Occult Hepatitis B in renal transplant patients

Introdução. Hepatite B oculta é caracterizada pela presença do HBV-DNA em pacientes que não expressam o antígeno B de superfície (HBsAg) e é relatada com maior freqüência em pacientes infectados pelo vírus da hepatite C (HCV). Nesse estudo avaliamos a prevalência de hepatite B oculta em transplantados renais infectados ou não pelo HCV e avaliamos a função hepática nos diferentes grupos. Material e métodos. Amostras de soro de 101 pacientes transplantados renais foram avaliadas para testes de função hepática, marcadores sorológicos e reação de polimerização em cadeia (PCR) para o HBV-DNA. Todos os pacientes eram HBsAg negativos e havia 51 pacientes anti- HCV reagentes e 50 pacientes não reagentes. A pesquisa do HBV-DNA foi feita por técnica de PCR aninhado para os genes S e “core”. Resultados. A pesquisa do gene S do HBV-DNA resultou positiva em 2 pacientes, sendo um do grupo anti-HCV reagente e o outro do grupo não reagente. A pesquisa do gene da região do “core” foi positiva em um paciente do grupo anti-HCV não reagente. A análise demonstrou que os pacientes do grupo anti-HCV reagente apresentam maior tempo de tratamento dialítico (50,8 + 34,6 e 32,02 + 20,87; p<0,001). Da mesma forma o grupo anti-HCV reagente apresentou valores mais elevados de aminotransferases: ALT: 34.5 ± 26.7 x 20.9 ± 10.0; (P < 0.001); AST: 31.7 ± 17.7 x 24.9 ± 14.9; (P < 0.05); gama glutamiltranspeptidase : 66.1 ± 82.4 x 33.4 ± 44.6; (P < 0.02) e fosfatase alcalina : 307.9 ± 397.7 x 186.9 ± 63.4; (P< 0.04). Os níveis de ciclosporina sérica também mais elevados também foram encontrados no grupo anti-HCV reagente 170.9 ± 69.8 and 135.0 ± 48.1 respectivamente (P < 0.02). No modelo de análise multivariada evidenciou-se que apenas a presença de infecção pelo HCV é determinante das alterações nas provas de função hepática. Conclusão. Hepatite B oculta foi um achado infreqüente na nossa população de pacientes transplantados renais, não tendo sido encontrada diferença na sua prevalência em pacientes infectados ou não pelo HCV. Pacientes anti-HCV reagentes apresentam alterações significativas das provas de função hepática e dos níveis sangüíneos de ciclosporina.Background: Occult hepatitis B (HB) is characterized by the presence of HBV-DNA in patients who do not present HB surface antigen (HBsAg) detectable in sera. This condition is frequently described in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and its clinical implications are uncertain. Since transplant patients were at risk for hepatitis B and/or C infection by blood transfusions, dialysis treatment and the transplant procedure itself we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of occult HB either with or without HCV infection. Patients and Methods: One hundred and one HBsAg negative renal transplant patients were evaluated. Fifty-one were anti-HCV reagents (Elisa III). Sera was analyzed for the presence of the S and core genes of the HBV-DNA by a nested PCR technique. Serological markers of HBV infection, liver function testes and ciclosporine through levels were also analysed. Results: The core gene of the HBV-DNA was identified in one HCV infected patient and in one anti-HCV negative who also presented the S gene (prevalence: 2% and 1% for each gene respectivelly). HCV infected patients presented longer pre-transplant dialysis time (50.8 ± 34.6 versus 32.0 ± 20.9; p<0,001). Results of liver function tests were also increased in the HCV infected group: ALT: 34.5 ± 26.7 x 20.9 ± 10.0; (P < 0.001); AST: 31.7 ± 17.7 x 24.9 ± 14.9; (P < 0.05); GGT: 66.1 ± 82.4 x 33.4 ± 44.6; (P < 0.02) and alkaline phosphatase: 307.9 ± 397.7 x 186.9 ± 63.4; (P< 0.04). Ciclosporine through levels were also significantly higher in HCV infected patients 170.9 ± 69.8 and 135.0 ± 48.1 respectivelly (P < 0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that only HCV infection was determinant of the increased results of the LFTs. Conclusion: We found that occult hepatitis B is infrequent condition in our population of renal transplant patients and that HCV infection seems not to be a risk factor. In accordance with our previous work HCV we showed that infected renal transplant patients present evidence of liver damage and altered metabolism evidenced by the elevated liver function testes a higher ciclosporine through levels

