Geographically targeted hepatitis B screening, Hull and East Yorkshire
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A geographically targeted community screening pilot to identify hotspots of undiagnosed chronic hepatitis B in Hull and East Yorkshire
IRAS ID
300532
Contact name
Angus More O'Ferrall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
Chronic hepatitis B is a lifelong viral infection which, if untreated, can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). In the UK, most people living with hepatitis B acquired the virus elsewhere during childhood. Individuals born in areas with high hepatitis B prevalence, generally low-income settings, are most likely to be affected. The WHO Global Hepatitis Report (2017) outlines aims for elimination of viral hepatitis as a threat to global public health by 2030. To meet this goal, widespread and consistent vaccine coverage is needed, and existing cases must be diagnosed and offered treatment as appropriate.
This study will use historical global hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence data and UK population data (country of birth and age of individuals) to develop a predictive mapping model to estimate areas of high and low hepatitis B prevalence locally. The model will be used to identify areas for community testing in the area served by Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (HUTH).
The study aims to recruit previously undiagnosed patients for monitoring and treatment via community testing, and to validate the targeted testing approach by comparing results in identified high and low risk areas. If the method is successful, it could be applied in a variety of settings to diagnose illness and commence treatment.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/YH/0243
Date of REC Opinion
24 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion