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Razavi-Shearer D, Gamkrelidze I, Pan C, Jia J, Berg T, Gray R, Lim YS, Chen CJ, Ocama P, Desalegn H, Abbas Z, Abdallah A, Aghemo A, Ahmadbekova S, Ahn SH, Aho I, Akarca U, Al Masri N, Alalwan A, Alavian S, Al-Busafi S, Aleman S, Alfaleh F, Alghamdi A, Al-Hamoudi W, Aljumah A, Al-Naamani K, Al-Rifai A, Alserkal Y, Altraif I, Amarsanaa J, Anderson M, Andersson M, Armstrong P, Asselah T, Athanasakis K, Baatarkhuu O, Ben-Ari Z, Bensalem A, Bessone F, Biondi M, Bizri AR, Blach S, Braga W, Brandão-Mello C, Brosgart C, Brown K, Brown, Jr R, Bruggmann P, Brunetto M, Buti M, Cabezas J, Casanovas T, Chae C, Chan HLY, Cheinquer H, Chen PJ, Cheng KJ, Cheon ME, Chien CH, Choudhuri G, Christensen PB, Chuang WL, Chulanov V, Cisneros L, Coffin C, Contreras F, Coppola N, Cornberg M, Cowie B, Cramp M, Craxi A, Crespo J, Cui F, Cunningham C, Dalgard O, De Knegt R, De Ledinghen V, Dore G, Drazilova S, Duberg AS, Egeonu S, Elbadri M, El-Kassas M, El-Sayed M, Estes C, Etzion O, Farag E, Ferradini L, Ferreira P, Flisiak R, Forns X, Frankova S, Fung J, Gane E, Garcia V, García-Samaniego J, Gemilyan M, Genov J, Gheorghe L, Gholam P, Gish R, Goleij P, Gottfredsson M, Grebely J, Gschwantler M, Guingane NA, Hajarizadeh B, Hamid S, Hamoudi W, Harris A, Hasan I, Hatzakis A, Hellard M, Hercun J, Hernandez J, Hockicková I, Hsu YC, Hu CC, Husa P, Janicko M, Janjua N, Jarcuska P, Jaroszewicz J, Jelev D, Jeruma A, Johannessen A, Kåberg M, Kaita K, Kaliaskarova K, Kao JH, Kelly-Hanku A, Khamis F, Khan A, Kheir O, Khoudri I, Kondili L, Konysbekova A, Kristian P, Kwon J, Lagging M, Laleman W, Lampertico P, Lavanchy D, Lázaro P, Lazarus JV, Lee A, Lee MH, Liakina V, Lukšić B, Malekzadeh R, Malu A, Marinho R, Mendes-Correa MC, Merat S, Meshesha BR, Midgard H, Mohamed R, Mokhbat J, Mooneyhan E, Moreno C, Mortgat L, Müllhaupt B, Musabaev E, Muyldermans G, Naveira M, Negro F, Nersesov A, Nguyen VTT, Ning Q, Njouom R, Ntagirabiri R, Nurmatov Z, Oguche S, Omuemu C, Ong J, Opare-Sem O, Örmeci N, Orrego M, Osiowy C, Papatheodoridis G, Peck-Radosavljevic M, Pessoa M, Pham T, Phillips R, Pimenov N, Pincay-Rodríguez L, Plaseska-Karanfilska D, Pop C, Poustchi H, Prabdial-Sing N, Qureshi H, Ramji A, Rautiainen H, Razavi-Shearer K, Remak W, Ribeiro S, Ridruejo E, Ríos-Hincapié C, Robalino M, Roberts L, Roberts S, Rodríguez M, Roulot D, Rwegasha J, Ryder S, Sadirova S, Saeed U, Safadi R, Sagalova O, Said S, Salupere R, Sanai F, Sanchez-Avila JF, Saraswat V, Sargsyants N, Sarrazin C, Sarybayeva G, Schréter I, Seguin-Devaux C, Seto WK, Shah S, Sharara A, Sheikh M, Shouval D, Sievert W, Simojoki K, Simonova M, Sinn DH, Sonderup M, Sonneveld M, Spearman CW, Sperl J, Stauber R, Stedman C, Sypsa V, Tacke F, Tan SS, Tanaka J, Tergast T, Terrault N, Thompson A, Thompson P, Tolmane I, Tomasiewicz K, Tsang TY, Uzochukwu B, Van Welzen B, Vanwolleghem T, Vince A, Voeller A, Waheed Y, Waked I, Wallace J, Wang C, Weis N, Wong G, Wong V, Wu JC, Yaghi C, Yesmembetov K, Yip T, Yosry A, Yu ML, Yuen MF, Yurdaydin C, Zeuzem S, Zuckerman E, Razavi H. Global prevalence, cascade of care, and prophylaxis coverage of hepatitis B in 2022: a modelling study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 8:879-907. [PMID: 37517414 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00197-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 2016 World Health Assembly endorsed the elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection as a public health threat by 2030; existing therapies and prophylaxis measures make such elimination feasible, even in the absence of a virological cure. We aimed to estimate the national, regional, and global prevalence of HBV in the general population and among children aged 5 years and younger, as well as the rates of diagnosis, treatment, prophylaxis, and the future burden globally. METHODS In this modelling study, we used a Delphi process with data from literature reviews and interviews with country experts to quantify the prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention measures for HBV infection. The PRoGReSs Model, a dynamic Markov model, was used to estimate the country, regional, and global prevalence of HBV infection in 2022, and the effects of treatment and prevention on disease burden. The future incidence of morbidity and mortality in the absence of additional interventions was also estimated at the global level. FINDINGS We developed models for 170 countries which resulted in an estimated global prevalence of HBV infection in 2022 of 3·2% (95% uncertainty interval 2·7-4·0), corresponding to 257·5 million (216·6-316·4) individuals positive for HBsAg. Of these individuals, 36·0 million were diagnosed, and only 6·8 million of the estimated 83·3 million eligible for treatment were on treatment. The prevalence among children aged 5 years or younger was estimated to be 0·7% (0·6-1·0), corresponding to 5·6 million (4·5-7·8) children with HBV infection. Based on the most recent data, 85% of infants received three-dose HBV vaccination before 1 year of age, 46% had received a timely birth dose of vaccine, and 14% received hepatitis B immunoglobulin along with the full vaccination regimen. 