Latest news with #hepatitisA
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
World Hepatitis Day: Half of acute liver failure patients admitted in ICU had Hepatitis A, say PGI doctors
On the occasion of world hepatitis day, the department of hepatology of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) on Monday organised a viral hepatitis screening and information camp at the liver clinic in the OPD. Accompanying attendants of the patients were encouraged to participate in the screening and were provided information about viral hepatitis and its importance, the routes of spread and methods of prevention. Officials said that the activity will continue throughout the week. Hepatitis B and C are silent killers that surreptitiously damage the liver over many years, leading to serious conditions like cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), end-stage liver disease and even liver cancer. (Shutterstock) World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on July 28 to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, a group of diseases that can severely damage our liver. This year's theme, 'Hepatitis: Let's break it down' is to understand the silent threat, remove barriers to care including misinformation, and work together towards a hepatitis-free future. Dr Madhumita Premkumar of hepatology department at PGIMER highlighted that according to an observation, the last few years saw an increase in numbers and severity of hepatitis A virus infection. 'Almost half of the acute liver failure patients, admitted in the Liver ICU in the last two years, have been due to Hepatitis A, a serious cause for concern,' she added. Dr Nipun Verma, of the department of hepatology, said, 'Hepatitis A has also been presenting typically with prolonged jaundice and itching which may require steroids and even plasma exchange (a form of blood filtration).' Ajay Duseja, head of hepatology department said that around 800-1000 patients with chronic viral hepatitis (HBV and HCV) are seen each year at the outpatient liver clinic at PGIMER. 'All of these patients are referred from various parts of the country,' he added. While highlighting how neighbouring states, particularly Punjab, is a high burden state for Hepatitis C possibly due to intravenous drug abuse, Dr Sunil Taneja of hepatology department, said, 'Punjab has been at the forefront of the fight against Hepatitis C and its approach of decentralising diagnosis and treatment using a hub and spoke ECHO model has been replicated not only nationally but has garnered much international attention.' Dr Duseja explained hepatitis refers to an inflammation of the liver. 'Liver is a vital organ, performing hundreds of essential functions, including filtering toxins, producing proteins, and aiding digestion. When the liver is damaged by hepatitis, these functions are compromised, affecting our overall health and well-being. Viral hepatitis is caused by viruses predominantly Hepatitis A, B, C, and E. Hepatitis A and E are spread through contaminated food and water (feco-oral route). Infection with these viruses causes acute onset jaundice which is usually self-limiting but can sometimes progress to acute liver failure which is potentially life threatening,' Dr Duseja said. Hepatitis B and C are silent killers that surreptitiously damage the liver over many years, leading to serious conditions like cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), end-stage liver disease and even liver cancer. Prevention: The first line of defence Hepatitis A and B vaccines are safe and highly effective Newborns should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth to prevent transmission from mother to child Consult your doctor to see if you need to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A or B Safe practices Wash your hands thoroughly Ensure safe drinking water and food Practice safe injections Safe piercings and tattoos Practice safe sex Free treatment is available A significant step forward in our fight against viral hepatitis is the availability of free testing and treatment. The government of India, through the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), offers free services for diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis patients, informed Dr Naveen Bhagat.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists gave mice flu vaccines by flossing their tiny teeth — and it worked
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Scientists have developed a new, needle-free way to deliver vaccines: through the gumline. In a new proof-of-concept study, researchers successfully vaccinated mice against influenza by cleaning their teeth with dental floss coated with inactive flu viruses. Most vaccines are administered using a needle, an approach that has its drawbacks. For example, apprehension about pain from the injection and needle phobias can deter people from getting vaccinated. Additionally, injections require more medical expertise to administer than needle-free options, like mouth drops or nasal sprays, and are more challenging to store and distribute. But a floss-based vaccine could eliminate the pain and logistical challenges surrounding injections and "even be distributed through the postal mail," the researchers behind the development wrote in their study, published July 22 in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering. Such a vaccine could potentially be deployed in "resource-limited settings with minimal training," they added, and be especially helpful in active outbreaks when vaccine coverage needs to be boosted quickly. Previous studies have shown that vaccinations delivered in the cheek or under the tongue trigger satisfactory immune responses. But it can be difficult to deliver adequate doses of these vaccines through mucosal tissues in the mouth — the lining that acts as a barrier between our body and the environment. Related: Acne vaccine: Experimental shot for common skin condition reaches clinical trials. Here's what you need to know. The researchers behind the vaccine floss found a creative solution: Researchers focusing on gum disease have found particular areas in the mouth that are very permeable, meaning