Flu Vaccine Worst In 10 Years Apr 18, 2008
Although the "Brisbane" H3N2 type A flu virus was the most common flu bug this year, Jernigan said, the type B virus is now the predominant strain currently going around. Since the flu vaccine isn't effective against this bug - and isn't totally effective against the Brisbane bug - the CDC is recommending that people who come down with flu-like illnesses ask their doctors about the flu drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. (CBS News)
Flu Viruses Take One-way Ticket Out Of Asia, Then Travel The World Apr 18, 2008
The others are the influenza A (H1N1) subtype and the influenza B virus. Each year, the World Health Organization decides which strains within these three categories to include in the next vaccine, based on the recent activity of strains that are currently circulation. (Science Daily)
Hepatitis B Tied to Bile Duct Cancer Outside Liver Apr 18, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The results of a study published in the International Journal of Cancer suggest there is an association between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and an increased risk of extrahepatic bile duct cancer. The extrahepatic bile duct collects bile from the liver, but is located outside of the liver. (MEDLINEplus)
That Flu You Caught? It Came from East and Southeast Asia Apr 17, 2008
According to WHO statistics, 300 million people are vaccinated against the flu each year, receiving an immunization with a cocktail of weakened strains of influenza A (varieties H3N2 and H1N1), along with the influenza B virus to protect against a full infection. Smith says the vaccination provides good protection to the population as a whole, although flu epidemics still cause three million to five million people to become seriously ill and claims 250,000 to 500,000 lives annually. (Scientific American)
Hepatitis B Virus Triggers Cell 'Suicide' In Patients With Chronic Infection Apr 10, 2008
9, 2008) Scientists from UCL (University College London) have identified a key difference between people who can fight the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) off successfully and those who fail to do so -- that a group of cells important in controlling the disease are triggered to 'commit suicide' in patients who are chronically infected ... Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most common viruses in the world, and ranks as one of the top ten killer infectious diseases ... Journal reference: 'Bim-mediated... (Science Daily)
A Man with Changes in Mental Status after Liver Transplantation Apr 10, 2008
Serologic testing disclosed antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) core and surface antigens; tests for hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies to hepatitis A were negative. The patient began. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Telbivudine versus Lamivudine in Chronic Hepatitis B Apr 3, 2008
20, 2007, issue)1 on the 1-year results of their study comparing telbivudine with lamivudine in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. First, the authors elucidate the role of the viral load at week 24 as a predictor for response and resistance. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Pharmasset Receives $10 Million of Working Capital Mar 29, 2008
Pharmasset's primary focus is on the development of oral therapeutics for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Pharmasset is currently developing three product candidates. (PR Newswire)
BARACLUDE(R) (entecavir) Data Continue to Demonstrate Low Incidence of Resistance Through Five Years of Treatment in Nucleoside-naive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Mar 25, 2008
Drug resistance occurs when the hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutates, thereby avoiding the effects of the medication. This can decrease the efficacy of the current medication and may compromise future treatment options. (PR Newswire)
BARACLUDE data show low resistance over 5 years in nucleoside-naive hepatitis B patients Mar 25, 2008
Drug resistance occurs when the hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutates, thereby avoiding the effects of the medication ... BARACLUDE (entecavir) is a prescription medicine used for chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in adults where the virus is multiplying and damaging the liver. (EurekAlert!)
