Objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may adversely affect the course of viral hepatitis infections that share similar routes of transmission. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among individuals infected with HIV. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included HIV-infected patients aged ≥18 years who were followed at the outpatient clinic between October 1, 2020, and September 1, 2024. Demographic characteristics and viral hepatitis serological markers [anti-HAV immunoglobulin G (IgG), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBs, total anti-HBc, anti-HCV] were recorded for these patients. Results: A total of 210 HIV-infected patients were included in the study; 86.7% were male, and the median age was 35 (18-73) years. HBV and HCV serological data were available for 196 patients. Positivity rates for anti-HBs, total anti-HBc, HBsAg, and anti-HCV were 51%, 18.4%, 2.6%, and 0.5%, respectively. Concomitant positivity for anti-HBs and total anti-HBc was observed in 15.3% of patients, whereas isolated total anti-HBc positivity was detected in only one patient (0.5%). Among 152 patients with available anti-HAV IgG data, 68.4% were seropositive. Anti-HAV IgG negativity was significantly associated with younger age, higher educational level, and men who have sex with men status (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study indicates that HBV and HCV coinfections occur at a low frequency among individuals living with HIV, whereas susceptibility to HAV and HBV remains an important clinical concern. It also emphasizes the necessity of routine serological screening and vaccination against viral hepatitis during HIV follow-up.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to document the increase in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance that we observed during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and Methods: Patients with chronic hepatitis B aged 18 years and older who were followed between 2010 and 2023 at three hospitals in Türkiye were included in this study. Rates of HBsAg seroclearance, seroconversion, and serological response among the patients were determined. Data from patients other than those who developed HBsAg seroclearance before the COVID-19 pandemic (before 2020) were analyzed. Results: A total of 188 patients were included in the study. In total, 26 (13.8%) patients developed HBsAg seroclearance, 28 (15%) developed HBsAg seroconversion, and 21 (11.2%) developed a serological response. Of the patients who developed HBsAg seroclearance, 22 (84.6%) occurred in 2020 or later, and 4 (15.4%) occurred before 2020. The annual incidence rates of HBsAg seroclearance were 0.78% in 2014, 0.6% in 2017, 1.15% in 2019, 1.71% in 2020, 2.23% in 2021, 7.4% in 2022, and 1.2% in 2023. 95% of the patients were vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech and/or Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccines, and 36.4% had a COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: In this study, the annual incidence rate of HBsAg seroclearance in the pre-pandemic period was consistent with the literature (0-1.15%), but this rate tended to increase during the pandemic (7.4%). We suggest that this increase may be related to COVID-19 infection and vaccination.
Transient hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity following hepatitis B (HB) vaccination is a rare occurrence and, particularly in hemodialysis patients, may lead to unnecessary clinical interventions if misinterpreted. A 42-year-old male with a history of myasthenia gravis, nephrotic syndrome, and thymic carcinoma was admitted to the clinic to initiate chronic hemodialysis for steroid-resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Since baseline serology was negative for HBsAg and anti-HBs, the patient was administered a double dose of recombinant HB vaccine. One day after vaccination, HBsAg positivity was detected, and the patient was dialyzed using an isolated dialysis machine. The positivity persisted on the second day but completely resolved by day 12. The final test was negative for HBsAg, with an anti-HBs titer of 10.85 IU/L. Additional vaccine doses were administered, and HBsAg remained negative on follow-up evaluations. To prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary isolation or interventions, accurate interpretation of serological findings and effective interdisciplinary communication in dialysis centers are critically important.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate biochemical response, sustained virological response (SVR) rates, and changes in non-invasive fibrosis markers [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4)] using real-world data in patients with chronic hepatitis Cvirus (HCV) treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Materials and Methods: Patients aged >= 18 years with chronic HCV who were followed between January 2018 and December 2024 and treated with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, or ledipasvir/sofosbuvir were retrospectively analyzed. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), AST, platelet count, and HCV-RNA levels were recorded at baseline, at treatment week 4, at end of treatment, and at 12 and 24 weeks after treatment completion. APRI and FIB-4 scores were calculated at each time point. Results: A total of 43 patients were included; the median age was 57 years (interquartile range: 43-65), and 58% were male. ALT and AST levels decreased significantly from treatment week 4 onward (p<0.001). APRI scores showed a significant early decline that persisted throughout the follow-up period (p<0.001). FIB-4 scores decreased significantly at week 4; however, this reduction was not sustained during follow-up. A strong correlation was observed between changes in APRI and ALT, whereas the association between FIB-4 and ALT was weak and limited. SVR12 and SVR24 rates were 100% among patients with available HCV-RNA data. Conclusion: In real-world settings, DAA therapy achieves high SVR rates and rapid biochemical improvement. The early and persistent decline in APRI reflects regression of inflammatory activity, while the limited change in FIB-4 suggests that longer follow-up may be required to adequately assess fibrosis regression.
