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Fulltext Evaluation of the dried blood spot (DBS) collection method as a tool for detection of HIV Ag/Ab, HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV in a Malaysian tertiary referral hospital

Lee CE, Sri Ponnampalavanar S, Syed Omar SF, Mahadeva S, Ong LY, Kamarulzaman A

Ann Acad Med Singap, 2011 Oct;40(10):448-53.
PMID: 22206053 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.V40N10p448

INTRODUCTION: Dried blood spot (DBS) collection is an appealing alternative to whole blood or plasma sampling, as it has technical and economic advantages over the latter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at a Malaysian tertiary referral hospital from November 2009 to March 2010. One hundred and fifty paired specimens of DBS and plasma were analysed by the standard assays for HIV Ag/Ab, HBsAg, anti-HBS and anti-HCV, separately (total 600 paired specimens). DBS sample titres were then compared to the results of plasma testing, which was used as the gold standard.

RESULTS: For the HIV Ag/Ab assay with a cut-off point of 0.35 Relative Light Units (RLUs), the sensitivity and specificity were both 100%. For the HBsAg assay, the sensitivity was 96.5% and the specificity was 97.8%, with a cut-off point of 1.72 RLUs. Sensitivity for the anti-HBs test was 74.2% and the specificity was 86.9%, using a cut-off point of 0.635 RLUs. For the anti-HCV assay, the sensitivity was 97.3% and the specificity was 100%, with a cut-off point of 0.10 RLUs.

CONCLUSION: DBS is an ideal choice to be used as a screening tool for the detection of HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C virus infections. However, different cut-off values need to be used for the validation of test positivity in DBS samples because the small amount of blood in the DBS specimens leads to lower assay titres.

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood*; Hepatitis C Antibodies/immunology
Fulltext Hepatitis C core antigen testing to diagnose active hepatitis C infection among haemodialysis patients

Wong XZ, Gan CC, Mohamed R, Yahya R, Ganapathy S, Tan SS, et al.

BMC Nephrol, 2020 11 13;21(1):480.
PMID: 33187498 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-020-02154-4

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects more than 71 million people worldwide and chronic HCV infection increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and failure. Haemodialysis (HD) is one of the renal replacement therapies with risk of HCV transmission. Anti-HCV antibodies are the serological screening test for HCV infection that does not detect active phase of infection. Majority HCV infected HD patients in Malaysia do not have further HCV RNA performed due to high cost and thus HCV treatment is less frequently offered. HCV Core Antigen (HCV Ag) can potentially be used to diagnose active HCV infection in HD population in comparison to HCV RNA, at lower cost.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the correlation between HCV Ag and HCV RNA and to identify the prevalence of active HCV infection among HCV seropositive HD patients from dialysis centres across West Malaysia from July 2019 to May 2020. Pre-dialysis blood was taken and tested for both HCV Ag and HCV RNA tests. HCV Ag was tested with Abbott ARCHITECT HCV Ag test.
RESULTS: We recruited 112 seropositive HD patients from 17 centres with mean age of 54.04 ± 11.62 years, HD vintage of 14.1 ± 9.7 years, and male constitute 59.8% (67) of the study population. HCV Ag correlates well with HCV RNA (Spearman test coefficient 0.833, p 3000 IU/mL, HCV Ag had a higher sensitivity of 95.1% and greater correlation (Spearman test coefficient 0.897, p

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies
Genotype 3 is the predominant hepatitis C genotype in a multi-ethnic Asian population in Malaysia

Ho SH, Ng KP, Kaur H, Goh KL

Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int, 2015 Jun;14(3):281-6.
PMID: 26063029

