Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0019163 (hepatitis B)
 38,309 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Nucleic acid hybridization is extremely important in viral hepatitis research and the newly emerging techniques are now becoming an indispensable resource also in the diagnostic laboratory. This paper provides information on methods currently used for detection of viral nucleic acids with special emphasis on the importance of hepatitis B virus DNA in the serum. Herein, we describe the procedures for preparation and labeling of DNA probes and the principles that regulate dot, slot and Southern blot hybridization. Advantages and shortcomings of filter hybridization are discussed together with the alternative approaches to it. Finally, a collection of laboratory protocols is presented in Appendix #1.
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PMID:Nucleic acid hybridization in viral hepatitis research. 306 41

Bloodborne pathogen exposures remain a significant occupational hazard to all health care professionals. Primary preventive strategies, such as standard precautions and the availability of the hepatitis B vaccine to all health care workers, have been instrumental in decreasing the potential for life threatening exposures to HBV, HCV, and HIV. Updated work practices and engineering controls, including the use of safer medical devices, will continue to further reduce the potential risk of exposures to workers. Occupational health clinicians are in a pivotal position to foster primary preventive strategies. Ongoing education to health care professionals about the general prevalence, risk of transmission, and availability of prophylaxis and treatment is imperative. Knowledge related to the importance of taking basic precautions through the use of gloves, gowns, and masks has been proven to decrease exposure incidents. Many health professionals are experts in their specialty areas, but are unfamiliar with the latest data related to the prevention and treatment of exposures to bloodborne pathogens. Some perceive they are at little risk, and others have untoward fears. Secondary preventive intervention strategies are evolving each year through the use of new prophylactic medications for HIV and the possibility of prophylaxis for HCV. Occupational health clinicians must be updated about the latest strategies for the management of bloodborne pathogen exposures (see Appendix for a list of resources).
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PMID:Bloodborne pathogens. What you need to know--Part II. 1265 83

In the WHO-EURO region, around 28 million people are currently living with chronic viral hepatitis, and 120,000 people die every year because of it. Lack of awareness and understanding combined with the social stigma and discrimination exacerbate barriers related to access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment services for those most in need. In addition, the persisting economic crisis has impacted on public health spending, thus posing challenges on the sustainable investment in promotion, primary and secondary prevention, diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis across European countries. The Hepatitis B and C Public Policy Association in cooperation with the Hellenic Center for Disease Prevention and Control together with 10 partner organizations discussed at the Athens High Level Meeting held in June 2014 recent policy developments, persisting and emerging challenges related to the prevention and management of viral hepatitis and the need for a de minimis framework of urgent priorities for action, reflected in a Call to Action (Appendix S1). The discussion confirmed that persisting barriers do not allow the full realisation of the public health potential of diagnosing and preventing hepatitis B and C, treating hepatitis B and curing hepatitis C. Such barriers are related to (a) lack of evidence-based knowledge of hepatitis B and C, (b) limited access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment services with poor patient pathways, (c) declining resources and (d) the presence of social stigma and discrimination. The discussion also confirmed the emerging importance of fiscal constraints on the ability of policymakers to adequately address viral hepatitis challenges, particularly through increasing coverage of newer therapies. In Europe, it is critical that public policy bodies urgently agree on a conceptual framework for addressing the existing and emerging barriers to managing viral hepatitis. Such a framework would ensure all health systems share a common understanding of definitions and indicators and look to integrate their responses to manage policy spillovers in the most cost-effective manner, while forging wide partnerships to sustainably and successfully address viral hepatitis.
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PMID:Addressing barriers to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B and C in the face of persisting fiscal constraints in Europe: report from a high level conference. 2680 41