Viral Hepatitis

This MMWR report describes results of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health surveillance initiative to collect detailed information on hepatitis C virus (HCV) cases reported during 2007-2009 among 15-24-year olds, and to examine the data for trends through 2009. The results reveal the continued increase in rates of newly reported HCV infection among this age group. Cases were reported from all areas of the state, occurred predominantly among non-Hispanic white persons, and were equally distributed among male and females.

This report summarizes results of an investigation in which HCV was transmitted when a transplant facility mistakenly used a blood vessel conduit from an HCV-seropositive donor in a seronegative recipient in May 2009. In November of 2009, a second transplant facility identified two cases of potential hepatitis transmission from vessel conduits.

This report discusses the investigation of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) outbreak in an assisted living facility. The outbreak occurred because of the staff’s use of unsafe practices, including sharing reusable fingerstick lancing devices approved for single patient use only, and shared use of blood glucose meters without cleaning and disinfection between patients.

This article reports on a matched case-control study and viral analysis that examined the role of sexual transmission of Hepatics C virus (HCV) among HIV-infected men who have sex with men. In all, 22 case-patients and 53 control subjects were enrolled in the study. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires regarding sexual practices and drug-use behaviors during the 12 months preceding diagnosis or preceding the questionnaire.

This video contains general information on the liver and its function,and how hepatitis affects the liver. The transcript video is included. This video can only be viewed with Windows Media Player version 10 or Real One Player.

This slide set discusses use of the Ryan White Care Act (RWCA) to provide treatment of hepatitis C coinfection in persons living with HIV. It presents an overview of viral hepatitis, the basics of hepatitis C compared with hepatitis A and B, acute and chronic infection, prevention, HCV treatment and side effects of treatment, treatment decisions,, barriers to treatment, and increasing access to treatment through the RWCA.

This video discusses Hepatitis A and B viral infection. It explains the effect of both diseases on the liver, how they are transmitted, and how they can be prevented, including getting vaccinated. The transcript of the video is included. This video can only be viewed with Windows Media Player version 10 or Real One Player.

This online course teaches the user how to evaluate abnormal liver chemistries in the context of a broad understanding of the pathophysiology of liver injury. It is designed for providers who are non-liver specialists, particularly mid-level healthcare providers. Participants will learn common differential diagnosis for each pattern of liver injury, to initiate appropriate investigations based on the pattern of liver injury, recognize clinical manifestations of hepatic failure, and identify patients with liver disease who require hospitalization.

This internet file (web page) provides lessons on co-infection of HIV and hepatitis C. It discusses treatment; responder relapsers, partial responders, and null responders; experimental treatment; preventing cellular infection; viral enzyme target; immune therapies; and prevention. It includes two video clips, one with a hepatitis C patient, who relates her story, and the other with a doctor explains the importance of knowing about HCV for HIV infected individuals.

This workbook is designed for patient's use throughout treatment with triple therapy--pegylated interferon, ribavirin, and boceprevir. The workbook explains triple therapy, how and when to take medications, what to do if you miss a dose, the length of treatment, if treament does not work, treatment tracks and which you should follow, and dealing with side effects. It provides sample medication schedules, a viral load chart, the notes to bring to the provider, and treatment visit schedule.