molecules are easily absorbed by the tissue. One of these areas is called the junctional epithelium (JE). The JE is found on the tissue between teeth, at the spot where the tooth's surface meets the gum line. By secreting different molecules, the JE detects and defends against pathogens that try to get in through the gums. The study researchers thought that the JE's ability to allow molecules through and to stimulate an immune response made it a potential candidate for a vaccine site. To reach it, they needed something that could get into that small crevice between tooth and gum. So, they went out and bought some dental floss. To explore this concept, the researchers tested their hypothesis in mice. Once they'd figured out how to floss a mouse's teeth — turns out, it's a two-person job — they set up a flossing schedule to expose 50 mice to an inactive flu virus. Killed, or "inactivated" viruses cannot cause infection and are a common component of vaccines; they're used to immunize humans against diseases such as hepatitis A and polio, for example, and are found in some types of flu shot. One group of mice had their teeth flossed with the virus-coated floss three times, with two weeks between each dose. Then, a month after their final dose, they were exposed to an active flu virus. All survived, while a comparison group of mice that was left unvaccinated all died. Further testing found that the mice that had been vaccinated via the floss had a strong immune response, producing ample antibodies and many immune cells. This immune defense was found throughout the body — known as systemic immunity — and in their saliva and feces. "The floss-based vaccination induced both systemic and mucosal immunity, while conventional intramuscular shots largely stimulate systemic immunity," first study author Rohan Ingrole, a chemical engineer at Texas Tech University, told Live Science in an email. "Mucosal immunity is important because most of the pathogens enter through the mucosal routes," he emphasized. In theory, vaccine floss could thus have an edge over syringe vaccines by triggering this additional protection, but the team would like to directly compare the two methods in the future to validate this idea. RELATED STORIES —2-in-1 COVID-flu vaccine looks promising in trial — but experts say approval may be delayed —At-home flu vaccine approved by FDA — what to know —What are mRNA vaccines, and how do they work? Next, the researchers wanted to know if flossing could transfer compounds to the JE in humans. As an early test, they used a fluorescent marker and blue food coloring to coat a dental pick and had healthy volunteers floss their teeth with it. Photographs confirmed that a fair amount of the dye was transferred to the space between their teeth and gum, though just over 41% was left on the floss. The next step, the researchers said, is to translate the research to larger animals, which "can then lay the foundation for human testing in the near future," senior study author Harvinder Gill, a bioengineer at North Carolina State University, told Live Science in an email. This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
World Hepatitis Day 2025: Expert shares 5 reasons why hepatitis cases spike in monsoon
World Hepatitis Day 2025: Liver inflammation caused by infections can lead to hepatitis, a condition marked by symptoms such as dark urine, jaundice, and abdominal pain. Cases of hepatitis often see a noticeable rise during the rainy season. Also read | Hepatitis alert: Gastroenterologist lists 8 groups of people who are at higher risk; shares when to get tested Hepatitis cases spike in the rainy season.(Shutterstock) Commenting on this, in an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Aravind Badiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals said, 'Hepatitis A and E, especially, are spread mainly due to the intake of infected food and water. With heavy rains, poor hygiene, waterlogging, and damage to clean water supply lines provide perfect opportunities for such outbreaks.' Dr Aravind Badiger further shared the reasons why hepatitis cases spike during the rainy season: 1. Contaminated drinking water is the leading cause Mixing of sewage and drinking water is generally caused by flooding and leaking pipelines during the monsoon season. This contamination is a significant source of hepatitis virus outbreaks, particularly in the urban and semi-urban areas, which are densely populated. Consumption of a small amount of contaminated water or raw food washed in it may cause infection. 2. Unhygienic food practices amplify risk The open-air food, such as street food, cut fruits, and juices, is usually subjected to rainwater and unhealthy environments. The food handlers might fail to observe hygiene, and this raises the chances of viral transmission. These seasonal activities are some of the reasons that lead to increased cases. Also read | Hepatitis can cause liver disease: Gastroenterologist shares common causes, symptoms, prevention tips Hepatitis can lead to liver damage.(Freepik) 3. Symptoms often overlooked or misdiagnosed Hepatitis has common symptoms of fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), and dark urine, which are usually similar to other monsoon diseases. This leads to late detection of the disease, thus giving the virus time to spread and complications to intensify. 4. Prevention is often ignored Drink only boiled or RO-filtered water. Raw fruits or salads and street food should be avoided during the monsoon. Make sure to wash your hands with soap before meals. Keep food in clean, covered containers. Hepatitis A and B vaccination should be considered, particularly in high-risk patients. 5. Community awareness and early action are crucial Chlorination of water supply, frequent inspection of restaurants, and sensitization during monsoon should be the target of the public health systems. One can avoid long-term liver damage by being vigilant of the symptoms and reporting to the doctor at the first instance. Also read | World Hepatitis Day 2025: Kids may be at hepatitis A risk in monsoon! Paediatrician shares prevention tips 'The outbreaks of hepatitis during the rainy season are avoidable. Safe hygiene, access to clean water, and prompt medical care can ensure that the infection of hepatitis is well contained, and the infection limited,' Dr Aravind Badiger highlighted. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Monsoons driving preventable Hepatitis A and E cases in Delhi: Experts
