Research & Treatment News
February 28, 2012
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Combining two different medical traditions may provide the best relief for side effects originating from the latest Hepatitis C drugs.
By Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
With the addition of two newly approved drugs in 2011, battling chronic Hepatitis C has made great strides within the past year. Previous Hepatitis C treatment had a 50 percent chance of eliminating this viral infection of the liver. However, adding one of the two new drugs (boceprevir or telaprevir) to the drug regimen has substantially increased the odds of successful Hepatitis C treatment. Unfortunately, boceprevir and telaprevir come with their fair share of side effects. As Western medical doctors race to find pharmaceutical solutions for these side effects (which likely have side effects of their own), doctors of Chinese Medicine have a lesser known - but less hazardous - side effect management approach.
Practitioners of Chinese Medicine, typically acupuncturists and herbalists with a degree in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), are finally taking their place alongside Western medical doctors in treating and managing Hepatitis C. Western medical doctors are trained to analyze disease by segregating the problem and looking closely for solutions - often on a microscopic or chemical level. On the other hand, TCM practitioners are trained to analyze a person's overall wellness and follow strategies to help them regain balance. Because Western medicine practice typically sees people's ailments from a microscopic perspective, and Eastern medical practice typically looks with a telescopic perspective, each practice has a limited potential for healing. Although, combining these two approaches almost always results in the best possible patient outcome.
New Drug Side Effects
Belonging to the category of Hepatitis C protease inhibitors, boceprevir (Victrelis) and telaprevir (Incivek) are added to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin to shorten the course of treatment and increase the likelihood of a cure. Pegylated interferon plus ribavirin have their own associated adverse effects, some being severe enough to interfere with therapy completion.
Thankfully, the problems arising from the new protease inhibitors don't seem to be as severe. A review from Paris appearing in the February 2012 supplemental issue of Liver International announced that the side effects of boceprevir and telaprevir are typically mild to moderate and usually can be managed without stopping therapy. In clinical trials for both drugs, researchers observed an increase in the frequency and severity of anemia, while the telaprevir combination regimen was associated with more skin symptoms including rash itching. However, lead researcher Christophe Hézode points to their manageability by noting "[t]hese adverse events are generally manageable and do not lead to early discontinuation."
Anemia
A component of just about every Hepatitis C drug regimen, ribavirin can destroy red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia. Unfortunately, boceprevir and telaprevir both aggravate anemia by contributing to bone marrow suppression:
• An estimated 50 percent of those taking boceprevir (with interferon and ribavirin) develop anemia.
• An estimated 40 percent of those taking telaprevir (with interferon and ribavirin) develop anemia.
• An estimated 20 percent of those taking just pegylated interferon plus ribavirin develop anemia.
Western medical approaches to this problem typically revolve around reducing ribavirin dosage or using erythropoietin drugs (Epogen or Procrit) to stimulate red blood cell production. Although an erythropoietin could help someone get through Hepatitis C treatment, it may lead to additional side effects such as hypertension; joint, muscle or bone pain; fever; cough; rash; nausea or vomiting; itching; headache; seizures; and blood clots.
Practitioners of TCM have a more natural way to help those with anemia. By following TCM treatment strategies that focus on blood tonification and nourishing bone marrow cells, this type of medicine can help reduce reliance on a fourth medication for completing Hepatitis C treatment.
Skin Problems
Pegylated interferon plus ribavirin are associated with skin problems like itching, dry skin and eczema. However, Hepatitis C protease inhibitors (especially telaprevir) increase the frequency of these side effects:
• An estimated 55 percent of those on telaprevir (with interferon and ribavirin) develop a rash.
• An estimated 33 percent of those just taking pegylated interferon and ribavirin develop a rash.
Western medical approaches to these problems typically revolve around using topical corticosteroids, moisturizers or oral antihistamines. The oral antihistamines may carry some additional side effects (like hypertension, sleepiness, constipation and dry mouth), while short-term administration of moisturizers and topical corticosteroids typically have minimal side effects.
Eastern medical practitioners may have another approach toward helping patients with itching, rash and dry skin. By following TCM treatment strategies that focus on cooling the blood and enhancing the body's internal moisture levels (tonifying the yin), this type of medicine can help ease dermatological complaints in a holistic (perceiving the body as a whole), natural manner.