China's Hepatitis B carriers face gloomy future Mar 19, 2008
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Madam Yan and 11 other mothers in China turned to the All-China Women's Federation for help after their toddlers were denied places in kindergarten after testing positive for the Hepatitis B virus. "When I see other children going to school happily and mine is alone, my heart drips with blood," Yan wrote. (Scientific American)
Health Department Gives Information on Hepatitis Mar 9, 2008
Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It is easily spread by direct contact with the blood of body fluids of an infected person. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Flu still widespread, but cases might be leveling out Mar 7, 2008
"What's unusual about this season is we have a good proportion of (influenza A viruses) and (an influenza B virus) circulating at the same time. Usually, we'll see A's come through, and then we'll see B's later in the season. Here, we've got three flu viruses hitting us at the same time. I think that makes it seem rather tough.". In Yankton, pediatrician Dawn Larson said flu case numbers seem slightly higher this year. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
3D Virus Image, At Highest Resolution Ever Mar 6, 2008
3D Virus Image Taken At Highest Resolution Ever. 3D Virus Image Taken At Highest Resolution Ever. (Science Daily)
Flu vaccine mismatch causing more cases this year Mar 3, 2008
However, most of the A (H3N2) and B virus strains were different from those contained in the vaccine, suggesting that protection against circulating. This article is for Paid Print Subscribers ONLY.. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
ProMetic announces signature of definitive license agreement with Kedrion for two hyperimmune products Feb 26, 2008
It is also used in the treatment of acute exposure to hepatitis B following acute exposure to blood containing HBsAg, perinatal exposure of infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers, sexual exposure to HBsAg positive persons, and household exposure of infants to persons with acute hepatitis B virus infection. The groups usually considered at risk are hepatitis B researchers and workers, and many health care professionals. (PR Newswire)
Working Toward Effective Treatment for HBV Infection Feb 25, 2008
25, 2008) Despite the existence of safe and efficient vaccines, hepatitis B virus is one of the most deadly viruses in the world, killing about 1 ... To better understand the direct liver disease induced by hepatitis B virus, recent research brought us one step closer to an effective treatment for HBV infection ... This not only confirmed the previous observation, but showed how the molecular mechanism of how Hepatitis B virus X protein inhibits the liver regeneration. (Science Daily)
Mechanisms of HBV virulence found Feb 25, 2008
WASHINGTON: Scientists at France's National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) have said that they have uncovered a novel molecular mechanism by which the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes liver diseases ... This not only confirmed the previous observation, but showed how the molecular mechanism of how Hepatitis B virus X protein inhibits the liver regeneration, they added. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Who found some new mechanisms of HBV virulence? Feb 23, 2008
This not only confirmed the previous observation, but showed how the molecular mechanism of how Hepatitis B virus X protein inhibits the liver regeneration ... Reference: Sidorkiewicz M, Jais JP, Tralhao G, Morosan S, Giannini C, Brezillon N, Soussan P, Delpuech O, Kremsdorf D. Gene modulation associated with inhibition of liver regeneration in hepatitis B virus X transgenic mice. (EurekAlert!)
Flu bug out in full force Feb 22, 2008
But the vaccine s Type B component turned out not to be a good match for the B virus that has been most common this winter. This week, the World Health Organization took the unusual step of recommending that next season s flu vaccine have a completely different makeup from this year s. Wendy Rhinehart, RN BSN with Polk Medical Center said they ve been busy treating local residents suffering from the flu. (Rockmart Journal, GA)
Flu season worsens: Shots fight wrong bugs Feb 17, 2008
But the vaccine's Type B component turned out to be a poor match for the B virus that has been most common this winter. And one of the Type A components turned out to be poorly suited for the Type A H3N2/Brisbane-like strain that now accounts for the largest portion of lab-confirmed cases. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Cough, ache, achoo; is it the flu? Feb 14, 2008
The three vaccine strains - one A (H1N1) virus, one A (H3N2) virus, and one B virus - are representative of the influenza vaccine strains recommended for that year ... However, data also suggests "that protection against the H3N2 and B virus strain in the community might not be optimal.". (The Examiner)
Flu shots defense may belacking Feb 9, 2008
