitis. HCV RNA was detected in 12 of the 13 anti-HCV-positive patients. Phylogenetic analysis of the nonstructural 5A (NS5A) and E2 regions showed that 10 patients, including all 9 with acute hepatitis, were infected with a closely related HCV strain, while the remaining 2 patients harbored unrelated strains. Flushing of intravenous catheters with heparin retrieved from a multidose heparin solution in saline was carried out for all the patients involved in the hepatitis outbreak but in only 1 of 23 (4%) matched controls recruited among HCV-noninfected patients attending the emergency room on the same day, and this was the only significant difference concerning risk factors for HCV infection between patients and controls. Thus, accidental contamination of a multidose heparin solution with blood from an unrecognized HCV carrier was identified as the source of this nosocomial outbreak of hepatitis C.

Domínguez A, Bruguera M, Vidal J, Plans P, Salleras L. · Directorate of Public Health, Department of Health and Social Security, Barcelona, Spain. · J Med Virol. · Pubmed #11745932 No free full text.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of antibodies against the hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) and the associated risk factors in a representative sample of the population of Catalonia, Spain. Serum samples from 2,142 subjects aged between 5 and 70 years, selected at random from urban and rural habitats, were studied. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine variables associated independently with the presence of HCV antibodies. The age and gender standardized prevalence of anti-HCV was 2.5% (95% confidence interval, 1.8-3.2). Prevalence increased significantly with age (P < 0.001), but no other sociodemographic variables were associated with HCV infection. Tattoos (OR: 6.2), blood transfusions (OR: 5.0) intravenous drug use (OR: 4.9) and antecedents of hospitalization (OR: 2.3) were variables associated independently with infection. HCV infection affects mainly elderly people in Spain and spares children and adolescents. This suggests that major exposure to HCV may have occurred many years ago, when infection was more widespread than in recent years.

Lopalco PL, Salleras L, Barbuti S, Germinario C, Bruguera M, Buti M, Domínguez A. · Department of Internal Medicine and Public Medicine, Section of Hygiene, University of Bari, Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy. · Vaccine. · Pubmed #11027810 No free full text.

Abstract: Viral hepatitis remains a major contributor to the global disease burden. Mass immunisation strategies against hepatitis B have been adopted by more than 90 developing and industrialised countries. Countries with low hepatitis A endemicity are experiencing cyclical outbreaks and an epidemiological shift, with larger numbers of individuals at risk of infection at an older age, resulting in increased morbidity. The high cost of outbreaks in these countries has made immunisation strategies cost-effective. The development of a vaccine against hepatitis A and a combined vaccine against hepatitis A and hepatitis B offers potentially exciting opportunities for a preventative approach in areas of both low and high endemicity. Existing mass immunisation programmes against hepatitis B will facilitate the adoption of joint strategies illustrated by the examples of Puglia (Italy) and Catalonia (Spain).

Domínguez A, Bruguera M, Vidal J, Plans P, Salleras L. · Directorate of Public Health, Department of Health and Social Security, Barcelona, Spain. · Vaccine. · Pubmed #10738090 No free full text.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B markers in a representative sample of 2142 subjects in Catalonia, Spain, and to compare it with previous studies. Multiple logistical regression analysis was carried out to determine variables associated with the markers studied. The prevalence of anti-HBc and HBsAg was 9.1% and 1.2%, respectively. Male gender, urban habitat, birth place outside Catalonia and lower social class were associated with the presence of anti-HBc. Carrier status was only associated with male gender. Between 1989 and 1996 there was a decrease of 46% in the prevalence of serum HBV markers mainly in the 25-44 (P<0.0001) and 35-64 year (P=0.0002) age groups, in those born in Catalonia (P=0.003) and in those in the higher social classes (P<0.0001). These decreases can be explained by the improved socioeconomic conditions and, partially, by the routine pre-adolescent and risk group programmes of immunization.

Bruguera M, Salleras L, Plans P, Vidal J, Navas E, Domínguez A, Batalla J, Taberner JL, Espuñes J. · Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic i Provincial, Barcelona. · Med Clin (Barc). · Pubmed #10231772 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the risk factors of hepatitis A virus infection (HAV) in a representative sample of a Catalonian population obtained from 1995 to 1996 and the changes in the prevalence of this infection over the period of 1989-1996. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The prevalence of anti-HAV was determined by an ELISA test in a randomized sample of 2,142 individuals, 884 from 6 to 14 years of age and 1,248 over the age of 15 years. The results were related to sociodemographic variables and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to establish which variables were related to the risk of infection. RESULTS: The global prevalence of HAV infection was 67.8%. The prevalence of HAV infection increased from 3.5% in the group from 5-14 years of age to 99% in that over the age of 64 years (p < 0.001). A higher prevalence was observed in those born outside of Catalonia (odds ratio [OR] = 3.97; 95% CI, 2.4-6.4) and in those with a lower level of education (OR = 2.60; 95% CI, 1.9-3.5). In the period 1989-1996 the prevalence of the infection has decreased in the population under the age of 45, the differences being statistically significant in the age groups 10-14 (p < 0.0001) and 25-34 (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HAV infection has progressively decreased in Catalonia while it proportionally increases the susceptible population under the age of 45 years. These findings may be important in the design of strategies for the prevention of HAV infection with universal vaccination programs against this disease.