There is little doubt that Hepatitis C treatment has recently improved and continues to make progress; however, drug side effects persist. By considering combining styles of medicine born from the West and the East, people undergoing these challenging medication regimens have an even greater chance of finally beating the Hepatitis C virus.
References:
http://www.epogen.com/, Important Information about Epogen, Retrieved February 26, 2012, Amgen Inc., 2012.
http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2011/07/side_effects_of.html, Side Effects of the Two New Hep C Drugs, Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., Retrieved February 25, 2012, Hepatitis-Central, 2012.
http://hivandhepatitis.com/hepatitis-c/hepatitis-c-topics/hcv-treatment/3460-managing-side-effects-of-new-hepatitis-c-protease-inhibitors, Managing Side Effects of New Hepatitis C Protease Inhibitors, Liz Highleyman, Retrieved February 25, 2012, hivandhepatitis.com, 2012.
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February 21, 2012
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The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation has recently awarded three grants in an effort to prevent, diagnose and care for those with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in China and India.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Announces Grants Focused on Prevention, Diagnosis and Care of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Asia
PRINCETON, N.J., Feb 18, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation has awarded three new grants to improve prevention, diagnosis and care of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) in China and India as part of its Delivering Hope(TM): Awareness, Prevention and Care umbrella program which is committed to reducing hepatitis-related health disparities in Asia. China and India together have an estimated 123 million people chronically infected with HBV and 59 million people chronically infected with HCV, accounting for almost 50 percent of all HBV and HCV infections worldwide.
The grant recipients, which range in scope from national and regional government health, charitable non-profit and advocacy organizations, were announced at the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) 2012 Conference in Taipei, Taiwan, where leaders in the hepatology field gathered to promote scientific advancement and education in the Asia Pacific region. Organizations and projects receiving support include:
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bristol-myers-squibb-foundation-announces-grants-focused-on-prevention-diagnosis-and-care-of-hepatitis-b-and-hepatitis-c-in-asia-2012-02-18
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February 20, 2012
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Because three quarters of Hepatitis C patients relapsed after stopping Gilead's GS-7977, the company's financial profile suffered.
Gilead Drops After Patients Relapse on Hepatitis C Drug
By Meg Tirrell
Feb. 17 (Bloomberg) -- Gilead Sciences Inc., which fueled a land grab for hepatitis C therapies with its $10.8 billion purchase last year of Pharmasset Inc., dropped the most in 11 years after some patients on the acquired experimental medicine relapsed after stopping therapy.
Among eight patients with hepatitis C genotype 1, the most common form of the disease in the U.S., six had a viral relapse within four weeks after stopping a 12-week regimen with the medicine, GS-7977, plus ribavirin, Gilead said today in a statement. The other patients in the trial are two weeks out from stopping treatment, and haven't relapsed, the company said.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-02-20/gilead-drops-after-patients-relapse-on-hepatitis-c-drug.html
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February 15, 2012
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Since an estimated one third of HIV patients are also infected with Hepatitis C, knowing about the potential interaction between boceprevir and certain HIV medications is imperative.
Merck Warns of Victrelis and HIV Protease Inhibitor Interactions
February 8, 2012
The hepatitis C protease inhibitor Victrelis (boceprevir) has some significant drug-drug interactions with common Norvir (ritonavir)-boosted protease inhibitor (PI) combinations, according to preliminary data from a clinical trial and a warning issued to health care providers by Merck on February 6.
Drug-drug interactions between HIV antiretrovirals (ARV) and the recently approved hepatitis C PIs Victrelis and Incivek (telaprevir) are an essential area of study, given that roughly one third of people living with HIV are coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may wish to use either Victrelis or Incivek to boost the efficacy of pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment. While neither Merck's Victrelis nor Vertex's Incivek is officially approved for people coinfected with HIV and HCV--coinfection studies are still being conducted--some clinicians have already started prescribing these drugs for their patients living with both viruses.
Because the HCV PIs are broken down (metabolized) by the same enzyme pathway responsible for processing many ARVs, thoroughly exploring potential drug-drug interactions and ways to circumvent potential problems has been a research priority.
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http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/hiv_hcv_victrelis_1667_21880.shtml
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February 14, 2012
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We usually think of Hepatitis C as a virus that is passed from person to person. However, most infections occur via an intermediary, inanimate object. Thus, determining the length of time Hepatitis C can survive outside the body is crucial to prevent transmission of this virus.
By Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
As an increasing number of people are being diagnosed with Hepatitis C, the demand to understand how this virus can be transmitted grows accordingly. Scientists know that the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is primarily transmitted via blood to blood contact; however, there is usually an intermediary between infected blood and not-yet-infected blood. Depending on several different variables, the inanimate intermediary can keep HCV viable for a surprisingly long time.
Every virus has a different capability for surviving outside the body. According to Mayo Clinic internist James M. Steckelberg, MD, the length of time a virus survives depends partly on where the germ-laden droplets fall. Experiments with specific cold and flu germs have found the following:
• Potential survival times for a virus outside the body range from a few minutes to 48 hours or more.
• Cold and flu germs generally remain active longer on stainless steel, plastic and similar hard surfaces than on fabric and other soft surfaces.
• Demonstrating that all viruses are different, flu viruses seem to live longer than cold viruses do - regardless of the surface.
• Other factors affecting how long germs can survive outside of the body are the temperature of the environment, its humidity and the amount of virus deposited on the surface.
Several of these variables have a direct impact on how long HCV can survive outside the body. Testing blood on exposed surfaces while considering the surface's texture, room temperature, amount of blood exposed, viral load (low/high) and various contaminants in the environment makes the determination of how long Hepatitis C survives outside the body very complex.
Compared to other viruses, HCV is a relatively hardy pathogen. Known to survive outside the body for days in dried blood on surfaces, Hepatitis C can persist for months in a liquid medium under favorable conditions. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HCV can survive on environmental surfaces at room temperature for at least 16 hours but no longer than four days. In contrast, the HIV virus can only live on surfaces for several hours.
• As reported in the June 15, 2010 edition of The Journal of Infectious Diseases, researchers from Germany confirmed that HCV survives longer in liquids than it does when dried on surfaces. They found that in a liquid environment, HCV was detectable for up to five months at lower temperatures.
• As published in a February 2010 edition of Virology Journal, Chinese researchers determined that HCV could survive in a liquid medium for two days at 98ºF (body temperature),16 days at 77 ºF and at least six weeks at 40ºF (average refrigerator temperature).
• Presented in February 2010 at the 17th Conference on Retroviruses & Opportunistic Infections, American researchers found that under the right circumstances, HCV remained viable in a syringe for up to 63 days. Circumstances that increased HCV infectivity include syringes with detachable needles, lower temperature and larger volume syringes.
HCV's ability to live for a prolonged period of time outside the body under the right conditions has extraordinary implications for its transmission. Some of the carriers known to transmit the virus include straws used for nasal drug use, needles used for administering drugs, tattooing, sharing personal care equipment like razors or toothbrushes, certain sexual devices and reuse of medical equipment in healthcare settings.
Although we know that it is spread between blood sources, inanimate objects often act as the intermediary to transmit infection. Thus, understanding how long the Hepatitis C virus can survive outside the body - in all situations - can help guide us toward failsafe practices for reducing the risk of HCV transmission.
References:
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/How%20_long.pdf, How Long Does HCV Live on Surfaces?, Alan Franciscus, Retrieved September 7, 2010, Hepatitis C Support Project, 2010.
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/news/newsLetter/2010/advocate0910.html#2, HCV Outside the Body: How Well Does It Survive on Surfaces, in Syringes, and in the Lab?, Liz Highleyman, Retrieved September 7, 2010, Hepatitis C Support Project, 2010.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infectious-disease/AN01238, Flu germs:How long can they live outside the body?, James M. Steckelberg, MD, Retrieved September 10, 2010, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2010.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12410020, Does bleach disinfection of syringes protect against hepatitis C infection among young adult injection drug users?, Kapadia F, et al, Retrieved September 9, 2010, Epidemiology, November 2002.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19058925, The association of syringe type and syringe cleaning with HCV infection among IDUs in Budapest, Hungary, Gyarmathy VA, et al, Retrieved September 10, 2010, Drug and Alcohol Dependence, March 2009.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20167059, Thermal stability and inactivation of hepatitis C virus grown in cell culture, Song H, et al, Retrieved September 9, 2010, Virology Journal, February 2010.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20441517, How stable is the hepatitis C virus (HCV)? Environmental stability of HCV and its susceptibility to chemical biocides, Ciesek S, et al, Retrieved September 9, 2010, The Journal of Infectious Diseases, June 2010.