BACKGROUND: Genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) are distributed differently across the world. There is a paucity of such data in a multi-ethnic Asian population like Malaysia. The objectives of this study were to determine the distribution of HCV genotypes between major ethnic groups and to ascertain their association with basic demographic variables like age and gender.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional prospective study conducted from September 2007 to September 2013. Consecutive patients who were detected to have anti-HCV antibodies in the University of Malaya Medical Centre were included and tested for the presence of HCV RNA using Roche Cobas Amplicor Analyzer and HCV genotype using Roche single Linear Array HCV Genotyping strip.
RESULTS: Five hundred and ninety-six subjects were found to have positive anti-HCV antibodies during this period of time. However, only 396 (66.4%) were HCV RNA positive and included in the final analysis. Our results showed that HCV genotype 3 was the predominant genotype with overall frequency of 61.9% followed by genotypes 1 (35.9%), 2 (1.8%) and 6 (0.5%). There was a slightly higher prevalence of HCV genotype 3 among the Malays when compared to the Chinese (P=0.043). No other statistical significant differences were observed in the distribution of HCV genotypes among the major ethnic groups. There was also no association between the predominant genotypes and basic demographic variables.
CONCLUSIONS: In a multi-ethnic Asian society in Malaysia, genotype 3 is the predominant genotype among all the major ethnic groups with genotype 1 as the second commonest genotype. Both genotypes 2 and 6 are uncommon. Neither genotype 4 nor 5 was detected. There is no identification of HCV genotype according to ethnic origin, age and gender.

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood
Fulltext The role of blood transfusion in HCV infection: a study testing Ab: RNA & genotype

Al-Kubaisy, Waqar A., Niazi, Amjad D.

Int J Public Health Res, 2011;1(2):72-78.
MyJurnal

Introduction Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) recently was identified as a major cause of post transfusion hepatitis world wide. To evaluate the role of blood transfusion on the prevalence of HCV infection, by testing antibody and RNA as well as the genotypes of HCV .Also to detect if Blood transfusion acts as unconfounding risk factor for HCV infection.
Methods Sera from 3491 pregnant women were investigated for the presence of HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) by using third generation enzyme immunoassay (EIA-3) as screening test, followed by immunoblot assay (Lia Tek-III). In addition 94 sera of studied women were subjected to molecular analysis (at laboratories of Sorin BioMedica - Italy) for the detection of viral RNA and genotypes of HCV. Using RT-PCR & DNA Enzyme immunoassay (DEIA) method.
Results Our study revealed, that seroprevalence rate of HCV specific Ab & RNA were significantly higher (16.32 %, 80% respectively) among women with a history of blood transfusion, compared to those (2.53%, 56.5%) with no such history P=0.0001, P=0.01. And there is a significant direct linear correlation between number of blood transfused and the seropositive rate of anti-HCV (r=0.7, p=0.046). Based on multivariate analysis, interestingly, this study confirmed that, blood transfusion significantly acting as unconfounding risk factor for acquiring HCV infection (Adjusted OR=1.938,95% C.I=1.646-2.28). And the risk of exposure is increases with increased number of blood transfused. Although, we found no significant association between, HCV genotypic distribution and history of blood transfusion. However, high proportion of women with a history of blood transfusion were harboring HCV genotype -4 or 1b, 50%,40%, resepctively.
Conclusions Our study shows, evidence that, blood transfusion acts as unconfounding risk factor for acquiring and in a mode of transmission of HCV infection. Therefore strict screening of blood donor for HCV-Abs and / or RNA is highly recommended.

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies
Fulltext Characterization of Occult Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection among Hemodialysis patient

Siti Nurul Fazlin Abdul Rahman, Hairul Aini Hamzah, Mohammed Imad Mustafa, Mohamed Hadzri Hasmoni

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(11):22-22.
MyJurnal

The existence of new entity called occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) has
become a raising and escalating concern among healthcare professionals worldwide. It
is defined by the presence of viral RNA in liver and/or peripheral blood mononuclear
cells (PBMCs) within non HCV-infected patients. Previous study had shown the occult
HCV is infectious and capable of transmitting the virus to another host. Till today, HCV
infection remains common among hemodialysis patients despite having the best
preventive plans. Because of this, there is a significant concern about the source of viral
transmission. The aim of the study was to identify and characterize occult HCV infection
in PBMC sample of hemodialysis patients. This was an observational and cross sectional
study. (Copied from article).