Objectives: The hepatitis B virus (HBV) has a high mutation rate during replication, leading to the production of different variants. However, such atypical profiles could also be due to variant strains resulting from mutations. This study aimed to determine the mutations responsible for this profile and the presence of mutant strains by performing sequence analysis of the HBV pol/S gene regions in patients with chronic HB infection who were found to have coexisting HB surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HBs positivity during their follow-up. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of patients who were found to be simultaneously positive for HBsAg and anti-HBs during routine follow-up for chronic HBV infection between 2021 and 2022. Mutations in the pol/S gene regions of HBV-DNA- positive patients were investigated using HBV-DNA sequencing technology. Results: The coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs was observed in 33 patients (3.8%). Anti-HBe was positive in all cases. Thirteen (39.4%) patients were HBV-DNA positive (minimum 6.9+E1 IU, maximum 3.7+E6 IU). All patients had HBV genotype D, and the D1/D2 ratio was 45.5%/54.6%. Among HBV-DNA-positive patients, 11 (84.6%) had pol/S gene mutations. Sixty-eight HBsAg mutations (42.8%) and 91 reverse transcriptase (RT) mutations (57%) were detected in these cases, representing a total of 159 mutations. In total, three patients (27.2%) had clinically significant HBsAg mutations, and four (36.3%) had RT mutations. Drug resistance was detected in 18.2% of cases. A vaccine-escape HBsAg mutation was detected in two cases (18.1%). Conclusion: The mutations detected in the pol/S gene sequence analyses of patients with HBsAg and anti-HBs coexistence seen in the course of chronic HB infection are naturally occurring, and the coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs could not be explained by these mutations.
Objectives: Two potent nucleoside analogues frequently used to treat chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). The purpose of this study was to examine the virological and biochemical therapeutic responses to TDF and ETV in CHB patients and to assess their effects on renal function. Materials and Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study. The study comprised patients diagnosed with CHB who had been treated with TDF or ETV for at least a year. Results: A total of treatment-naive 269 patients were analyzed, of whom 29% were hepatitis B e antigen positive. Among the patients, 26% (n=70/269) received ETV, whereas 74% (n=199/269) received TDF treatment. Patients receiving TDF were younger than those treated with ETV. The TDF group had significantly higher baseline hepatitis B virus DNA levels (log10 IU/mL) than the ETV group. Complete virological response was achieved in 232 (86.2%) of patients. Antiviral efficacy was comparable between treatments; however, a greater decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate was observed among patients receiving TDF. Conclusion: This study showed that TDF and ETV had comparable antiviral effectiveness. These findings provide updated real-world evidence supporting individualized selection of first-line antiviral therapy based on patients’ renal profiles.
Objectives: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. HBV-DNA tests, used to detect viremic patients and monitor viral load, may also provide insights into transmissibility and public health implications. This study aimed to analyze HBV-DNA tests performed in our hospital over a period of 10.5 years. Materials and Methods: Results of 45,624 HBV-DNA tests performed in the molecular microbiology laboratory between January 1, 2015, and July 31, 2025 were collected from the electronic records. The HBV-DNA test was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Annual test numbers, positivity rates, and viral load changes were analyzed using linear regression. Results: On average, 4,310 tests were performed annually, of which 27.4% were positive. Throughout the study period, the median age of the tested patient population increased significantly by 7-8 years; the positivity rate of the tests declined from 37% to 25.6%; and the median viral load of patients testing positive and the quartile extremes decreased significantly by 1-log. The number of tests conducted and the positivity rate decreased significantly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic compared to previous years, by 35.4% and 37.6%, respectively. Although the COVID-19 pandemic and regional earthquakes temporarily reduced access to testing, these short-term disruptions did not alter the overall downward trends. Conclusion: The decline in positivity and the increase in patient age suggest that vaccination reduced infections in younger populations, thereby leading to an aging HBV-positive cohort. The reduction in viral load reflects effective treatment and monitoring; however, follow-up may have been disrupted by the pandemic. Strengthening access to antiviral therapy among individuals with undiagnosed chronic HBV could accelerate reduction in HBV prevalence.