The Type B strain chosen for this years vaccine also was not a good match for most of the B virus strains seen in the United States this flu season, Bresee said. While a less-than-ideal virus match between the viruses in the vaccine and those circulating viruses can reduce vaccine effectiveness, we know from past influenza studies that the vaccine can still protect enough to make illness milder or prevent flu-related complications, Bresee said. (MSNBC -- Health)
Hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Taiwan: comparison between women born in Taiwan and other southeast countries Feb 7, 2008
Other articles by authors. Related articles/pages. (BioMed Central)
Regular Marijuana Use Increases Risk Of Hepatitis C-related Liver Damage Jan 30, 2008
Scientists have investigated 67 spontaneously recovered patients and found that co-infection by hepatitis B virus is. . (Science Daily)
1/28: Tufik.B Virus Infects Local, Mapped Drive Executable Files Jan 29, 2008
B Virus Infects Local, Mapped Drive Executable Files ... B Virus Infects Local, Mapped Drive Executable Files January 28, 2008. (eSecurityPlanet)
1/28: W32.Tufik.B!inf Detects Files Infected by Virus Jan 29, 2008
inf Detects Files Infected by Virus. E-Security Planet Webcasts. (eSecurityPlanet)
China crawls towards judicial reform Jan 25, 2008
Moreover, in some cases, the claims appear to have generated or reinforced public pressure for modest legal reforms, such as the revision of employment regulations that discriminated against carriers of the Hepatitis B virus [7. The government has also enacted limited institutional reforms. (Asia Times Online)
New Test Screens for Flu and Other Viruses Jan 23, 2008
The ProFlu+ test can analyze a single sample for influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus A and B (RSV). These viruses can cause influenza, pneumonia and an infection of the airways called bronchiolitis. (MEDLINEplus)
Hepatitis B virus genotypes and resistance mutations in patients under long term lamivudine therapy: characterization of genotype G in Brazil Jan 23, 2008
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) isolates have been classified into eight genotypes (A to H) with distinct geographical distributions. HBV genotypes may also influence pathogenic properties and therapeutic features. (BioMed Central)
FDA clears Prodesse respiratory virus test Jan 22, 2008
The product has a platform that allows several tests to be processed using the same sample to detect influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus A and B (RSV). These viruses can cause influenza, an infection of the airways called bronchiolitis, and pneumonia, and all are among the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections. (WTN News)
Nucleonics initiates hepatitis B clinical trial with expressed interfering RNA therapeutic Jan 12, 2008
HORSHAM, PA (January 11, 2008): Nucleonics, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company focused on the development of novel RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics, announced today that the company has begun treating patients in a Phase 1 human safety study of its experimental treatment for chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, NUC B1000. NUC B1000 () is an expressed interfering RNA (eiRNA)-based product consisting of a plasmid DNA construct designed to produce four short interfering... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Is a universal flu vaccine on its way? Jan 8, 2008
When the M2 protein is linked to a protein from the hepatitis B virus, the hepatitis B proteins cluster together to form particles that display the M2 protein on their surface. This mimics how the M2 protein would be presented during a normal infection, and provokes a stronger immune response than the M2 protein alone when tested in the lab. (Nature News Service)
HK experts find telbivudine works better to suppress HBV Jan 4, 2008
HONG KONG, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Two local universities made their studies results public here Thursday telling that new medication telbivudine suppresses hepatitis B virus (HBV) better than traditional treatments. University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) held a joint press conference on Thursday revealing that telbivudine works better than commonly prescribed medicine lamivudine and adefovir in restraining HBV.. (Xinhuanet, China)
Pharmasset Reports Fiscal Year End 2007 Financial Results Jan 1, 2008
The increased operating expenses for fiscal year 2007 were primarily the result of an increase in Phase 3 registration clinical trial expenses for clevudine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, as well as drug discovery, non-cash stock compensation and depreciation expenses ... Pharmasset's primary focus is on the development of oral therapeutics for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). (PR Newswire)
Nonhospital health-care workers at substantial risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens Dec 21, 2007
Findings from the study also suggest that many of the exposed nurses may be at increased risk of infection with serious bloodborne pathogens, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus, since only 65% of these serious exposures were ever formally reported to the nurses administrator. Fear of getting into trouble, not having enough time to report, and not knowing how to report an exposure, were the three most common reasons given for not reporting. (EurekAlert!)