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies
Fulltext Hepatitis C infection and detection of antibodies, RNA and genotypes among female healthcare workers in Baghdad

Waqar, A.K., Nik Shamsidah N.I., Nor Aini M.N., Waqar, Abd Alqahar Al –Kubaisy

JUMMEC, 2018;21(1):14-20.
MyJurnal

Background: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a major public health problem worldwide. About 130- 200 million people
are infected with HCV worldwide leading to 500,000 deaths annually (WHO 2014). Healthcare workers (HCWs)
have played an important role in the transmission of HCV infection, either as victims or as sources of infection.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of HCV, antibodies (Abs) RNA and genotypes among the female HCWs
in Baghdad and to identify whether HCWs were infective or only infected.
Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 1001 women attending 17 health care centres in
Baghdad, Iraq, was carried out. Information on type and duration of their occupation was obtained. HCV Abs
(anti-HCV) were tested using a third generation enzyme immunoassay (EIA-3) and immunoblot assay (Lia
Tek-111). Molecular analysis using RT-PCR and DNA enzyme immunoassay (DEIA) for HCV-RNA and genotype
detections were carried out for 63 serum samples.
Results: Only 160/1001 (15.98%) were HCWs. Anti-HCV and HCV- RNA seroprevalence were significantly higher
(6.37%, p=0.0057, 88.83%, p= 0.011 respectively) among HCWs than non HCWs. HCWs were at a significantly
higher risk of exposure to HCV infection (OR=2.75, 95% C.I. =1.31-5.79). There was no significant association
between HCV genotypes and the HCWs. HCV-4 showed higher expression (62.5%) among HCWs.
Conclusion: Female HCWs were infective and infected with HCV, thus there is a need for medical equipment
to be sterilized and cleaned thoroughly.

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies
Fulltext Seroprevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding prevention of Hepatitis C among municipal waste collectors in Penang Island, Malaysia

Surajudeen Abiola Abdulrahman, Siti Fatimah Kader Maideen, Fairuz Fadzilah Rahim, Abdul Rashid

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2019;4(1):47-57.
MyJurnal

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C infection and the
level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Hepatitis C prevention among municipal
waste collectors in Penang Island, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was
conducted among a convenient sample of 184 adult male municipal waste collectors in
Penang Island from January to May 2018. Respondents’ blood samples were obtained and
evaluated for antibodies to Hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), and questionnaires administered to
them to collect information on sociodemographic variables and knowledge, attitude and
practice regarding Hepatitis C prevention. The seroprevalence of Hepatitis C virus was
estimated, and the association between sociodemographic variables and respondents’ level
of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Hepatitis C prevention was explored using a
range of parametric and non-parametric statistical tests in SPSS version 23. Results were
considered significant at p

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies
Risks of seroconversion of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency viruses in children with multitransfused thalassaemia major

Lee WS, Teh CM, Chan LL

J Paediatr Child Health, 2005 May-Jun;41(5-6):265-8.
PMID: 15953326 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2005.00608.x

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the risks of seroconversion of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) in children with multitransfused thalassaemia at a thalassaemic clinic in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
METHODS: Seventy-two children (39 males, median age 11.3 years, 2.5th-97.5th centile: 1.4-19.2 years) with thalassaemia major were studied. The risks of seroconversion of HBV, HCV and HIV were estimated by comparing the seroprevalences of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV and anti-HIV between a defined starting point and an end point. The end point was the point when latest serological results were available while the starting point was when regular transfusion was commenced, or approximately 5 years before the end point when the duration of transfusion was longer.
RESULTS: The median duration of the study was 49 months (range 8-69 months, total 2953 patient-months). There were 2605 transfusion episodes and 4154 units of blood transfused (0.88 transfusion episode/patient per month, 1.41 units of blood transfused/patient per month). There were three new seroconversions for anti-HCV but none for HBsAg and anti-HIV. The risk of seroconversion for HCV was one in 1384 units of blood transfused (95% CI: 4000-472). The seroprevalence rates at the starting and end points were: HBsAg (1%, 1%), anti-HCV (10%, 13%) and anti-HIV (0%, 0%), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: The estimated risk of acquiring HCV infection in children receiving multiple blood transfusions in this study is surprisingly higher than the generally accepted estimated risk. Other routes of transmission may be important. A prospective, multicentre study to estimate such risks more precisely is needed.

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood*
Find the Missing Millions: Malaysia's experience with nationwide hepatitis C screening campaign in the general population

Md Said R, Mohd Zain R, Chan HK, Soelar SA, Rusli N, Nasir NH, et al.