3% of mothers with a high HBV viral load received antiviral treatment to reduce mother-to-child transmission. INTERPRETATION As 2030 approaches, the elimination targets remain out of reach for many countries under the current frameworks. Although prevention measures have had the most success, there is a need to increase these efforts and to increase diagnosis and treatment to work towards the elimination goals. FUNDING John C Martin Foundation, Gilead Sciences, and EndHep2030.
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Razavi-Shearer D, Estes C, Gamkrelidze I, Razavi H. Cost-effectiveness of treating all hepatitis B-positive individuals in the United States. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:718-726. [PMID: 37260095 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of liver disease and related mortality globally. However, most of the infected individuals in the United States remain undiagnosed and untreated. There is a need to understand more completely the economic and disease burden impact of removing treatment restrictions and increasing diagnosis and treatment. The PRoGReSs model, a dynamic HBV model that tracks the infected population by year, disease stage, and gender, was used to quantify the disease and economic burden of chronic HBV infection in the United States from 2020 to 2050 based on four scenarios: a status quo (base) scenario and three treat-all scenarios, in which screening, diagnosis, and treatment were maximized at different annual treatment price levels of $5382, $2000 and $750. Compared to the base scenario, the treat-all scenarios would avert 71,100 acute and 11,100 chronic incident cases of HBV, and 169,000 liver-related deaths from 2020 to 2050. At an annual treatment cost of $2000, treating all HBV infections would be highly cost-effective, and at $750 would be cost saving and would achieve a positive return on investment before 2050. Maximizing the diagnosed and treated HBV population in the United States would avert a significant number of cases of advanced liver disease and related mortality. Such interventions can also be cost-effective compared to the status quo strategy, and cost saving at a treatment price threshold of $750 annually, above the current lowest annual treatment cost of $362.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris Estes
- Center for Disease Analysis Foundation, Lafayette, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Homie Razavi
- Center for Disease Analysis Foundation, Lafayette, Colorado, USA
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Biondi MJ, Estes C, Razavi-Shearer D, Sahdra K, Lipton N, Shah H, Capraru C, Janssen HLA, Razavi H, Feld JJ. Cost-effectiveness modelling of birth and infant dose vaccination against hepatitis B virus in Ontario from 2020 to 2050. CMAJ Open 2023; 11:E24-E32. [PMID: 36627129 PMCID: PMC9842099 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20210284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recommends universal birth dose vaccination for hepatitis B virus (HBV), yet only 3 provinces and territories in Canada provide birth dose vaccination, and Canadian-born children in Ontario are acquiring HBV before adolescent vaccination. We sought to determine whether birth and/or infant HBV vaccination is cost-effective. METHODS We used a dynamic HBV model that incorporates population by year, disease stage, sex and the influence of immigration to quantify the disease and economic burden of chronic HBV infection in Ontario from 2020 to 2050. We compared 4 vaccination scenarios, which included a birth dose vaccine and variations of the 2 subsequent doses (either alone or as a part of the hexavalent vaccine) and a hexavalent-only strategy in infancy with the current adolescent vaccination strategy. Our costing estimates were based on values from 2020. RESULTS All 4 infant vaccination approaches prevented an additional 550-560 acute and 160 chronic pediatric HBV infections from 2020 to 2050 compared with adolescent vaccination. Whereas birth dose could be cost-effective, incorporating vaccination into a hexavalent vaccine was cost saving. By 2050, the hexavalent approach led to $428 000 in cost savings per disability-adjusted life years averted. INTERPRETATION At the current prevalence in Ontario, a switch to birth dose or infant dose will be cost-effective or even cost saving. Introducing any form of infant HBV immunization in Ontario will prevent acute and chronic pediatric HBV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia J Biondi
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN) Study Group (Biondi, Sahdra, Lipton, Shah, Capraru, Janssen, Feld), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease; Institute of Medical Sciences (Feld), University of Toronto; School of Nursing (Biondi), York University, Toronto, Ont.; Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing (Biondi), Western University, London, Ont.; Center for Disease Analysis Foundation (Estes, Razavi-Shearer, Razavi), Lafayette, Colo
| | - Chris Estes
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN) Study Group (Biondi, Sahdra, Lipton, Shah, Capraru, Janssen, Feld), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease; Institute of Medical Sciences (Feld), University of Toronto; School of Nursing (Biondi), York University, Toronto, Ont.; Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing (Biondi), Western University, London, Ont.; Center for Disease Analysis Foundation (Estes, Razavi-Shearer, Razavi), Lafayette, Colo
| | - Devin Razavi-Shearer
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN) Study Group (Biondi, Sahdra, Lipton, Shah, Capraru, Janssen, Feld), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease; Institute of Medical Sciences (Feld), University of Toronto; School of Nursing (Biondi), York University, Toronto, Ont.; Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing (Biondi), Western University, London, Ont.; Center for Disease Analysis Foundation (Estes, Razavi-Shearer, Razavi), Lafayette, Colo
| | - Kanwar Sahdra
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN) Study Group (Biondi, Sahdra, Lipton, Shah, Capraru, Janssen, Feld), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease; Institute of Medical Sciences (Feld), University of Toronto; School of Nursing (Biondi), York University, Toronto, Ont.; Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing (Biondi), Western University, London, Ont.; Center for Disease Analysis Foundation (Estes, Razavi-Shearer, Razavi), Lafayette, Colo
| | - Nechama Lipton
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN) Study Group (Biondi, Sahdra, Lipton, Shah, Capraru, Janssen, Feld), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease; Institute of Medical Sciences (Feld), University of Toronto; School of Nursing (Biondi), York University, Toronto, Ont.; Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing (Biondi), Western University, London, Ont.; Center for Disease Analysis Foundation (Estes, Razavi-Shearer, Razavi), Lafayette, Colo
| | - Hemant Shah
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN) Study Group (Biondi, Sahdra, Lipton, Shah, Capraru, Janssen, Feld), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease; Institute of Medical Sciences (Feld), University of Toronto; School of Nursing (Biondi), York University, Toronto, Ont.; Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing (Biondi), Western University, London, Ont.; Center for Disease Analysis Foundation (Estes, Razavi-Shearer, Razavi), Lafayette, Colo
| | - Camelia Capraru
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN) Study Group (Biondi, Sahdra, Lipton, Shah, Capraru, Janssen, Feld), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease; Institute of Medical Sciences (Feld), University of Toronto; School of Nursing (Biondi), York University, Toronto, Ont.; Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing (Biondi), Western University, London, Ont.; Center for Disease Analysis Foundation (Estes, Razavi-Shearer, Razavi), Lafayette, Colo
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN) Study Group (Biondi, Sahdra, Lipton, Shah, Capraru, Janssen, Feld), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease; Institute of Medical Sciences (Feld), University of Toronto; School of Nursing (Biondi), York University, Toronto, Ont.; Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing (Biondi), Western University, London, Ont.; Center for Disease Analysis Foundation (Estes, Razavi-Shearer, Razavi), Lafayette, Colo
| | - Homie Razavi
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN) Study Group (Biondi, Sahdra, Lipton, Shah, Capraru, Janssen, Feld), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease; Institute of Medical Sciences (Feld), University of Toronto; School of Nursing (Biondi), York University, Toronto, Ont.; Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing (Biondi), Western University, London, Ont.; Center for Disease Analysis Foundation (Estes, Razavi-Shearer, Razavi), Lafayette, Colo
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN) Study Group (Biondi, Sahdra, Lipton, Shah, Capraru, Janssen, Feld), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease; Institute of Medical Sciences (Feld), University of Toronto; School of Nursing (Biondi), York University, Toronto, Ont.; Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing (Biondi), Western University, London, Ont.; Center for Disease Analysis Foundation (Estes, Razavi-Shearer, Razavi), Lafayette, Colo.