Standard Hepatitis B Treatment Bested by Newcomer Dec 20, 2007
This occurs in only about 6 percent of people over 5 who are infected with the hepatitis B virus, in about 30 percent of infected children between 1 and 5 years old, and in as many as 90 percent of babies who are infected with the virus ... The goal of treatment is to keep levels of the hepatitis B virus as low as possible ... The number of study volunteers who had undetectable levels of hepatitis B virus by the end of the treatment year were much greater for those on telbivudine. (Health-Finder)
Telbivudine versus Lamivudine in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Dec 20, 2007
Background Reducing hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication to minimal levels is emerging as a key therapeutic goal for chronic hepatitis B.. Methods In this double-blind, phase 3 trial, 1370 patients with chronic hepatitis B were randomly assigned to receive 600 mg of telbivudine or 100 mg of lamivudine once daily. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Hepatitis B Vaccine Not Associated With Childhood Multiple Sclerosis Dec 5, 2007
4, 2007) Vaccinating against the hepatitis B virus does not appear to be associated with the risk of developing multiple sclerosis in childhood, according to a new article ... (May 1, 2007) Bananas have emerged as the best candidate to deliver a bite-sized vaccine for hepatitis B virus (HBV) to millions of people in developing countries, according to a recent. (Science Daily)
Hepatitis B Vaccine Is Not Linked To Multiple Sclerosis In Childhood Dec 5, 2007
This controversy created public misgivings about hepatitis B vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccination in children remained low in several countries despite vaccination campaigns supporting early vaccination against hepatitis B in children as a means of inducing strong and long-lasting immunity and despite high levels of hepatitis B-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. (Medical News Today)
Pill Boosts Platelets In Hepatitis C Patients Nov 30, 2007
Scientists have investigated 67 spontaneously recovered patients and found that co-infection by hepatitis B virus is. (May 14, 2007) Even though HIV can be well treated these days, drug users are still more cautious about using needles than they used to be. (Science Daily)
Migration 'fuelling rise in Hepatitis B' Nov 22, 2007
The Foundation's report said: "Much more needs to be done. "There is a serious risk that in the future, while chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection declines in countries which have implemented universal vaccination, the UK - that great pioneer of public health - will continue to harbour an ever-increasing pool of chronic HBV infection. " The Hepatitis B Foundation UK now estimates that there are some 326,000 cases, compared to 180,000 in 2002. However, it acknowledges these figures are of... (Daily Mail)
Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viral co-infections among children infected with human immunodeficiency virus attending the paediatric HIV care and treatment center at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania Nov 22, 2007
With increased availability of antibiotics and antifungal agents hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are becoming a cause for significant concern in HIV infected children. We determined the seroprevalence and risk factors for HBV and HCV among HIV infected children aged 18 months to 17 years, attending the Paediatric HIV Care and Treatment Center (CTC) at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. (BioMed Central)
GNI Announces IND Approval in China for Novel Liver Disease Drug F351 Nov 21, 2007
The principal causes of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis in Japan and China are viral infection by the Hepatitis B virus or Hepatitis C virus. Alcohol abuse and fatty liver may also lead to liver fibrosis. (BusinessWire)
Migration 'fuelling Hepatitis B' Nov 21, 2007
The Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, for instance via unprotected sex or the sharing of contaminated needles. We are not in the middle of a major public health problem yet, but we need to start looking ahead before we find ourselves in one. (BBC News -- Health)
New wave of immigration blamed for doubling of hepatitis B cases Nov 21, 2007
There is a serious risk that in the future, while chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection declines in countries which have implemented universal vaccination, the UK that great pioneer of public health will continue to harbour an ever-increas-ing pool of chronic HBV infection. Damian Green, the Conservative immigration spokesman, said: This is an alarming report and it is reasonable to expect from the Government an urgent response about testing those people coming into the country. (Times Online)
Most Brits Susceptible To Hepatitis B Infection - UK One Of Few ... Nov 12, 2007
180,000 people in the United Kingdom are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus - about 7,700 new infections occur annually ... This would generate a group of immune people more quickly than universal infant immunization alone and accelerate the control of the hepatitis B virus in the UK.. (Medical News Today)
Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Men Nov 8, 2007
The large majority of cases occur in patients with chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). The relative risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic HBV or HCV infection is about 25 to 30 times that of those without infection. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Protect yourself, get the flu shot Nov 7, 2007
Each vaccine contains three influenza viruses one A (H3N2) virus, one A (H1N1) virus, and one B virus. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists' estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year. (Greenville Delta Democrat Times, MS)
Springfield eyed as home of monkey that bit two kids in Columbia Nov 4, 2007