Efeito a longo prazo da infecção pelos vírus das hepatites B e C na sobrevida de pacientes transplantados renais Long term effect of hepatitis B and C virus infection on the survival of kidney transplant patients

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da infecção pelo HBV (vírus da hepatite B) e pelo HCV (vírus da hepatite C) na sobrevida a longo prazo de pacientes transplantados renais e seus enxertos. MÉTODOS: Cento e nove pacientes transplantados renais foram avaliados quanto à presença de anticorpos contra o HCV e presença do antígeno de superfície do HBV. Os pacientes foram divididos em quatro grupos, de acordo com os resultados das sorologias, e seguidos pelo período de 10 anos para avaliação das sobrevidas. As diferenças de idade, sexo, etiologia da insuficiência renal, tempo de diálise, e tempo pós-transplante renal foram avaliados nos grupos. RESULTADOS: Os grupos diferiram apenas nos parâmetros de tempo de diálise prévio ao transplante renal, sendo este significativamente maior nos pacientes anti-HCV positivos. Houve maior número de pacientes re-transplantados nos grupos anti-HCV e HbsAg positivos. Não houve diferença significativa nas sobrevidas de pacientes infectados pelos vírus B ou C (grupo anti-HCV positivo sobrevida de 10 anos: 71,0%; risco relativo: 1,13; IC 95%: 0,86 - 1,47. Grupo HbsAg positivo sobrevida de 10 anos: 77,8%; risco relativo: 1,03; IC 95%: 0,7 - 1,5). O grupo com co-infecção pelos vírus B e C apresentou sobrevida de 10 anos significativamente menor que os demais (37,5%; risco relativo: 2,13; IC 95%: 0,86 - 5,28). Todos os grupos foram comparados à sobrevida de 10 anos com o grupo índice (sem infecção pelo HbsAg ou anti-HCV), que foi de 80,0%. As sobrevidas dos enxertos não apresentaram diferenças com significância estatística. CONCLUSÃO: No presente estudo evidenciou-se diferença significativa na sobrevida de pacientes transplantados renais infectados concomitantemente pelos vírus das hepatites B e C.<br>PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of HCV (hepatitis C virus) and HBV (hepatitis B virus) infection on long-term graft and patient survival in renal transplantation. METHODS: One hundred and nine kidney allograft recipients were evaluated regarding the presence of antibodies against HCV and hepatitis B surface antigen. Patients were divided into four groups according to their serologic status and followed for ten years for survival analysis. Age, gender, renal failure etiology, length of previous dialysis and post transplantation periods were evaluated. RESULTS: Length on dialysis time was significantly longer in the anti-HCV positive group. There was also a higher number of patients with re-transplants in the HBV and HCV groups. There were no significant differences in 10-year patient survival in the anti-HCV positive group (71.0%; relative risk: 1.13; CI: 0.86 - 1.47) and in the HBV infected group (77.8%; relative risk: 1.03; CI: 0.7 - 1.5) compared to the not infected group (80%). However, the group of patients infected with both viruses presented a significantly lower 10-year patient survival (37.5%; relative risk: 2,13; CI: 0,86 - 5,28) compared to the index group. There were no significant differences on graft survival among the groups. CONCLUSION: In the present study renal transplant patients infected concomitantly with HBV and HCV present a significantly lower long-term patient survival

Long term effect of hepetitis B and C virus infection on the survival of kidney transplant patients