Objectives: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a ribonucleic acid virus that usually causes acute self-limiting liver disease and is transmitted via the fecal-oral route. The prevalence of HAV is an indicator of socioeconomic level and closely related to geographical differences and hygiene. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to investigate the seropositivity of anti-HAV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti-HAV IgM in patients of different age groups admitted to our hospital. A total of 3,110 cases were analyzed using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method and patients were divided into four age groups: 0-12 years, 13-17 years, 18-35 years, and over 35 years old. The chi-square test was used to evaluate the anti-HAV IgG serological variable about the independent variables such as age and gender. Results: There was no significant difference between genders. However, a statistically significant difference was observed between the 0-12 and 13-17 age groups, as well as between the 18-35 and >35 age groups. Anti-HAV IgM reactivity was detected only in a 43-year-old female. HAV seropositivity between 13 and 35 years of age is significantly lower, suggesting that the vaccine should also be administered to young adults. Conclusion: Seroprevalence data is crucial for outbreak prevention, guiding public health measures such as sanitation and hygiene, and particularly for planning vaccination programs.
Objectives: Chronic viral hepatitis may reduce quality of life (QoL). In this study, our aim was to assess the QoL of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and to compare these results with those of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). Materials and Methods: A total of 299 consecutive patients with chronic HBV, 92 patients with chronic HCV, and 64 patients with NAFLD were included. Short form-36 (SF-36), the liver disease symptom index 2.0 (LDSI 2.0), and the sociodemographic data form were completed. Child-Pugh and the model for end-stage liver disease scores were also calculated. Results: Patients with chronic HCV had the worst scores on the SF-36 and the LDSI 2.0, followed by patients with HBV and NAFLD. Factors associated with QoL were, among patients with HCV, employment status, medical treatment, income level, presence of cirrhosis, and number of comorbid conditions; among patients with HBV, gender and presence of cirrhosis; and among patients with NAFLD, number of children, duration of disease, number of comorbid conditions, and body mass index. Conclusion: Chronic viral hepatitis had a negative impact on QoL. Patients with chronic HCV had the lowest QoL, followed by patients with chronic HBV and NAFLD.
Objectives: Hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) may occur in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. The risk of HBVr varies depending on the immunosuppressive agent used and hepatitis serology. This study aimed to evaluate HBVr among immunosuppressed patients with and without antiviral prophylaxis. Materials and Methods: HB surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive and/or HB core antibody-positive patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy were retrospectively evaluated at a single-center, tertiary-care hospital. Results: A total of 224 patients were initially screened, and 153 were included in the study. The median age was 62 years (range, 52.5-72), and 50.3% were female. The rate of HBsAg positivity was 21.6%, while HB surface antibody positivity was detected in 52.3% of patients. Antiviral prophylaxis was administered to 81.7% of patients: entecavir (75.2%), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) (19.2%), and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) (5.6%). HBVr was not observed in patients receiving antiviral prophylaxis, whereas two cases occurred in patients not receiving prophylaxis (p=0.033). One of these patients was receiving rituximab-based therapy, and the other was on corticosteroid treatment. When patients were stratified by risk group, rates of HBVr among patients who did not receive prophylaxis were 50% in the high-risk group, 25% in the moderate-risk group, and 0% in the low-risk group. Conclusion: HBVr may occur in immunosuppressed patients. In these patient groups, hepatitis serologic testing should be performed, and antiviral prophylaxis should be administered according to the immunosuppressive regimen. Entecavir, TDF, and TAF appear to be both effective and safe. Patients without antiviral prophylaxis should be closely monitored.
