Journal of Virus Eradication最新文献

Background

Method

Result

Conclusions

Background

To eliminate hepatitis C (HCV) infection as a public health concern by 2030, there is a need to develop comprehensive programs among key populations such as people who use drugs (PWUD). Two highly effective regimens are available for initial therapy: glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) given as 3 tablets/day for 8 weeks and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (S/V) given as 1 tablet/day for 12 weeks. Data evaluating the safety and efficacy comparing one regimen over another in a population of PWUD is limited.

Methods

Patients were identified through outreach events. Viremic patients were offered HCV treatment within a multidisciplinary program. This retrospective comparison analysis focuses on the first 120 sequential individuals who chose either treatment and in whom a definitive outcome of treatment was available between March 1, 2019 and February 29, 2024. The primary outcomes of the analysis were cure of HCV infection and its corelates, as well as safety of the individual regimens.

Results

We successfully identified 120 within each of the G/P and S/V treatment groups. Of those on G/P, we note 28.3 % female, 20.9 % Indigenous, 70.8 % using fentanyl, and 51.3 % with unstable housing. Of those on S/V, we note 25.8 % female, 20.8 % Indigenous, and 75 % using fentanyl and 56.7 % with unstable housing. Overall, 118 and 115 patients completed therapy on G/P and S/V, respectively. A total of 118 and 115 completed therapy on G/P and S/V, with virologic relapse documented in 3 and 2 participants on G/P and S/V, respectively. The ITT/mITT cure rates for G/P and S/V were 95.0 %/97.4 % and 94.2 %/98.3 %, respectively. There were 5 drug overdose deaths among those who initiated treatment, one on G/P and 4 on S/V. Conclusion: We have evaluated two highly effective regimens in a group of inner-city PWUD, with comparable success rates well in excess of 90 %. Our data supports the offer of both options for the treatment of PWUD with HCV infection.

Background

The Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic pathogen that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family. It can cause severe respiratory and neurological diseases in humans, with varying clinical symptoms. Recognized as a critical public health concern by the World Health Organization, it requires concerted efforts in research and development to prevent outbreaks.

Methodology

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 455 healthcare workers across four major regions in Bangladesh from April 2022 to May 2023. Using multistage convenient sampling and face-to-face interviews with a semi-structured questionnaire, we have examined the level of knowledge, attitudes, and individual perceptions of the preparedness for NiV. Data analysis included univariate and bivariate analyses, followed by binary logistic regression to ascertain the association with demographic factors.

Results

The study identified a gender disparity favoring female healthcare workers (HCWs). Approximately 46.15 % of participants demonstrated a good knowledge about NiV, with doctors showing significantly higher knowledge odds (OR = 5.197, p < 0.001). Interestingly, graduate and post-graduate education levels did not yield a statistically significant correlation with knowledge. Specific training received was positively associated with knowledge levels (OR = 1.832, p = 0.014), highlighting the gap in routine infection prevention education. Regional differences were notable, with participants from Chittagong having a lower level of knowledge compared to Dhaka (OR = 0.307, p = 0.004). Attitudes towards NiV were predominantly positive, although higher education inversely correlated with positive attitudes, suggesting a potential gap between theoretical knowledge and practical attitudes.

Conclusion

While the attitude towards NiV is generally positive among Bangladeshi HCWs, there is a need to enhance knowledge levels, especially in primary care settings and certain regions. To effectively prepare for NiV outbreaks, it is crucial to prioritize continuous education and practical training. The study underscores the importance of implementing uniform educational strategies to equip HCWs across all categories and regions with adequate NiV knowledge and preparedness.

Background

Immigrant groups from Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Caribbean bear the heaviest burden of chronic hepatitis B and primary liver cancer in the United States. Educational campaigns to increase knowledge about these diseases and their connection are necessary to promote protective health behaviors within these communities, to ultimately reduce the burden of disease, lessen stigma, and eliminate health disparities.

