Investigators accessed longitudinal human data from ebola virus vaccination for signals of efficacy against the Bundibugyo species now surging in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
News|Articles|March 4, 2024
The Role of COVID-19 Vaccination in Individuals with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection
Author(s)Sophia Abene
Study presented at CROI 2024 reveals chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection heightens COVID-19 severity as vaccination reduces mortality and ICU demands in co-infected individuals.
Advertisement
Chronic infection with HBV is considered a potential risk factor for severe COVID-19, as evidenced by its influence on COVID-19 outcomes in those simultaneously infected with COVID-19 and HBV infection (COVID-HBV). In the most comprehensive study on this topic so far, having chronic HBV infection was associated with increased chances of death and negative outcomes from COVID-19.
Among 3,360,173 individuals with confirmed COVID-19, approximately 0.2% (7,163) had concurrent COVID-HBV, of whom 13.9% (996) were vaccinated. Individuals with COVID-HBV experienced higher odds of mortality within 90 days (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.02-1.44; p = 0.032) and higher odds of requiring ICU admission (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.17-1.66; p < 0.001) compared to those without HBV (COVID-wo-HBV). However, no significant differences were observed in 30-day mortality, rates of hospitalization, and mechanical ventilation between the 2 groups.
Researchers used the TriNetX database to compare adult patients with confirmed COVID-HBV and COVID-wo-HBV who sought care across 77 healthcare systems in the US from January 2020 to August 2023. The analysis encompassed individuals identified with HBV through diagnostic codes and laboratory assessments. The researchers assessed the risk of outcomes including inpatient hospitalization, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation usage, as well as mortality within 30 days (early) and 90 days (late).
Although vaccination against COVID-19 has been linked to a decreased risk of mortality and negative outcomes in the broader population, its effectiveness in improving COVID-19 outcomes among those with ongoing HBV infection has yet to be determined. In a specific analysis of the COVID-HBV subgroup, those vaccinated against COVID-19 showed reduced odds of mortality at both 30 days (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.22-0.66; p < 0.001) and 90 days (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.31-0.70; p < 0.001). Nevertheless, vaccination did not significantly affect the odds of hospitalization, ICU admissions, or the need for mechanical ventilation.
To mitigate potential confounding variables, the investigators applied 1:1 propensity score matching, considering demographics, significant comorbidities, and COVID-19 vaccination status. OR and 95% CI were calculated for the specified outcomes, with a p-value of less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance.
This research on the protective effects of COVID-19 vaccination in individuals with chronic HBV infection is highlighted at the ongoing
Reference
Yendewa G, Olasehinde T, Mulindwa, et. al. Chronic Hepatitis B Increases Mortality Risk in COVID-19 While Vaccination Is Protective. Poster #730 presented at CROI 2024. March 3-6, 2023. Denver, CO.
Advertisement
Related to this article
In the first episode of our news series looking at the food safety network, Lynette Johnston, PhD, offers insights into how the federal government surveillance infrastructure operates, and how epidemiologists serve as food detectives in determining bacterial pathogens and potential foodborne outbreaks.
In mid-May, as the world was still grappling with an unexpected hantavirus outbreak aboard a tourism vessel, news broke of an Ebola outbreak in the Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo spanning at least 3 health zones, including Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu.
In this week's top infectious disease stories, a Pennsylvania teen became the state's fourth measles death in weeks, the CDC reported a 17% summer surge in rabies exposure calls, new research revisited whether cefepime raises mortality risk, a multihospital review examined ceftriaxone's safety after state alerts, and examining Legionella pneumonia diagnostics.
The latest CDC numbers show a 5.37% increase of measles cases from week-to-week. In Pennsylvania, the fourth measles-related death was reported in 2026. Additionally, the CDC has made a change in the way it will report deaths.
A "Clinician Outreach" from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in April anticipated an increase in rabies exposures, and the striking surge in case reports this summer prompted a recent health advisory alert from the federal agency.
Reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been on the rise for the past decade, and identifying Legionella bacteria requires specialized testing in the microbiology lab. Here is a clinical overview of Legionella bacteria, including required testing, treatment, and reporting to public health officials.
A retrospective multihospital study found that severe adverse events occurred at similarly low rates with ceftriaxone and other IV cephalosporins suggesting there is no evidence to support avoiding ceftriaxone despite recent health department safety alerts.