OBJETIVO. Avaliar o impacto da infecção pelo HBV (vírus da hepatite B) e pelo HCV (vírus da hepatite C) na sobrevida a longo prazo de pacientes transplantados renais e seus enxertos. MÉTODOS. Cento e nove pacientes transplantados renais foram avaliados quanto à presença de anticorpos contra o HCV e presença do antígeno de superfície do HBV. Os pacientes foram divididos em quatro grupos, de acordo com os resultados das sorologias, e seguidos pelo período de 10 anos para avaliação das sobrevidas. As diferenças de idade, sexo, etiologia da insuficiência renal, tempo de diálise, e tempo pós-transplante renal foram avaliados nos grupos. RESULTADOS. Os grupos diferiram apenas nos parâmetros de tempo de diálise prévio ao transplante renal, sendo este significativamente maior nos pacientes anti-HCV positivos. Houve maior número de pacientes re-transplantados nos grupos anti-HCV e HbsAg positivos. Não houve diferença significativa nas sobrevidas de pacientes infectados pelos vírus B ou C (grupo anti-HCV positivo sobrevida de 10 anos: 71,0%; risco relativo: 1,13; IC 95%: 0,86 – 1,47. Grupo HbsAg positivo sobrevida de 10 anos: 77,8%; risco relativo: 1,03; IC 95%: 0,7 – 1,5). O grupo com co-infecção pelos vírus B e C apresentou sobrevida de 10 anos significativamente menor que os demais (37,5%; risco relativo: 2,13; IC 95%: 0,86 – 5,28). Todos os grupos foram comparados à sobrevida de 10 anos com o grupo índice (sem infecção pelo HbsAg ou anti-HCV), que foi de 80,0%. As sobrevidas dos enxertos não apresentaram diferenças com significância estatística. CONCLUSÃO. No presente estudo evidenciou-se diferença significativa na sobrevida de pacientes transplantados renais infectados concomitantemente pelos vírus das hepatites B e C.PURPOSE. To evaluate the impact of HCV (hepatitis C virus) and HBV (hepatitis B virus) infection on long-term graft and patient survival in renal transplantation. METHODS. One hundred and nine kidney allograft recipients were evaluated regarding the presence of antibodies against HCV and hepatitis B surface antigen. Patients were divided into four groups according to their serologic status and followed for ten years for survival analysis. Age, gender, renal failure etiology, length of previous dialysis and post transplantation periods were evaluated. RESULTS. Length on dialysis time was significantly longer in the anti-HCV positive group. There was also a higher number of patients with re-transplants in the HBV and HCV groups. There were no significant differences in 10-year patient survival in the anti-HCV positive group (71.0%; relative risk: 1.13; CI: 0.86 – 1.47) and in the HBV infected group (77.8%; relative risk: 1.03; CI: 0.7 – 1.5) compared to the not infected group (80%). However, the group of patients infected with both viruses presented a significantly lower 10-year patient survival (37.5%; relative risk: 2,13; CI: 0,86 – 5,28) compared to the index group. There were no significant differences on graft survival among the groups. CONCLUSION. In the present study renal transplant patients infected concomitantly with HBV and HCV present a significantly lower longterm patient survival

Long term effect of hepetitis B and C virus infection on the survival of kidney transplant patients