New Delhi: With the monsoon in full swing, the Delhi-NCR region is witnessing a worrying rise in the number of preventable Hepatitis A and E cases, said experts on Monday, stressing the need for more awareness on vaccinations. Both Hepatitis A and E viruses, which are transmitted through contaminated food and water, tend to see seasonal spikes during the monsoon due to poor sanitation, waterlogging, and compromised hygiene standards. Children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing liver conditions are the most vulnerable to the infections. 'Some city hospitals are seeing up to a 40 per cent increase in acute hepatitis cases, while others reported a sharp rise in OPD consultations for jaundice, abdominal pain, and vomiting -- classic symptoms of Hepatitis A and E,' said Dr. Abhideep Chaudhary, President-Elect of the Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI). Chaudhary noted that many patients are unaware of the need for hepatitis vaccination. 'Hepatitis A and E are largely preventable diseases, yet we see a surge every monsoon due to poor awareness and unsafe water consumption. Hepatitis E can be fatal in pregnant women and can lead to acute liver failure in those with underlying liver disease. In some cases, acute Hepatitis A can lead to severe liver failure requiring a liver transplant," he added. According to estimates from the LTSI, more than 70 per cent of waterborne hepatitis cases in India during the monsoon are attributable to Hepatitis E, while Hepatitis A remains highly prevalent among children under 15. 'Cases of hepatitis A and E have gone up 30-40 per cent as compared to last month. We are witnessing a seasonal epidemic that repeats every year, and yet we are caught off guard every time. These infections are entirely preventable with clean drinking water, proper food handling, and vaccination in high-risk groups,' said Dr. Sanjiv Saigal, President, LTSI. Health experts emphasised that while Hepatitis B and C get more attention due to their chronic and long-term liver damage, Hepatitis A and E pose an equally serious threat in the short term, especially during monsoons. The symptoms -- ranging from fatigue and nausea to jaundice and dark urine -- are often ignored until the infection has progressed significantly. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that Hepatitis E causes up to 20 million infections globally every year, with India contributing a significant proportion due to seasonal outbreaks. In urban settings like Delhi, the mix of rapid urbanisation, aging water infrastructure, and irregular monitoring of food vendors creates a breeding ground for viral outbreaks.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
World Hepatitis Day 2025: Kids may be at hepatitis A risk in monsoon! Paediatrician shares prevention tips
The monsoon season brings unmistakable joy to children – the soothing sound of raindrops, the delight of splashing through puddles, and the thrill of enjoying delicious seasonal treats. However, the rainy season also comes with its fair share of challenges, especially the increased risk of infections that can spread through food and water. One significant concern is Hepatitis A. 4 habits that may expose your child to Hepatitis A(Adobe Stock) What is hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It is highly contagious and spreads mainly through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. "The unhygienic conditions that can arise during the monsoon season, coupled with the increase in waterborne illnesses, make Hepatitis A a pressing health issue in India. Parents must be aware of the risks associated with this virus and the preventive measures they can take to protect themselves and their children," paediatrician Dr S.G. Kasi tells Health Shots. Why does Hepatitis A risk increase in monsoon? The monsoon often tempts children with seasonal street food, such as golgappas, chaats, and cut fruits, from vendors. In case these may be prepared with unfiltered water and not handled with proper hygiene, it can be risky. Street food is notorious for high contamination risks due to poor sanitation, inadequate storage, and environmental exposure. 'Encourage your children to avoid street food and enjoy freshly prepared, hygienic home-cooked meals instead,' suggests Dr Kasi. Many people believe that clear water is always safe. However, heavy rains can cause leaks in municipal pipelines, mixing clean water with contaminated drainage water. The Hepatitis A virus can survive for extended periods in water, making seemingly clean, stored water a potential risk. The expert says, 'Ensure your child drinks only boiled or filtered water at home and school.' Kids love playing in the rain, which often results in mud-covered hands. "Germs, including the Hepatitis A virus, can linger on hands for hours and on surfaces for days", says Dr Kasi. Public restrooms and schools are high-contact areas that can facilitate the rapid spread of infections. 'Instill the habit of thorough handwashing with soap before meals and after using the toilet,' adds Dr Kasi. Sharing snacks and drinks among friends is common, but it can be particularly hazardous during the rainy season, when infections can spread easily. The Hepatitis A virus can be transmitted through close contact and shared items, putting kids at risk, even if they seem healthy. 'Encourage your child to use their own utensils and water bottle to minimise contact with others' germs,' Dr Kalsi says. Which vaccine is used to prevent hepatitis A? "Vaccination is one of the most reliable methods to protect your child from Hepatitis A. The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) recommends vaccinating children aged 1 to 2 years to significantly reduce the risk of infection. If your child hasn't received the vaccination yet, consult your healthcare provider about scheduling it," Dr Kasi tells Health Shots. How to prevent hepatitis A?