Objectives: Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection is detectable in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive patients and is more significant than other viral hepatitis in terms of the risk of liver cirrhosis/liver cancer. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HDV and the clinical and histological status of patients with HDV in the southeastern region of T & uuml;rkiye. Materials and Methods: A total of 250 family physicians in the provinces of Diyarbak & imath;r, & Scedil;anl & imath;urfa, Batman, and Mardin were trained on the importance of HDV infection and the follow-up of patients with HBsAg positivity. The importance of HDV was emphasised. For this purpose, the importance of prospectively screening 20,000 HBsAg-positive patients under the care of family physicians for HDV was highlighted. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing was also conducted in patients who tested positive for anti-delta. Patients who tested positive for HDV were referred to gastroenterology/infectious diseases specialists. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) values were measured using Fibroscan (R) in patients who tested positive for HDV. Results: A total of 20,000 HBsAg-positive patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 38.2 years; 64.3% of the patients were male. Anti-delta seropositivity was detected in 1,019 (5.1%) of HBsAg-positive patients. Patients with anti delta positivity were referred to a specialist physician for diagnosis and follow-up. HDV-ribonucleic acid (RNA) >500 copies/mL was detected in 367 patients (36%). Vibration-controlled transient elastography was performed with the M530 Fibroscan (R) device in 992 HDV-positive patients to assess LSM and CAP. Liver cirrhosis was detected in 5.5% of patients. Among patients with liver cirrhosis, HDV-RNA was positive in 92.8% and alanine aminotransferase levels above the upper limit of normal were detected in 71.4%. The mean LSM in delta patients was 8.7 kPa, compared with 17.2 kPa in cirrhotic HDV-infected patients (p<0.05). HIV testing was performed on 1,019 HDV-positive patients, and HIV was detected in 18 patients (1.8%). Of these patients, 38.8% reported a history of intravenous drug use. CAP values were significantly higher in patients with hepatitis B virus+HDV+HIV coinfection. The metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease rate was 72.2% in these patients. Conclusion: Anti-delta positivity was detected in 5.1% of HBsAgpositive patients in the southeastern region of our country. Liver cirrhosis was observed in 5.5% of these patients. HIV positivity was also observed in 1.8% of HDV-positive patients. HDV is a significant problem in our country; therefore, HBsAg-positive patients should be evaluated for HDV. Additionally, HDV/HIV co-infection is a significant issue, particularly among intravenous drug users.
Drug resistance is a significant hurdle in the control and treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This resistance is caused by some mutations in the viral genome which enable alternative ways for viral replication; which otherwise is blocked by nucleot(s)ide analogues (NAs). To overcome this hurdle, the correct drug selection is required because a specific mutation may bestow upon the virus resistance against a particular drug, but it remains susceptible to others. Significant literature has been published on the topic since the start of NAs use as a treatment option for chronic HBV patients. This review summarizes all the literature published on resistant mutations in the reverse transcriptase domain of the HBV genome, most of which have been reported. After a detailed screening, 36 studies were included in the final review. It is concluded that the most frequent mutations related to resistance are rtM204V/S/I/Y, rtM180C/L/I/T, rtN236T, rtA181T/V/S and rtV173L. Mutations rtT184S, rtN238D/S/R, rtA194T, rtL80V/G/I, rtS202I/G/C, rtV214A/T/I, rtV207L/M, rtI169T/P, and rtM250V/I/L are less common but are also reported to be associated with viral resistance.
Zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes a worldwide problem. Generally transmitted via infected animals/eating contaminated food. Fully understanding the distinctive biology, transmission routes, and clinical consequences of zoonotic HEV strains is essential for developing efficacious prevention and control tactics. Current knowledge gives prominence to animals, with pigs in particular being recognized as reservoirs, and examines the clinical variances between zoonotic and strictly human HEV genotypes. This analysis further explores recent advances in diagnostics, immunization efforts, and protective measures while identifying gaps in our comprehension, requiring additional research to better address HEV as a public health menace. Furthermore, strategies aiming to reduce potential zoonotic transmission through improved hygiene standards and strict inspection of the food supply chain merit consideration.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients with a history of resolved HBV infection or isolated anti-HB core immunoglobulin G positivity who received systemic immunosuppressive therapy for psoriasis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients >= 18 years old with psoriasis who received systemic immunosuppressive therapy (>= 3 months), including methotrexate (MTX), apremilast, cyclosporine, and various biologic agents [tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-17, IL-23, IL-12/23 inhibitors] between January 2018 and March 2025. Patients with baseline HBV-DNA positivity, human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus co-infection, or incomplete data were excluded. HBV reactivation was defined as either HB surface antigen (HBsAg) seroconversion or detectable HBV-DNA. Patients were classified into three risk groups based on serological status and immunosuppressive regimen. Anti-HBs levels were categorized (<10 IU/L, 10-99 IU/L, and >= 100 IU/L), and risk factors were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and logistic regression. Results: Among 1200 patients screened, 138 eligible individuals were included (63.0% male; mean age 56.9 +/- 11.8 years). Seven patients (5.0%) experienced HBV reactivation during immunosuppressive therapy, with no cases of acute hepatitis. Reactivation occurred significantly more often in HBsAg-positive and anti-HBs-negative individuals (p=0.008 and p=0.018, respectively). No reactivation was observed in patients with anti-HBs >= 10 IU/L (p<0.001). Logistic regression showed a trend toward higher reactivation risk with HBsAg positivity (odds ratio: 8.60; p=0.062). MTX, despite being classified as low risk, was associated with reactivation in HBsAg-positive patients. Conclusion: HBV reactivation is strongly associated with HBsAg positivity and low or absent anti-HBs levels. Pre-treatment serological screening and close monitoring, especially in anti-HBs-negative individuals, are essential for safe immunosuppressive therapy in psoriasis.