J Viral Hepat, 2020 06;27(6):638-643.
PMID: 31997563 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13267

Approximately 2.5% of the Malaysian population is currently living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Yet, the public awareness of the disease is limited and under-screening remains a major challenge. With the support of international non-for-profit organizations, the Ministry of Health in Malaysia recently launched a one-week nationwide hepatitis C screening campaign in conjunction with the World Hepatitis Day. For the first time, the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for HCV screening was introduced in public health institutions. This campaign involved 49 hospitals and 38 health clinics across the country, targeting the adult general population with unknown HCV infection status. Of the 11 382 participants undergoing the RDT, 1.9% were found to be positive for hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) and were referred to on-site medical departments or nearby hospitals for confirmatory testing and treatment. Men, the Malay ethnic group, intranasal and injection drug users and ex-prisoners were shown to have higher odds of being positive for anti-HCV. In addition to serving as a model to educate the general population about the disease, this campaign demonstrates the feasibility of decentralizing HCV screening, particularly by promoting the use of RDT, and linking the HCV-infected patients to care in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies
Fulltext Chronic hepatitis C infection and liver disease in HIV-coinfected patients in Asia

Durier N, Yunihastuti E, Ruxrungtham K, Kinh NV, Kamarulzaman A, Boettiger D, et al.

J Viral Hepat, 2017 03;24(3):187-196.
PMID: 27917597 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12630

Data on markers of hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients in resource-limited settings are scarce. We assessed HCV RNA, HCV genotype (GT), IL28B GT and liver fibrosis (FibroScan® ) in 480 HIV-infected patients with positive HCV antibody in four HIV treatment centres in South-East Asia. We enrolled 165 (34.4%) patients in Jakarta, 158 (32.9%) in Bangkok, 110 (22.9%) in Hanoi and 47 (9.8%) in Kuala Lumpur. Overall, 426 (88.8%) were male, the median (IQR) age was 38.1 (34.7-42.5) years, 365 (76.0%) reported HCV exposure through injecting drug use, and 453 (94.4%) were on combination antiretroviral therapy. The median (IQR) CD4 count was 446 (325-614) cells/mm3 and 208 (94.1%) of 221 patients tested had HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL. A total of 412 (85.8%) had detectable HCV RNA, at a median (IQR) of 6.2 (5.4-6.6) log10 IU/mL. Among 380 patients with HCV GT, 223 (58.7%) had GT1, 97 (25.5%) had GT3, 43 (11.3%) had GT6, eight (2.1%) had GT4, two (0.5%) had GT2, and seven (1.8%) had indeterminate GT. Of 222 patients with IL28B testing, 189 (85.1%) had rs12979860 CC genotype, and 199 (89.6%) had rs8099917 TT genotype. Of 380 patients with FibroScan® , 143 (37.6%) had no/mild liver fibrosis (F0-F1), 83 (21.8%) had moderate fibrosis (F2), 74 (19.5%) had severe fibrosis (F3), and 79 (20.8%) had cirrhosis (F4). One patient (0.3%) had FibroScan® failure. In conclusion, a high proportion of HIV-HCV-coinfected patients had chronic HCV infection. HCV GT1 was predominant, and 62% of patients had liver disease warranting prompt treatment (≥F2).

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood
Fulltext Risk factors for hepatitis C infection among adult patients in Kedah state, Malaysia: A case-control study

Mohd Suan MA, Said SM, Lim PY, Azman AZF, Abu Hassan MR

PLoS One, 2019;14(10):e0224459.
PMID: 31661525 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224459

Hepatitis C infection is a global public health problem. This study was designed to identify the risk factors associated with hepatitis C infection among adult patients in Kedah state, Malaysia. A matched, hospital-based, case-control study was conducted at a tertiary hospital. Cases were adult (aged ≥ 18 years) patients with positive serology test results for hepatitis C virus antibody and detectable hepatitis C virus RNA from January 2015 to December 2018, and controls were age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched patients who were not infected with hepatitis C virus. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic characteristics and previous exposure to selected risk factors among the study participants. Associations between hepatitis C and demographic and risk factors were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. A total of 255 case-control patient pairs were enrolled. The multivariable analysis indicated that having a history of blood or blood product transfusion before 1992 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 6.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.73-13.81), injection drug use (AOR = 6.60, 95% CI: 3.66-12.43), imprisonment (AOR = 4.58, 95% CI: 1.62-16.40), tattooing (AOR = 3.73, 95% CI: 1.37-12.00), having more than one sexual partner (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.16-3.69), piercing (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.04-2.80), and having only secondary education (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.06-3.57) were independently associated with hepatitis C. No associations were found between health care occupation, needle-prick injury, surgical procedures, haemodialysis, acupuncture, cupping, or contact sports and hepatitis C infection. These findings demonstrate that hepatitis C risk is multifactorial. Having a history of blood or blood product transfusion before 1992, injection drug use, imprisonment, tattooing, having more than one sexual partner, piercing, and having only secondary education were associated with increased odds of hepatitis C.

