Comparative Effectiveness of Web-based Versus Traditional Adolescent HIV Prevention
HIV InfectionsHepatitis1 moreThis study will evaluate the comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a customized, interactive web-based HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and hepatitis prevention intervention as compared to a traditional, educator-delivered prevention intervention. Both interventions will be offered to youth enrolled in outpatient, community-based substance abuse treatment at our collaborating treatment facilities. Outcomes to be measured include accurate HIV/disease prevention knowledge, intentions to engage in safer sex, actual HIV risk behavior, attitudes toward safer sex and self-reported substance use. The web-delivered intervention under evaluation has the potential to deliver evidence-based content at low cost without increasing demands on treatment staff time or training needs.
Serological Evaluation of Varicella and Hepatitis A Vaccines Using Injector Delivery
VaricellaHepatitis AThis study aims to assess immunogenicity and safety of nd influence of the delivery system (needle-free injector or syringe with needle) of fractional doses (dose sparing) of two vaccines (Varicella and Hepatitis A vaccines) in children aged 13 to 30 months.
Studies of Immune Responses in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B
Hepatitis BTaiwan is a hyperendemic area of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Previous studies demonstrated vigorous T cell responses to HBV-encoded antigens developed in patients with self-limited acute hepatitis B. In contrast, weak or no T cell responses could be detected in chronic hepatitis B (CH-B) patients. However, these immune responses are still not well known in patients with acute exacerbation (AE) of CH-B and in patients with advanced liver diseases, such as liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells might suppress immune responses against foreign antigens and pathogens. The roles of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in patients chronically infected with HBV remain to be clarified. The high percentage of HBV carriers in Taiwan are related to the vertical transmissions. High maternal HBV viral load may make the newborns tolerant to the HBV. However, the HBV-specific CD8+ T cells responses in the cord bloods of newborns are still unknown. Thus, we want to resolve these issues in this study. We will enroll the HBsAg (+) patients from NTUH. Blood samples will be collected. We will then analyze the HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses and the clarify the roles of regulatory T cells.
Cellular Immune Responses to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)- Longitudinal Follow up and Natural History...
Hepatitis BHIV InfectionsIt remains unclear why some individuals are able to clear HBV from their bodies while in others HBV is a persistent infection. We plan to investigate this process by collecting blood and analysing how the patient's white blood cells respond to different pieces of the HBV virus. We will use new tools that can precisely tell us which component of the immune response may be different in individuals who are chronically infected with HBV and also in individuals who are also infected with HIV. The primary aims are therefore: To characterize HBV-specific T cell responses in HBV chronic carriers, and identify novel immunogenic regions in both HLA-A2+ and non-HLA-A2+ individuals. To determine the effect of HIV infection on HBV-specific T-cell responses
Delta Hepatitis and Liver Disease in Hemophiliacs
Blood DiseaseHepatitis4 moreTo determine the prevalence of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) in a large cohort of hemophiliacs and to elucidate the role of HDV in the development and progression of liver disease in this population.
Natural History of Post-transfusion Non-A, Non-B Hepatitis
HepatitisViral3 moreTo compare the clinical, biochemical, and histological status of Non-A, Non-B post-transfusion hepatitis patients with that of patients who did not develop post-transfusion hepatitis.
Immune Response to Hepatitis C Virus
Hepatitis CThis study will identify and characterize immune factors involved in hepatitis C infection and elimination of the virus. Individual responses to hepatitis C infection vary; some people are able to eliminate the virus, whereas others remain chronically infected. This study may identify factors important in preventing infection that may be of help in developing a vaccine or more effective treatments. People over 18 years old who have been exposed to hepatitis C virus may participate in this study. Subjects will be recruited from the National Institutes of Health, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Occupational Medical Services-IDP P.C., Washington Hospital Center and Holy Cross Hospital, all in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Individual patients from other centers will also be recruited on a case by case basis. Participants will have 40 to 60 cc (1 to 2 ounces) of blood drawn at seven intervals. The first collection will be as soon as possible after exposure to hepatitis C virus and then again at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after exposure. The white blood cells will be studied for their response to the virus, and markers for infection will be followed. If infection develops, additional samples of blood may be requested, and patients will be offered evaluation for treatment. Test results will be kept confidential and will not be entered into any medical records.
A Study to Evaluate the Effects of Anti-HIV Drugs in HIV-Positive Patients Who Also Have Hepatitis...
HIV InfectionsHepatitis CThis study evaluates patients infected with both HIV and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) who are receiving anti-HIV drugs. The purpose of this study is to learn more about HCV infection in patients whose HIV blood level decreases to less than 500 copies/ml.
Association of Hepatitis C Virus With Breast Cancer
Breast CancerHepatitis CHepatitis C viral infection is a major health problem in Egypt. The management of breast cancer patients is often complicated by the presence of associated HCV infection. This study aims at investigating the epidemiological association of the two conditions. It will also investigate the possible correlation with treatment outcome.
Self-testing for HCV Re-infection in MSM
Hepatitis C RecurrentHIV-1-infectionHIV+MSM (men who have sex with men) that have been cured of a hepatitis C viral infection (HCV) are at risk for HCV re-infection (5-10% per year). One intervention to reduce HCV incidence in this population may be to decrease the time to diagnosis of HCV re-infections in order to decrease the duration that these re-infected patients may transmit their HCV to sex partners. Diagnosis of HCV re-infection is followed by counseling on transmission risk in combination with prompt initiation of HCV therapy, which will prevent new HCV infections on the population level. In this study the investigators evaluate the effect and feasibility of more frequent and home-based testing for HCV on the time to diagnosis and treatment of HCV re-infections.