Expression of intrahepatic hepatitis D viral antigen in chronic hepatitis D virus infection

Article Abstract:

Four different types of hepatitis viruses have been identified: A, B, C and D. These viruses cause inflammation and damage to the liver. When a person has an active infection with one of these viruses, they will produce special proteins in their blood called viral antigens. It is not clear whether the virus directly damages the liver cells or whether the immune system plays a role. A study was performed to determine if the hepatitis D virus (HDV) directly damages liver cells, if HDV antigens are present in the liver of patients with HDV infection, and if HDV antigens are related to the severity of the liver disease. A total of 98 liver samples from 68 patients were tested for HDV antigen; the patients all tested positive for HDV antigen in the blood. Seventy-five of the liver samples were positive for HDV antigen. The patients who had HDV antigen in their liver had more severe inflammation and liver disease than those who did not have HDV antigen in their liver. However, when only the patients with HDV antigen in their liver were compared, there was no relationship between the antigen amount and the severity of liver disease. Twenty-two of the patients with HDV antigen in their liver were tested again two years later. Over the two-year period, the number of patients with progressive liver disease (cirrhosis) increased from 36 percent to 73 percent. However, the amount of HDV antigen in the liver decreased during this period. The results of this study indicate that the amount of HDV antigen in the liver is not related to the severity of the disease, and that HDV does not directly damage liver cells. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement, Delta infection, Hepatitis D, Delta-associated agent, Hepatitis delta virus

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Hepatitis C virus and transfusion transmitted liver disease: review

Article Abstract:

The risk of hepatitis transmission has long been a concern regarding blood transfusions. It has recently been determined that most cases of hepatitis caused by blood transfusion are of the type known as non-A non-B (NANB) hepatitis. This name was chosen because the disease was found to be different from hepatitis A and hepatitis B, but the actual causative agent had not been identified. It now appears likely that the cause of NANB hepatitis is the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The risk of transmitting hepatitis caused by the hepatitis B virus has largely been eliminated by screening donated blood prior to transfusion. Hepatitis A is rarely transmitted by transfusion because the illness generally does not become chronic, so there is essentially no group of hepatitis A carriers who might donate blood. Hepatitis C has an incubation period of about 60 days, and is usually a clinically mild or asymptomatic disease. On the other hand, it can progress to chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver. Its presence in the population creates a significant problem for hemophilic patients, who frequently receive clotting factor concentrates which may represent donations from over 2,000 people. As a result, hemophiliacs frequently have chronic hepatitis. The HCV is an RNA virus, with a lipid envelope; it is grouped with the togaviruses or the flaviviruses. It is suspected that HCV plays a significant role in the development of hepatocellular (liver) cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Hepatitis C, Disease transmission, Blood transfusion, Hepatitis C virus

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Detection of Epstein-Barr virus genomes in Hodgkin's disease: relation to age

Article Abstract:

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is implicated in the development of Hodgkin's disease, a cancer in which there is enlargement of the lymphoid tissues and glands. The genetic information for the virus (the genome) can be demonstrated in the tissues of the tumors in some, but not all, patients with Hodgkin's disease. Hodgkin's disease is clinically heterogenous and is classified into four subtypes, based on examination of the tissues of the tumors. The disease can also be classified according to patient age; under 15 years, 15 to 34 years, and over 50 years. Some correlation between the two types of classification systems exists. A study was conducted with 95 patients to determine if EBV is present in certain subtypes or age groups more often than in others. EBV was found in most tissue specimens from children under 15 years and in those from adults over the age of 50. It was very rarely found in specimens from young adults with Hodgkin's disease. After correcting for this age effect, no correlation could be seen with the presence of EBV and the subgroups based on tissue examination. This study supports the hypothesis that the mechanism for the development of Hodgkin's disease is different in various age groups and that EBV is involved in the development of Hodgkin's disease in young children and adults over 50 years of age. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Hodgkin's disease, Pediatric diseases, Demographic aspects, Epstein-Barr virus, Hodgkin's disease in children

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