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood
Fulltext Hepatitis B and C virus infection and diabetes mellitus: A cohort study

Hong YS, Chang Y, Ryu S, Cainzos-Achirica M, Kwon MJ, Zhang Y, et al.

Sci Rep, 2017 07 04;7(1):4606.
PMID: 28676706 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04206-6

The role of hepatitis virus infection in glucose homeostasis is uncertain. We examined the associations between hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the development of diabetes in a cohort (N = 439,708) of asymptomatic participants in health screening examinations. In cross-sectional analyses, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio for prevalent diabetes comparing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (+) to HBsAg (-) participants was 1.17 (95% CI 1.06-1.31; P = 0.003). The corresponding odds ratio comparing hepatitis C antibodies (HCV Ab) (+) to HCV Ab (-) participants was 1.43 (95% CI 1.01-2.02, P = 0.043). In prospective analyses, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio for incident diabetes comparing HBsAg (+) to HbsAg (-) participants was 1.23 (95% CI 1.08-1.41; P = 0.007). The number of incident cases of diabetes among HCV Ab (+) participants (10 cases) was too small to reliably estimate the prospective association between HCV infection and diabetes. In this large population at low risk of diabetes, HBV and HCV infections were associated with diabetes prevalence and HBV infection with the risk of incident diabetes. Our studies add evidence suggesting that diabetes is an additional metabolic complication of HBV and HCV infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies/metabolism*
Fulltext Seroprevalence of anti-HCV in an urban child population: a preliminary study from Kuala Lumpur

Lee WS, Ng KP

Singapore Med J, 2001 Mar;42(3):100-1.
PMID: 11405558

A pilot study to determine the seroprevalence of anti-HCV among children from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was conducted using microparticle enzyme immunoassay. Serum samples were obtained randomly from children, aged between one to 16 years of age, admitted to the paediatric unit of University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur for various medical reasons. Of the 179 samples assayed, only one was positive, giving the prevalence rate of 0.6%. It is reasonable to conclude that the seroprevalence of anti-HCV among children from Kuala Lumpur is low, less than 1%.

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood*
Fulltext Chronic hepatitis C infection associated with neuromyelitis optica and antinuclear antibodies

Earnest BS, Men LC, Sukvinder Kaur G, Alias RB, Sunita Devi H

J Assoc Physicians India, 2010 Feb;58(2):118-20.
PMID: 20653157

The neurological manifestations of chronic hepatitis C is most often a peripheral sensory neuropathy characterised by numbness, burning and sensation of "pins and needles". Peripheral motor neuropathy, mononeuropathy, mononeuropathy multiplex and transverse myelitis also occur. Ischemic stroke and transient cerebral ischemia have also been reported. Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is seen, often following interferon therapy. We report an exceptional case of neuromyelitis optica in chronic hepatitis C infection in the absence of interferon therapy.

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies/immunology*
Application of the Serodia-HCV particle agglutination for the detection of antibodies to hepatitis C virus

Ooi BG, Sinniah M, Ismail S, Baharuddin R

Malays J Pathol, 1996 Dec;18(2):89-93.
PMID: 10879228

The Serodia-HCV Particle Agglutination (HCV-PA) for the detection of HCV antibodies was compared with the Enzyme Immunoassay Test (UBI HCV EIA) for possible in-house use. A total of 150 specimens were analysed using UBI HCV EIA and Serodia-HCV PA. Of these, 80 (53.3%) were both PA and EIA positive and 59 (39.3%) were negative by both techniques. Eleven sera (7.4%) were found to be EIA-positive but PA-negative. These 11 discordant sera were further tested by the LiaTek-HCV III Immunoassay (Organon Teknika). Ten were found to be line immunoassay negative and one was line immunoassay positive. Failure of the PA to detect the HCV positive serum meant that a small proportion of HCV antibody positives may be missed by the PA test. We conclude that (i) EIA should continue to be the first line screening test in our laboratory, (ii) PA with its 100% specificity could be a useful supplementary screen for all EIA-positive sera and finally (iii) line immunoassay could be used on sera to resolve discordant results in the EIA and PA assays.

