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Infection with hepatitis A, B, Delta, And human immunodeficiency viruses in children receiving cycled cancer chemotherapy
Author(s) -
Kumar Archana,
Misra P. K.,
Rana G. S.,
Mehrotra Raj
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
journal of medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9071
pISSN - 0146-6615
DOI - 10.1002/jmv.1890370202
Subject(s) - virology , chemotherapy , viral disease , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , medicine , hepatitis b , hepatitis b virus , immunodeficiency , immunology , cancer , virus , immune system
Serological markers of hepatitis A, B, and Delta and human immunodeficiency viruses were studied in 25 children receiving cancer chemo‐therapy. Eighty‐eight percent had pre‐existing HAV immunity which was unaltered by chemo‐therapy. HDV infection was observed in 8% while HIV was conspicuous by its absence. Active HBV infection, observed in 76% of the children, was asymptomatic in the majority and was accompanied by a high incidence of HBe antigenaemia (57.9%) and its persistence. Pre‐existing anti‐HBs failed to prevent HBV infection recurrence, which was, however, transient and self‐limiting. Multi‐ple blood transfusions and repeated parenteral exposures appeared to be the possible sources of HBV acquisition. Transmission to close contacts was also observed. The study suggests that although HBV vaccine might not be protective against HBV infection in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy, it may prevent its persistence and thereby help in reducing chronic liver dis‐ease‐related morbidity and a highly infectious reservoir. Strict HBV screening of blood donors, exclusive use of disposable equipment, and vac‐cination of close contacts of cancer patients is recommended, particularly in HBV endemic third‐world countries. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.