The monkey was identified through photographs as a rhesus macaque, a species known in rare instances to carry Simian B virus, a deadly disease. Worley identified the animal's possible owner as Libby Brozovich, of Springfield. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Gilead Issues More Viread Data Nov 3, 2007
Gilead Sciences ( - - ) on Friday issued positive 48-week data from two late-stage trials on the safety and efficacy of Viread among patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV). The Foster City, Calif. (TheStreet.com)
Merck licenses rights to new hepatitis B vaccine Nov 2, 2007
Heplisav consists of a portion of the hepatitis B virus linked to a short DNA sequence aimed at bolstering immune response. The DNA sequence does that by stimulating a toll-like receptor, one of a family of sentries that activate the immune system's early response to infection. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Valley researchers pursue cancer vaccine Oct 28, 2007
Similarly, the hepatitis B vaccine, which prevents infection with the hepatitis B virus, prevents some forms of liver cancer. How do therapeutic cancer vaccines differ from the proposed preventive one. (AZCentral)
Discovery Of New Antiviral Mechanism Promising For Hepatitis C Treatment Oct 23, 2007
Scientists have investigated 67 spontaneously recovered patients and found that co-infection by hepatitis B virus is. (Sep. (Science Daily)
Successful Malaria Vaccine Also Proves Effective in Infants Oct 20, 2007
RTS,S works by fusing a protein secreted by the malaria parasite with a molecule on the surface of hepatitis B virus that the human immune system recognizes and attacks. The researchers speculate that it works much like other vaccines, especially because the amount of protection conferred depends on the amount of malaria antibodies in the blood and malaria-recognizing, disease-fighting T cells in the liver. (Scientific American)
Malaria Vaccine Trial On Babies Shows Promising Results Oct 19, 2007
The vaccine comprises a protein from the malaria parasite fused onto the surface of hepatitis B virus which the immune system recognizes and attacks. The vaccine was made by GlaxoSmithKline in partnership with the Path Malaria Vaccine Initiative and the trial was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. (Medical News Today)
Kids with Chronic Hepatitis B Generally Do Well Oct 19, 2007
There was no evidence that interferon therapy helped the patients rid themselves of hepatitis B virus in the long-term. "These findings should be considered when selecting candidates for treatment and choosing antiviral agents," the investigators suggest. (MEDLINEplus)
Structure of influenza B virus protein gives clues to next pandemic Oct 16, 2007
Qinghua Wang, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at BCM, and Jianpeng Ma, associate professor in the same department and their colleagues describe the actual structure of influenza B virus hemagglutinin and compare it to a similar protein on influenza A virus ... What would it take for the bird flu to mutate and start killing people" Thats the next part of our work, said Ma. Understanding that change may give scientists a handle on how to stymie it. There are two main... (EurekAlert!)
New Test Makes Bird Flu Detection Easier, Cheaper Sep 27, 2007
The researchers also point out that the system could be easily adapted to test for other disease-causing viruses such as HIV, SARS or hepatitis B virus. SOURCE: Nature Medicine, online September 23, 2007. (MEDLINEplus)
Liver Cancer Marker Could Yield Blood Test For Early Detection Sep 21, 2007
Due to widespread hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, nearly 10 percent of China's population is at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a liver cancer with low survival rates if not detected and treated early. Researchers report on a new blood screening technique that could make it possible to detect early-stage liver cancer and predict how well a patient will do following treatment. (Science Daily)
Blood Marker Might Help Spot Early Liver Cancer Sep 19, 2007
They found an altered version of RASSF1A -- a tumor suppressing gene -- in the blood of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and in 58 percent of patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), which increases the risk of liver cancer. The altered gene was not detected in healthy people. (Health-Finder)
HCV And HBV Spreading More Slowly Among Injection Drug Users In San Francisco Sep 11, 2007
Reference: "Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus and Hepatitis B Virus Among San Francisco Injection Drug Users, 1998-2000." Tseng, Fan-Chen; O'Brien, Thomas; Zhang, Mingdong; Kral, Alex; Ortiz-Conde, Betty; Lorvick, Jennifer; Busch, Michael P.; Edlin, Brian. Hepatology; September 2007; (DOI: 10. (Science Daily)
Breast Cancer -leading cause of death in African women Sep 7, 2007
Dr Wiafe Addai stressed the need for an aggressive approach to breast cancer awareness creation and concerted efforts from stakeholders, corporate bodies, companies and individuals to reduce breast cancer mortality and morbidity by 20 to 50 per cent. She also educated the women on Hepatitis B a disease which she claimed was equally deadly and more infectious than HIV/AIDS. Dr Wiafe Addai explained that it was a liver disease caused by a Hepatitis B virus and transmitted through contact with... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Who Will Recover Spontaneously From Hepatitis C Virus Infection? Sep 6, 2007
Another interesting conclusion reached by these investigators is, co-infection by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is associated with a higher possibility of self recovery. The investigators suggested that the infection of HBV interferes with the HCV replication, which would finally lead to virus eradiacation. (Science Daily)
Tibotec Pharmaceuticals Ltd Returns MIV-210 Licensing Rights to Medivir Sep 4, 2007
In previously performed pre-clinical trials, MIV-210 has demonstrated very potent activity against Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and has good pharmacokinetic properties. MIV-210 belongs to the class of polymerase inhibitors being administered by subsidiary Medivir HIV Franchise AB.. (BusinessWire)