OBJETIVO. Avaliar o impacto da infecção pelo HBV (vírus da hepatite B) e pelo HCV (vírus da hepatite C) na sobrevida a longo prazo de pacientes transplantados renais e seus enxertos. MÉTODOS. Cento e nove pacientes transplantados renais foram avaliados quanto à presença de anticorpos contra o HCV e presença do antígeno de superfície do HBV. Os pacientes foram divididos em quatro grupos, de acordo com os resultados das sorologias, e seguidos pelo período de 10 anos para avaliação das sobrevidas. As diferenças de idade, sexo, etiologia da insuficiência renal, tempo de diálise, e tempo pós-transplante renal foram avaliados nos grupos. RESULTADOS. Os grupos diferiram apenas nos parâmetros de tempo de diálise prévio ao transplante renal, sendo este significativamente maior nos pacientes anti-HCV positivos. Houve maior número de pacientes re-transplantados nos grupos anti-HCV e HbsAg positivos. Não houve diferença significativa nas sobrevidas de pacientes infectados pelos vírus B ou C (grupo anti-HCV positivo sobrevida de 10 anos: 71,0%; risco relativo: 1,13; IC 95%: 0,86 – 1,47. Grupo HbsAg positivo sobrevida de 10 anos: 77,8%; risco relativo: 1,03; IC 95%: 0,7 – 1,5). O grupo com co-infecção pelos vírus B e C apresentou sobrevida de 10 anos significativamente menor que os demais (37,5%; risco relativo: 2,13; IC 95%: 0,86 – 5,28). Todos os grupos foram comparados à sobrevida de 10 anos com o grupo índice (sem infecção pelo HbsAg ou anti-HCV), que foi de 80,0%. As sobrevidas dos enxertos não apresentaram diferenças com significância estatística. CONCLUSÃO. No presente estudo evidenciou-se diferença significativa na sobrevida de pacientes transplantados renais infectados concomitantemente pelos vírus das hepatites B e C.PURPOSE. To evaluate the impact of HCV (hepatitis C virus) and HBV (hepatitis B virus) infection on long-term graft and patient survival in renal transplantation. METHODS. One hundred and nine kidney allograft recipients were evaluated regarding the presence of antibodies against HCV and hepatitis B surface antigen. Patients were divided into four groups according to their serologic status and followed for ten years for survival analysis. Age, gender, renal failure etiology, length of previous dialysis and post transplantation periods were evaluated. RESULTS. Length on dialysis time was significantly longer in the anti-HCV positive group. There was also a higher number of patients with re-transplants in the HBV and HCV groups. There were no significant differences in 10-year patient survival in the anti-HCV positive group (71.0%; relative risk: 1.13; CI: 0.86 – 1.47) and in the HBV infected group (77.8%; relative risk: 1.03; CI: 0.7 – 1.5) compared to the not infected group (80%). However, the group of patients infected with both viruses presented a significantly lower 10-year patient survival (37.5%; relative risk: 2,13; CI: 0,86 – 5,28) compared to the index group. There were no significant differences on graft survival among the groups. CONCLUSION. In the present study renal transplant patients infected concomitantly with HBV and HCV present a significantly lower longterm patient survival

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans—anteaters, sloths, and armadillos—have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, 10 anteaters, and 6 sloths. Our data set includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the southern United States, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to the austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n = 5,941), and Cyclopes sp. have the fewest (n = 240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 11,588), and the fewest data are recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n = 33). With regard to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n = 962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n = 12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other data sets of Neotropical Series that will become available very soon (i.e., Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans data set. Please cite this data paper when using its data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using these data

NEOTROPICAL ALIEN MAMMALS: a data set of occurrence and abundance of alien mammals in the Neotropics

Biological invasion is one of the main threats to native biodiversity. For a species to become invasive, it must be voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into a nonnative habitat. Mammals were among first taxa to be introduced worldwide for game, meat, and labor, yet the number of species introduced in the Neotropics remains unknown. In this data set, we make available occurrence and abundance data on mammal species that (1) transposed a geographical barrier and (2) were voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into the Neotropics. Our data set is composed of 73,738 historical and current georeferenced records on alien mammal species of which around 96% correspond to occurrence data on 77 species belonging to eight orders and 26 families. Data cover 26 continental countries in the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico and its frontier regions (southern Florida and coastal-central Florida in the southeast United States) to Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay, and the 13 countries of Caribbean islands. Our data set also includes neotropical species (e.g., Callithrix sp., Myocastor coypus, Nasua nasua) considered alien in particular areas of Neotropics. The most numerous species in terms of records are from Bos sp. (n = 37,782), Sus scrofa (n = 6,730), and Canis familiaris (n = 10,084); 17 species were represented by only one record (e.g., Syncerus caffer, Cervus timorensis, Cervus unicolor, Canis latrans). Primates have the highest number of species in the data set (n = 20 species), partly because of uncertainties regarding taxonomic identification of the genera Callithrix, which includes the species Callithrix aurita, Callithrix flaviceps, Callithrix geoffroyi, Callithrix jacchus, Callithrix kuhlii, Callithrix penicillata, and their hybrids. This unique data set will be a valuable source of information on invasion risk assessments, biodiversity redistribution and conservation-related research. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this data paper when using the data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us on how they are using the data