Findings from Rockefeller University advance knowledge in hepatitis A virus

   " Former heroin addicted adults (n = 103) on methadone maintenance therapy. Markers for hepatitis A virus [HAV immunoglobulin M (IgM) and imunoglobulin G (IgG)], hepatitis B [hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) and hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)] and hepatitis C virus (HCVAb). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and quantitative HCV RNA were also obtained. Qualitative detection of HBV DNA and HCV genotype were obtained in a subset of subjects. More than 40% of subjects had markers for all three viruses. HCVAb was the most prevalent (83.5%), followed by HBcAb (65.0%), HAV IgG (46.1%) and HBsAb (41.1%). Hepatitis C RNA was detected in 70.6% of HCVAb positive subjects. While no subject had HBsAg, HBV DNA was detected in 26.4% of subjects who underwent this measure; all (n = 20) had HBcAb as their only HBV marker. The presence of HBV DNA did not influence ALT. Subjects with HCV RNA had higher ALTs than those without HCV RNA. Most methadone-maintained subjects had at least one marker for viral hepatitis, with 41.8% having markers for HAV, HBV and HCV. A quarter of subjects had silent HBV infection, defined as the presence of HBV DNA in the absence of HBsAg," wrote G. Bart and colleagues, Rockefeller University.

   The researchers concluded: "These subjects should be considered infectious and pose a public health risk."

   Bart and colleagues published the results of their research in Addiction (Markers for hepatitis A, B and C in methadone maintained patients: an unexpectedly high co-infection with silent hepatitis B. Addiction, 2008;103(4):681-686).

   For additional information, contact M.J. Kreek, Rockefeller University, Laboratory Biology Addict Diseases, 1230 York Avenue, New York City, NY 10021, USA.

   The publisher of the journal Addiction can be contacted at: Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2ZG, Oxon, England.

   Keywords: United States, New York, Addiction Medicine, Aminotransferase, Antigens, DNA, Enzyme Research, Gastroenterology, HAV, HBV, HCV, Hepatitis A Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Hepatology, Infectious Disease, Mental Health, Methadone, Therapy, Treatment, Virology, Rockefeller University.

   This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.

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