This study found a very high prevalence of HCV among blood donors in Georgia. The main risk factor for HCV infection in this population of blood donors was previous contact with contaminated blood or blood products. Reliable screening of donors and their blood is critical for controlling the further spread of HCV in Georgia.

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) virus and syphilis in the population of blood donors in Georgia has been investigated. Out of 4970 donors 7.3% had anti-HCV (6.9% confirmed), HbsAg was positive in 4.1% (3.4% confirmed), Seroprevalence of Syphilis was 2.3%. Three individuals had HIV. Prevalence of HCV and HBV in Georgia is higher than national prevalence estimates of viral hepatitis in neighboring countries.

SUMMARYObjective: The objective of this paper is to review experience in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in Georgia. Background: PMTCT is one of the strategic priorities in Georgia. The first case of HIV infection in pregnant women was reported in 1999. Starting 2005 the National Programme on PMTCT became operational. Fifty eight women (90.6%) acquired infection through heterosexual contact. None of the HIV positive women reported intravenous injection of illicit drugs. The majority of the HIV infected pregnant women had one sexual partner (90.6%). Of children delivered by 51 positive partners 41(80%) were infected through injecting drugs intravenously and 10 (20%) persons through heterosexual contacts.Throughout the period 1999-2007 14 pregnant women received PMTCT services only partially. In 2 cases children were HIV-infected. In 12 pregnancies women received AZT in about the 28th week of pregnancy. No case of HIV transmission to child was recorded in this group. In 32 cases pregnant women received full prophylaxis therapy and all children were negative for HIV infection. Among 6 pregnant women admitted at IDACIRC later than the 28th week of pregnancy only 1 child was infected. As of December 2007, 5 women are still pregnant. Three of them receive antiretroviral drugs (ARV) prophylaxis with AZT+3TC+SQV/r. Two women are under 28 weeks of gestational age.Conclusion: Over the last several years the national response to AIDS in Georgia achieved significant progress. The provision of comprehensive packages of PMTCT services in Georgia has been shown to minimize the risk of vertical transmission. As described above none of the women completing full course of ARV prophylaxis, combined with appropriate infant feeding, transmitted HIV to their children. PMTCT programmes are indisputably the main entry point not only for HIV related care and treatment for women, but also for other comprehensive care and prevention.

Objectives Early identification of factors contributing to successful treatment of hepatitis C infection is important for researchers and clinicians. Studies conducted on the role of ultra rapid viral response (URVR) for prediction of sustained viral response (SVR) have shown its high positive predictive value (PPV). However, data on the combined effect of URVR with IL28B genotypes for prediction of SVR are lacking. Our aim was to study the role of URVR and IL28B genotypes for prediction of SVR among patients in Georgia infected with genotype 1. Methods Of a total of 156 patients enrolled in the study, 143 were included in the final analyses. Viral load testing for monitoring viral response was done at 3, 24, and 48, 72 hours and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after treatment initiation. IL28B single nucleotide polymorphisms in rs12979860 were genotyped by real time PCR methods. Results Our study revealed URVR as the earliest treatment predictor among genotype 1 patients harboring IL28B C/C genotype (PPV-100%). Moreover, C/C genotype was found have a high PPV among genotype 1 patients without URVR or RVR unlike patients infected with genotype 2 or 3. URVR and IL28B C/C genotype were not as predictive of an SVR among genotype 2 and 3 patients; however RVR were highly predictive of an SVR in these patients. Conclusions Our results suggest that testing for IL28B genotypes and viral load at week one and two may improve the ability to predict an SVR among HCV genotype 1 patients; this information can be useful to encourage patients to remain on treatment.

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