Objectives

This project sought to engage groups within highly impacted communities to identify existing gaps in hepatitis B- and liver cancer-related knowledge, in order to inform future health education programming that will aim to reduce stigma and promote liver cancer prevention and early detection behaviors within and across groups.

Methods

Fifteen focus groups and two key informant interviews were conducted virtually with participants from Micronesian, Chinese, Hmong, Nigerian, Ghanaian, Vietnamese, Korean, Somali, Ethiopian, Filipino, Haitian, and Francophone West African communities. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic coding.

Results

There are large gaps in knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B and liver cancer, and the link between these two diseases among Asian, Pacific Islander, African and Haitian immigrant communities. This limited knowledge and misinformation, exacerbated by stigma, hinder these groups’ utilization of hepatitis B and liver cancer diagnostic and preventative healthcare services.

Conclusion

To reduce hepatitis B and liver cancer health disparities within heavily burdened groups, health education needs to be community-informed, culturally sensitive, and actionable. Study results can guide the development of culturally and linguistically appropriate education programs that focus on the link between hepatitis B and liver cancer and the need for vaccination and routine screening, and that are responsive to the knowledge gaps and misperceptions of diverse communities. The results also provide valuable insights for healthcare providers to improve the knowledge gaps of the diverse patient populations that they serve.

Introduction

Healthcare professionals working in infectious disease units are often engaged in the care of patients with HIV infection. A cocoon vaccination strategy may protect those who are immunocompromised from a severe course of COVID-19.

Methods

The research was conducted between January 2021 and June 2022. The study participants were 450 healthcare workers (HCWs) from the Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw who were vaccinated against COVID-19 with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech) –, thefirst available type of vaccine in Poland. Sera were collected according to the schedule of the study. Statistical analyses were performed with non-parametric tests: Wilcoxon's test was used to compare dependent numerical variables, and Fisher's exact test and the Chi-squared test to compare categorical variables. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Among the 450 HCWs working in the Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw 412 (91,5 %) were vaccinated against COVID-19. In total 170 (41,3 %) vaccinated HCWs were included in the final analysis. Their median age was 51 years [interquartile range (IQR): 41–60 years] and median body mass index (BMI) was 25.10 [IQR: 22.68–29.03]. Most of the cohort consisted of women (n = 137, 80.59 %), with the majority working directly with patients (n = 137, 73.21 %). It was found that as early as 14 days after the second dose of the vaccine, 100 % of the study participants achieved a positive result for SARS CoV-2 S-RBD antibodies. There were 168 subjects who had had a COVID-19 diagnosis before entering study and after vaccination 65 HCWs was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Conclusions

Due to the fact that people living with HIV with severe immunodeficiency may have an incomplete immune response to COVID vaccination and be at risk of a severe course of the disease, the cocoon strategy of vaccinating medical personnel may be beneficial for these patients.

Purpose

Vaccination against HPV plays a crucial role in preventing cervical cancer and related health issues. This study aimed to (1) assess knowledge, awareness, intentions, and attitudes regarding HPV and vaccination among Jordanian parents, and (2) evaluate the efficacy of two intervention strategies in promoting knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards HPV vaccinations.

Methods

In study one, a web-based survey was used to collect data from Jordanian parents. In study two, participants were allocated into three groups: video-based intervention, lecture-based intervention, and a control group. Pre-post tests were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention strategies in promoting knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward HPV vaccination among Jordanian parents.

Results

A total of 572 participants took part in the survey. Knowledge levels about HPV and its vaccine were generally low. Intentions regarding HPV vaccination were uncertain for the majority of participants, with 92 % reported as not receiving any guidance from medical professionals about administering the HPV vaccine to themselves or their children. Only 22 % agreed that their children might get infected with HPV at any time in their lives. The pilot randomized clinical trial revealed an improvement in knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards HPV vaccination in both intervention groups compared to the control group with large effect sizes (eta squared between 0.29 and 0.68).

Conclusions

Findings highlight the need for increased knowledge and awareness regarding HPV and vaccination. It also supported the potential effectiveness of basic educational efforts in significantly improving knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards the HPV vaccine.