The association of hepatitis delta virus and hepatitis B virus in parenteral drug abusers

Article Abstract:

Delta agent hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by simultaneous infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and a delta agent, an abnormal ribonucleic acid virus. This type of liver disease may be more severe than infection with HBV alone or may worsen HBV infection. The hepatitis delta virus was shown to be prevalent in Mediterranean countries and among intravenous (IV) drug abusers in Western Europe and the United States. Ninety percent of IV drug abusers have been exposed to HBV and more than 10 percent of IV drug abusers have antibodies, or specialized proteins, that bind to hepatitis delta virus (anti-HD). The presence of anti-HD was assessed in 105 HBV-positive IV drug abusers between 1971 and 1972 and 160 HBV-positive IV drug abusers between 1986 and 1987. In both groups, anti-HD was associated with the presence of a portion of HBV, the hepatitis B surface antigen. Anti-HD was detected in 31 percent of the early (1971 to 1972) patient group and 20 percent of the later (1986 to 1987) patient group who tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. Of those without hepatitis B surface antigen, 10 and seven percent of the early and later groups respectively had anti-HD. The presence of anti-HD was not related to gender or ethnicity, and was not associated with geographical region in the early group. The results show that anti-HD is prevalent in IV drug abusers and was widespread in this population as early as 1971. In addition, the presence of anti-HD is associated with hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies to HBV. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Measurement, Testing, Drug abuse, Hepatitis associated antigen, Hepatitis B e-antigen, Delta infection, Hepatitis D

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Evidence against the association between alcohol use and ischemic stroke risk

Article Abstract:

The relationship between alcohol consumption and the risk of stroke was evaluated in 90 patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke (severe lack of oxygen in brain tissue) using CT (computerized tomography) scan. Alcohol use was defined by customary use. No consistent or significant association was found between any level of alcohol use and the risk of ischemic stroke. A previous study which had reported a significant relationship between men with heavy alcohol use and the risk of ischemic stroke may have been incorrect because of poor research design.

Causes of, Physiological aspects, Alcohol, Ethanol, Cerebral ischemia

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Effect of Opuntia ficus indica on symptoms of the alcohol hangover

Article Abstract:

Canada, Care and treatment, Usage, Prickly pears, Hangovers

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