BackgroundIL-10 can play a vital role in immune response against HBV. Three biallelic SNPs from the transcription start site control the transcription of the IL-10 gene. An association between susceptibility to HBV and IL-10 polymorphisms has been suggested in patients with HBV infection.ObjectivesThe present study was designed to study the association between polymorphisms in interleukin-10 (-1082 A/G, -819 T/C and -592 A/C) promoter gene and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.Patients and Methods221 chronically infected patients and 200 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Three biallelic (-1082 A/G, -819 T/C and -592 A/C) polymorphisms in the IL-10 promoter gene were determined by PCR-RFLP method.ResultsPersistent HBV infection was associated with IL-10-1082 AG (P = 0.001) and GG (P = 0.004) genotypes and G (P = 0.000) allele. IL-10-819 T/C and -592 A/C genotype and allele frequencies did not show any correlation with the risk of chronic hepatitis B infection.ConclusionsThese results suggest that polymorphisms in interleukin-10 gene promoter influence clinical outcome of HBV infection and susceptibility to HBV infection.

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) is likely to be more prevalent in certain populations and occupational groups, such as municipal solid waste workers (MSWWs).ObjectivesThe current study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HBV and its risk factors among MSWWs compared to other municipal employees not exposed to waste.Patients and MethodsThe current cross-sectional study included 654 municipal employees in Zahedan (south-eastern Iran). A sample of blood was taken from each participant and tested for HBsAg through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Demographic and other data on high risk behaviors were also collected through in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using chi-square test and multiple regression analysis by STATA.ResultsThe overall prevalence of HBV among municipal employees was 3.06% (95% CI: 1.70 - 4.30); however, it varied among the different employee subgroups as follows: 6.20% (95% CI: 2.70 - 9.70) in MSWWs, 3.3% (95% CI: 0.08 - 5.80) in drivers and 1% among staff who were not exposed to waste. Multiple regression analysis showed that exposure to waste [OR = 9.36; 95% CI = 2.01 - 43.7], lack of vaccination against HBV [OR = 3.83; 95% CI = 1.86 - 25.2], jaundice [OR = 6.91; 95% CI = 1.51 - 31.5], history of endoscopy [OR = 2.86; 95% CI = 1.08 - 7.62], and high risk behaviors [OR = 4.80; 95% CI = 1.96 - 27.2] were independently associated with HBV.ConclusionsGreater encouragement for immunization against HBV as well as better education on HBV transmission routes and work safety precautions should be implemented to reduce the prevalence of HBV in MSWWs.

BackgroundThe household transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major health problem. The prevalence rate of this infection is reported about 11% to 57% among family members of HBsAg carriers.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to evaluate serological determinants of chronic hepatitis B infection, especially HBsAg positivity, among family members of asymptomatic HBsAg positive carriers in Zahedan (Southeast of Iran).Patients and MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, data were collected from the total number of 454 HBsAg positive cases and 1817 members of their family by trained interviewers and a validated questionnaire. In addition, blood samples were obtained and titrated to detect serologic markers of hepatitis B. All subjects were recruited following informed consent to the study.ResultsIn total, 454 chronic HBsAg carriers (66% male) with mean age of 36 ± 10 years and 1817 of their family members were included in the study. The prevalence rate of HBsAg and HBcAb positivity among household members were 19.3% (n = 351) and 51% (n = 573), respectively. The frequency of HBV markers was different by age groups. The highest prevalence rate of HBsAg (34.9%) and HBcAb (31.9%) positivity were found in the age group of 21-30 years old. Importantly, the mothers of index cases had the highest prevalence of HBsAg positivity compared to their spouses who had the lowest proportion (53.2% vs. 8.4%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn family members, HBsAg positivity was four times greater than the general indigenous population. Considering the importance of close contacts for transmission, it was more prevalent in mothers of index cases compared to their spouses, suggesting more efficient mother-to-child than sexually transmission of HBV. It was also more prevalent in those having a history of hepatitis B in their maternal family compared to those with paternal one, probably due to more efficient transmission from infected mothers to children. The lower prevalence of HBsAg positivity in lower age groups could be attributed to vaccination of Iranian infants since 1993 and the screening of HBsAg positive mothers during the last two decades.

This study showed that some of the blood donors had isolated HbcAb positive therefore we recommend HbcAb screening for blood donation.

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To investigate whether 14-bp Ins/Del polymorphism in HLA-G gene is associated with the risk of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. This study was performed on a total of 396 individuals including 199 CHB patients and 197 healthy subjects from a south-east Iranian population. We genotyped 14-bp Ins/Del polymorphism in the HLA-G gene using polymerase chain reaction method. The results of our study revealed that the HLA-G 14-bp deletion polymorphism was associated with a reduced risk of CHB at both allele and genotypic levels. The 14-bp Del allele and Ins/Del genotype were more frequent in control group than in CHB patients (37% vs 28% for Del allele with OR = 0.68 and p-value = .015; 73% vs 52% for Ins/Del genotype with OR = 0.43 and p-value = .001) and both were protective factors against CHB. However, no difference was found in the distribution of HLA-G 14-bp genotypes among subjects with varied levels of HBV DNA or hepatic enzymes (p > .05). Our findings, for the first time, suggest that the HLA-G 14-bp Ins/Del polymorphism may be a marker for genetic susceptibility to CHB infection.

Background: In addition to the direct effect on health, high-risk behaviors expose people to a variety of disorders and affect their activities. Despite the importance of investigating the prevalence of high-risk behaviors among municipal workers, no comprehensive study has yet been conducted in this area. Objectives:The aim of the present study was to assess the predictors of high-risk behaviors among municipal workers in Zahedan city, Iran. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on a total of 671 municipal workers and staff from different parts of Zahedan city in 2013. Information was collected through face to face interviews and registering answers in data forms. Data were analyzed in stata.12 software using chi-square and multivariate regression analysis at a significant level of 0.05. Results: Fifty-seven participants (8.5%) reported previous high-risk behaviors. According to the logistic regression test, only ethnicity and education variables were significantly related to the prevalence of high-risk behavior (P < 0.05). Although those with a longer work history had greater odds of high-risk behaviors than newly employed workers, this variable had no significant relationship with high-risk behaviors, and only improved the fitness and remained in the final model. Conclusions: High-risk behaviors are not highly prevalent among municipal workers and staff, and have no relationship with the occupation type. Given the higher prevalence of high-risk behaviors among more educated workers, there should be no concern about high-risk behaviors in less-educated ones. In conclusion, the ethnicity and educational level revealed as important predictors of high-risk behaviors among municipal workers.

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