Objective: T & uuml;rkiye is a medium endemic country for hepatitis A virus (HAV) and the seroprevalence of HAV varies regionally. The aim of this study was to determine the immunity status against HAV according to age groups in Mardin province, where no seroprevalence study has been conducted. Materials and Methods: Anti-HAV immunoglobulin G (IgG) tests which were requested from outpatient clinics of Mardin Training and Research Hospital between May 2024 and September 2024 were evaluated. Anti-HAV IgG was analysed with Cobas (R) 6000 system (Roche Diagnostics, Rotkreuz, Switzerland) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: Anti-HAV IgG results of 2765 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 34.72 +/- 19.27 years, 1459 were female (52.8%) and 1306 were male (47.2%). Anti-HAV IgG positivity was detected in 94.6% of the patients. This rate was 95.3% in males and 94.0% in females. The lowest rate of anti-HAV IgG positivity was in the age group of 13-18 years (66.7%). At the age of 50 years and older, anti-HAV IgG positivity was 100%. The mean age of seropositive patients was higher than seronegative patients (35.6 vs. 19.8, p<0.001). The seropositivity rate was found to be higher in children born after 2012 (when routine HAV vaccination began in childhood) than in children aged 13-18 born before 2012 (95.3% vs. 66.7%, p<0.001). Conclusion: HAV seroprevalence was found to be high in Mardin province. Furthermore, the HAV vaccination programme has yielded positive results. As the 13-18 age group did not benefit from the programme, they are the most susceptible to HAV. Therefore, special vaccination programmes should be implemented for this age group.
Objectives: Patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) should be tested for hepatitis A virus (HAV) and vaccinated if they are seronegative. However, this test is often neglected. This study aims to investigate the status of HAV testing in chronic HBV patients. Materials and Methods: A multicenter study is being conducted by the Viral Hepatitis Combat Association with 16 centers across the country, including patients who have been receiving treatment for chronic HBV for at least 14 years. The anti-HAV immunoglobulin G (IgG) testing and vaccination status of the patients in this study were evaluated retrospectively. The patients' data recorded in a web-based program were transferred to an Excel form, and the necessary analyses were performed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows, version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Categorical measurements were summarized as numbers and percentages, continuous measurements as mean and standard deviation, and chi-square or Fisher's exact test statistics were used to compare categorical variables. Results: The study group included 2966 individuals, 1832 of whom were male (61.8%) and 1134 of whom were female (38.2%). Of these patients, 1819 individuals (61.3%) were tested for anti-HAV IgG, while 1147 individuals (38.7%) were not. Of the 1819 individuals tested for anti-HAV IgG, 1688 (92.8%) were seropositive, and 131 (7.2%) were seronegative. It was determined that seropositivity increased significantly with age, and seronegativity was 23% among those aged 18-26 and 21% among those aged 27-33 (p=0.00001). According to the obtained data, HAV seronegativity was detected in one-fourth of individuals younger than 26 years and one-fifth of individuals aged 27-33. At 40 and above, seronegativity decreases significantly, falling to 5% and below. Conclusion: Due to the changes observed in HAV epidemiology in our country in recent years, HAV seronegativity is high in young adults. According to our study data, anti-HAV IgG should be tested once in all chronic HBV patients, especially patients under the age of 35, and vaccination of seronegative individuals should not be neglected.