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February 8, 2012
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Maryland researchers have published a study detailing the usefulness of the ALT liver enzyme test to differentiate between those at high and low risk of having liver disease.
Alanine Aminotransferase Levels ID Liver Disease Risk
Alanine aminotransferase levels can be used to discriminate between individuals infected with hepatitis C virus RNA and those at low risk for liver disease, according to a study published in the February issue of Hepatology.
FRIDAY, Feb. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels can be used to discriminate between individuals infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and those at low risk for liver disease (negative HCV RNA and hepatitis B surface antigen, low alcohol consumption, no evidence of diabetes, and normal body mass index and waist circumference), according to a study published in the February issue of Hepatology.
Constance E. Ruhl, M.D., Ph.D., of Social and Scientific Systems Inc. in Silver Spring, Md., and James E. Everhart, M.D., M.P.H., of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., evaluated the ability of serum ALT activity to differentiate between those with and without liver disease among participants in the 1999 to 2008 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Serum ALT activity was measured in 18,518 participants; of these, there were 259 cases positive for HCV RNA and 3,747 at low risk for liver injury.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/pb/26500
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February 7, 2012
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New research shows that even if Hepatitis B is hidden, it can still cause serious harm.
By Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
The Hepatitis B virus can be very deceptive; many who are infected have no indication they are living with this illness. Aside from making sure not to accidentally spread Hepatitis B to anyone else, there is a newly documented reason to make sure you are not harboring any "hidden" Hepatitis B viral particles in your liver - and, if you are, to take steps to prevent liver disease progression. Based on recently published research from Hong Kong, hidden cases of Hepatitis B are frequently the cause of primary liver cancer from unknown etiology.
About Primary Liver Cancer
Otherwise referred to as hepatocellular carcinoma, primary liver cancer is a cancer that begins in the cells of the liver. It occurs when liver cells develop mutations that grow out of control and form a cancerous tumor. Worldwide, over half a million people die each year from primary liver cancer - 80 percent of which are caused by chronic hepatitis. As the third leading cancer-related cause of death and the seventh most common form of cancer worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma is often diagnosed late in the course of viral hepatitis infection. Although new treatments are slowly becoming available, the five-year survival rate for primary liver cancer is a mere 10 percent.
About Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It can be acute or chronic.
• About 90-95 percent of infected adults are able to fight off the virus during the acute stage, thus curing their infection.
• The remaining 5 to 10 percent develop chronic Hepatitis B infection.
• About two-thirds of people with chronic Hepatitis B are chronic carriers.
• Chronic carriers do not develop symptoms, although they still harbor the virus and can transmit it to others.
• The remaining one third with chronic Hepatitis B develop "active" hepatitis, a potentially serious health condition.
• Although poorly understood, occult, or hidden, Hepatitis B is relatively common in those who are chronic carriers.
• Occult Hepatitis B infection is defined as infection with detectable Hepatitis B DNA and undetectable surface antigen (HBsAg) in patients' blood.
• The cause of a Hepatitis B infection becoming occult is unknown.
Although many assume occult Hepatitis B to be relatively innocuous, new research demonstrates its connection to the development of primary liver cancer.
About The New Research
As published in a September 2011 edition of the journal Hepatology, researchers from Hong Kong investigated the incidence of occult Hepatitis B infection in people with primary liver cancer from an unknown source (cryptogenic).
In those with hepatocellular carcinoma, the researchers looked at tumor tissue and adjacent non-tumor liver tissue from cryptogenic liver cancer patients and patients with liver cancer from an identifiable cause. They found that occult Hepatitis B was identified in 73 percent of cryptogenic, primary liver cancer patients. Based on their findings, the study authors concluded that nearly three-quarters of patients with apparently unidentifiable causes for hepatocellular carcinoma actually had Hepatitis B-related liver cancer.
The researchers recognized that their findings mandate further investigation into the risks of occult Hepatitis B infection. Individuals with this "hidden" form of chronic Hepatitis B seem to have a minimal impact from the virus, which could lead to a false sense of security. Although more information is needed to fully understand occult Hepatitis B, this research reiterates the importance of comprehensive testing for Hepatitis B, vaccination against it and instituting interventions to mitigate the potential for developing primary liver cancer.
References:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hep.24551/abstract, Occult hepatitis B infection and HBV replicative activity in patients with cryptogenic cause of hepatocellular carcinoma, Danny Ka Ho Wong, et al, Retrieved September 18, 2011, Hepatology, September 2011.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/hepatitis_b/article_em.htm#Hepatitis%20B%20Overview, Hepatitis B, Retrieved September 18, 2011, WebMD, Inc, 2011.
http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2011/08/two_liver_cance.html, Two Liver Cancer Discoveries May Impact Hepatitis Patients, Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., Retrieved September 18, 2011, Natural Wellness, 2011.
http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hepatitis-b/hepatitis-b-topics/hbv-disease-progression/370-occult-hbv/3216-occult-hbv-infection-may-be-the-cause-of-unexplained-liver-cancer, Occult Hepatitis B Infection May Be the Cause of Unexplained Liver Cancer, Liz Highleyman, Retrieved September 18, 2011, hivandhepatitis.com, 2011.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/715052, Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Covert Operation, F. B. Hollinger; G. Sood, Retrieved September 18, 2011, Journal of Viral Hepatitis, 2010.
http://www.virologyj.com/content/5/1/146, Occult hepatitis B infection: an evolutionary scenario, Formijn J van Hemert, et al, Retrieved September 18, 2011, Virology Journal, 2008.
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February 6, 2012
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A prominent UCLA researcher pinpoints the protein that blocks Hepatitis C viral replication and could ultimately end the problem of medication resistance during Hepatitis C therapy.
UCLA researchers identify peptide that inhibits replication of hepatitis C virus
By Kim Irwin February 02, 2012
Researchers from UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a cell-permeable peptide that inhibits a hepatitis C virus protein and blocks the viral replication that can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis.
The finding by Dr. Samuel French, a UCLA assistant professor of pathology and senior author of the research, builds on previous work by French's laboratory that identified two cellular proteins that are important factors in hepatitis C virus infection.
In that earlier research, French and his team set out to identify the cellular factors involved in hepatitis C replication. Using mass spectrometry, they found that heat-shock proteins (HSPs) 40 and 70 were important for viral infection. HSP 70 was previously known to be involved, but the study linked HSP 40 for the first time to hepatitis C infection. The researchers further showed that the natural compound quercetin, which inhibits the synthesis of these proteins, significantly inhibited viral infection in tissue culture.
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http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/jonsson-cancer-center-researchers-228167.aspx
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Spearheaded by a research team spanning several respected U.S. universities, stem cells are showing promise in understanding some of the challenges presented by the Hepatitis C virus.
Stem Cells Could Advance Hepatitis Research
Drug Discovery & Development - February 02, 2012
Researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Rockefeller University, and the Medical College of Wisconsin have developed a way to establish a hepatitis infection in liver-like cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), enabling scientists to study how genetic differences produce varying responses in patients infected with hepatitis C.
Sangeeta Bhatia, a professor of health sciences, technology and electrical engineering, and computer science at MIT and Charles Rice, a professor of virology at Rockefeller University, reported that they could induce liver cells to grow outside the body by growing them on micropatterned plates that direct their organization. The liver cells can be infected with hepatitis C, but they cannot be used to proactively study the role of genetic variation in viral responses because they come from organs that have been donated for transplantation and represent only a small population.
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http://www.dddmag.com/Stem-Cells-Could-Advance-Hepatitis-Research2-2-12.aspx
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February 2, 2012
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It's hard to imagine that intravenous drug use and mani-pedis have much in common, but they both harbor the potential to spread viral hepatitis.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
A standard component of many hygiene and aesthetic routines, people (both women and men) from a wide range of backgrounds customarily visit their local nail salon. Although few individuals recognize the medical risks associated with this common practice, there is little doubt that nail technicians who don't strictly follow infection control guidelines are in a prime position to spread viral hepatitis. Whether you want to prevent spreading your ailment or protect yourself and others from acquiring this kind of viral illness, make certain the nail salon you frequent is aware of and implements a strict infection control policy.