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood*
Fulltext The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-HCV antibody in paediatric oncology patients in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Menon BS, Aiyar S

Med J Malaysia, 1997 Dec;52(4):331-4.
PMID: 10968109

This study examined the prevalence of hepatitis B and C markers in 55 paediatric oncology patients who had completed treatment at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kota Baru. All these children had received blood products and had been treated between 1985-1996. Forty seven per cent of patients were positive for hepatitis B or C. Twenty nine per cent were positive for hepatitis C and twenty two per cent were HBsAg positive. Two children were positive for both and none were HIV positive. Four children had an elevated ALT level and one child had jaundice and hepatomegaly. Some children were marker-positive despite immunization and screening of blood.

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood*
Fulltext Chronic HCV histology is predictable from HCV RNA and IgM anti HCV results

Sachithanandan S, Fielding JF

Med J Malaysia, 1999 Mar;54(1):110-3.
PMID: 10972013

The aim of this study was to determine if knowledge of both the serum HCV RNA and serum anti core IgM antibody status enabled one to predict the histological severity in chronic hepatitis C. We studied 45 female patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. The presence or absence of IgM antibodies to HCV and HCV RNA by PCR in each patient's serum was determined. Liver biopsies performed were scored according to a modified Desmet's histological activity index. Negative HCV RNA patients had least histological change. HCV RNA positive patients who were also IgM antibody positive had lower scores than their IgM negative counterparts. The grade of histological severity is more accurately predictable from knowledge of both the HCV RNA and IgM anti HCV status of the patient.

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies/analysis*
Fulltext The prevalence of anti-HCV antibody in risk groups and blood donors

Ng KP, Saw TL, Wong NW, Goh KL, Chuah SY, Nagaratnam M

Med J Malaysia, 1995 Dec;50(4):302-5.
PMID: 8668047

Anti-HCV antibody was detected in 1.9% of the blood donors in University Hospital. Among the risk groups, 33.3% of the patients with post-transfusion hepatitis were tested positive for anti-HCV antibody. The anti-HCV antibody was detected in 30% of the IDU. Haemodialysis patients, patients with acute and chronic hepatitis and patients with liver cirrhosis appeared to have increased risk of Hepatitis C virus infection. The results indicate that the frequency of HCV infection increases with the exposure to blood or blood products.

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood*
Fulltext Review of hepatitis C in Malaysia

Sinniah M

Med J Malaysia, 1992 Sep;47(3):155-7.
PMID: 1283439
Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies
Fulltext Hepatitis C: an update

Merican MI

Med J Malaysia, 1992 Sep;47(3):158-69.
PMID: 1283440

The identification of the Hepatitis C virus using molecular cloning techniques, besides making the term Non-A Non-B Hepatitis obsolete, enables the development of specific assays for the detection of antibodies in HCV-infected individuals, thus making it possible to obtain sero-epidemiological data of the disease. The carriage of Hepatitis C antibody varies worldwide. The disease is most prevalent in intravenous drug abusers or haemophiliacs. Parenteral transmission is the most important route of transmission. Sexual, intra-familial and perinatal transmissions are uncommon. About 40% could be community-acquired (sporadic). Diagnostic tests include enzyme-linked immunosorbant (ELISA) anti-HCV assay, recombinant immunoblot assay, HCV-RNA by polymerase chain reaction and HCV-Ag. More than 50% of acute cases becomes chronic and runs a benign and indolent course. About 20% progress to cirrhosis and some of these develop hepatocellular carcinoma. Several published trials have consistently shown that treatment with interferon in some patients is useful. There is however a relapse rate of 50%. Further trials with interferon and other anti-viral agents like ribavirin are awaited for more effective treatment.

Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis C Antibodies

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