Objectives: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) continues to be an increasingly significant public health concern due to its substantial impact on morbidity and mortality. This study aims to determine the dynamic genotype (GT) distribution of HCV among HCV infections admitted to Mu & gbreve;la Training and Research Hospital and to evaluate the relationship between HCV GTs and factors such as gender and age. Materials and Methods: A total of 230 patients with chronic HCV were included in the study between January 2019 and October 2024. Quantitative HCV-RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were performed using the Rotor-Gene Q real-time PCR system, and HCV genotyping was conducted with the PyroMark Q24 pyrosequencing system. Results: Among the 220 patients analyzed for HCV GTs, 69.5% were male, and 30.5% were female. The most prevalent GT was GT1, observed in 66.4% of cases. In females, the most common GT was 1b (58.2%), while in males, GT3a was the most frequent (35.9%). Of the patients, 90.9% (200) were Turkish, while 9.1% (20) were foreign nationals. The most common GT was GT1b, with frequencies of 34.0% and 70.0% respectively. On a yearly basis, GT1b was detected at the highest rates in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. In contrast, GT1a was most common in 2019, and GT3a was predominant in 2020. Regarding age groups, the highest prevalence was observed in the 18-30 age range (30.9%; 68 cases), while the lowest was in individuals under 18 years, with only one case. Conclusion: In our study, among patients tested for HCV GTs, GT1 was the most common GT, with a prevalence of 66.4%. This finding is consistent with many studies worldwide. The GT distribution was found to be associated with the patients' gender. The GT distribution was statistically significantly higher in the 18-30 age group among all age groups.
Objectives: Patients on hemodialysis (HD) are more vulnerable to infections than the general population due to immunosuppression caused by chronic renal failure. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmitted by blood are the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in these patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV in chronic renal failure patients undergoing HD treatment over a four-year period. Materials and Methods: This study analyzed 3,799 patient records of persons receiving HD at Meram Medical Faculty and Konya City Hospitals from April 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023. Serum samples from all patients were analyzed for HB surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBs, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV markers. The serological parameters were assessed using the Architect I200 SR (Abbott, USA) or the Cobas 8000 immunoassay analyzer (Roche, Mannheim, Germany). Results: After exclusion of duplicate data, 463 patients were eligible for the study. Of the patients, 52.4% were male, and 47.6% were female. The mean age was 54.5 +/- 16.1 years. All patients tested negative for anti-HIV. Seventeen patients (3.7%) were positive for anti-HCV, 11 patients (2.3%) were positive for HbsAg, and 423 patients (91.9%) were positive for anti-HBs. Conclusion: Our results regarding the seroprevalence of HbsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV in HD patients were consistent with existing literature from T & uuml;rkiye. Conversely, we observed an elevated prevalence of anti-HBs positivity among HD patients. The vaccination procedures administered to dialysis patients receiving treatment in tertiary hospitals in Konya were deemed highly effective. We emphasize that those at risk for HBV infection must receive vaccination without exception, and that infection control protocols in dialysis units should adhere to established guidelines.
Objectives: According to 2023 the World Health Organization data, around 50 million people globally have chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, presenting an ongoing public health challenge. This study aimed to evaluate HCV prevalence, viremia rates, and genotype (GT) distribution among HCV-positive cases in Ankara. Materials and Methods: In this study, anti-HCV results from 308,309 patients were evaluated. Anti-HCV tests were analyzed using the Cobas 8000 system, and quantitative HCV ribonucleic acid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were performed on the Cobas 8800 real-time PCR system. A commercial PCR-based Bosphore HCV genotyping kit v5 was used to determine HCV GTs. Results: The anti-HCV prevalence was 0.38%, HCV viremia prevalence was 0.04%, and the viremia rate was 11.1% (131/1,179). The viremia rate was 6.4% in 2022, 12% in 2023, and 10.9% in 2024 (p=0.25). The highest HCV viremia prevalence was in those aged 70 and above (0.07%), while the highest HCV viremia rate (16.7%) occurred in the 0-29 age group (both p<0.001). Among foreign patients, the anti-HCV prevalence, HCV viremia prevalence, and viremia rate were 2.3%, 0.4%, and 18.8%, respectively, whereas in Turkish citizens, these rates were 0.3%, 0.03%, and 10%, (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.008, respectively). The most common GT was GT1 (55.7%). Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that HCV prevalence and viremia rates are lower compared to global data. GT1 has been identified as the predominant GT. The higher viremia rates observed in the young population and foreign individuals highlight the importance of early diagnosis and screening programs in these groups.