Those who are diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C are commonly taught how to prevent passing their infection on to other members of their household. Although not spread via casual contact - like hugging, holding hands or sharing food - viral hepatitis is spread through blood-to-blood contact. Known vehicles for microscopic (and easily overlooked) quantities of infectious blood are personal care items. Since tiny blood particles can be transferred from razors, nail clippers, cuticle sticks or clippers, sharing any of these items can lead to a new Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infection. Most with chronic hepatitis know better than to share these kinds of tools in their home; however, people who visit a nail salon usually fail to realize that the same risk applies there.
Unfortunately, an increasing number of chronic hepatitis cases are being attributed to poor sanitary practices at nail salons. Recently presented at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in Washington DC, researchers analyzed a Virginia Department of Health report on the risk of hepatitis in this type of setting. According to Dr. David A. Johnson of Eastern Virginia Medical School, "The risk of transmission of infectious disease, particularly hepatitis B and C, in personal care settings is significantly understudied in the United States."
Regardless of the results that emerge from the studies recommended by Johnson, increasing public awareness of infection control by nail technicians is a necessity. Experts suggest the following to reduce the risk of spreading hepatitis in a nail salon:
• Proper training for all nail salon workers.
• Education about how hepatitis and other blood-borne infections are transmitted.
• Emphasis on the principles of good hygiene and disinfection.
• Strict requirements on personal hygiene, storage, disinfection and inspection.
Currently, there are no federally mandated infection control guidelines for the prevention of hepatitis in nail salons. Since nationwide consumer protection is lacking, licensing requirements lie with local government agencies. As such, salons are regulated by the individual state or municipality they are located in.
Cities like Boston are being more proactive than others to make manicures and pedicures safe for customers. In 2011, the Boston Public Health Commission voted to require annual licensing and regular inspections of the city's nail salons. Under the new regulation, tools have to either be cleaned and disinfected after each use or disposed of, foot spas have to be sanitized after each customer and at the end of the day, and nail technicians have to wear impermeable gloves when handling potentially dangerous chemicals or when performing any procedures with the risk of breaking the client's skin. Although this legislation was primarily enacted to protect the health of nail salon workers, it also serves to protect against the spread of viruses like hepatitis.
Regardless of the safety precautions that nail technicians should follow, there are gaping violations in infection control practices in a substantial number of salons. The following is intended to help guide educated consumers on how to safely receive a manicure or pedicure:
• Ask the salon staff how they clean and disinfect their equipment.
• Observe the nail technicians to check for tools being reused without being sterilized.
• Bring your own clippers, razors, buffers and nail files with you.
• If hygiene doesn't seem to be a salon's priority, take your business elsewhere.
Getting a manicure or pedicure is supposed to be an enjoyable, relaxing experience. Unfortunately, the possibility of acquiring a viral hepatitis infection is a real threat when visiting a salon that does not practice good infection control. Until there is better legislation and enforcement of nail salons in the U.S., being an educated consumer offers significant protection. By inquiring about and observing the hygiene of your chosen salon - and bringing your own personal care tools - you can be an educated consumer and reduce your risk of acquiring viral hepatitis.
References:
http://files.nailsmag.com/Handouts/NAILSDisinfectionChart.pdf, NAILS State-by-State Guide to Disinfection Regulations, Retrieved January 27, 2011, NAILS Magazine, August 2008.
http://naturalsociety.com/nail-salon-manicures-pedicures-spreading-hepatitis-b/, Some Nail Salon Manicures and Pedicures Spreading Hepatitis B, Anthony Gucciardi, Retrieved January 23, 2012, Natural Society, 2012.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/14/hepatitis-nail-salon_n_1091725.html, Hepatitis And Nail Salons: What You Need to Know, Deborah Dunham, Retrieved January 23, 2012, TheHuffingtonPost.com, Inc., 2012.
http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2011/10/hepatitis-transmission-risk-in-nail-salons-barbershops-needs-to-be-studied.aspx, Hepatitis Transmission Risk in Nail Salons, Barbershops Needs to be Studied, Retrieved January 23, 2012, Virgo Publishing, LLC, 2012.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_118196.html, Hepatitis May Lurk at Barbershops, Nail Salons, Robert Preidt, Retrieved January 23, 2012, HealthDay, 2012.
http://www.universalhub.com/2011/new-regulations-put-bite-nail-salons, New Regulation Puts Bite on Nail Salons, Retrieved January 27, 2012, Adam Gaffin, 2012.
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