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Nazarnezhad M, Moosavy SH, Davoodian P, Eftekhar E, Nejatizadeh A, Azad M. The demographic and paraclinical characteristics of patients with hepatitis B presenting to Shahid Mohammadi Hospital and Clinic and other private clinics in Bandar Abbas, Iran. J Adv Pharm Technol Res 2019; 9:139-146. [PMID: 30637232 PMCID: PMC6302689 DOI: 10.4103/japtr.japtr_328_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering the crucial importance of hepatitis B and its high prevalence in the society, the present study was conducted to examine the demographic and paraclinical characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis B. This descriptive cross-sectional study examined 180 patients with hepatitis B presenting to Shahid Mohammadi Hospital and Clinic and other private clinics in Bandar Abbas, Iran, in 2016–17. The patients were divided into three main groups: chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and healthy carriers. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used to analyze the relationship between the quantitative variables in terms of their normal or nonnormal distribution (P < 0.05). About 13.5% of the patients had cirrhosis, 35.4% were healthy carriers, and 51.12% had chronic hepatitis. The number of male patients in the cirrhosis group and the number of female participants in the healthy carrier group were higher. The difference in gender distribution between the three groups was statistically significant. According to the results of this study, male and married people constitute a high percentage of the population of patients with chronic hepatitis B. The clinical symptoms of chronic hepatitis B often do not occur until the patient's progress to advanced stages and cirrhosis, and most of the population is asymptomatic. Contact with a person suspected to have hepatitis B is one of the major risk factors of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirzaali Nazarnezhad
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran
| | - Seyed Hamid Moosavy
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran
| | - Parivash Davoodian
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Eftekhar
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran
| | - Abdolazim Nejatizadeh
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Azad
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran
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Global prevalence, treatment, and prevention of hepatitis B virus infection in 2016: a modelling study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 3:383-403. [PMID: 29599078 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(18)30056-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1102] [Impact Index Per Article: 183.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 69th World Health Assembly approved the Global Health Sector Strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. Although no virological cure exists for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, existing therapies to control viral replication and prophylaxis to minimise mother-to-child transmission make elimination of HBV feasible. We aimed to estimate the national, regional, and global prevalence of HBsAg in the general population and in the population aged 5 years in 2016, as well as coverage of prophylaxis, diagnosis, and treatment. METHODS In this modelling study, we used a Delphi process that included a literature review in PubMed and Embase, followed by interviews with experts, to quantify the historical epidemiology of HBV infection. We then used a dynamic HBV transmission and progression model to estimate the country-level and regional-level prevalence of HBsAg in 2016 and the effect of prophylaxis and treatment on disease burden. FINDINGS We developed models for 120 countries, 78 of which were populated with data approved by experts. Using these models, we estimated that the global prevalence of HBsAg in 2016 was 3·9% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 3·4-4·6), corresponding to 291 992 000 (251 513 000-341 114 000) infections. Of these infections, around 29 million (10%) were diagnosed, and only 4·8 million (5%) of 94 million individuals eligible for treatment actually received antiviral therapy. Around 1·8 (1·6-2·2) million infections were in children aged 5 years, with a prevalence of 1·4% (1·2-1·6). We estimated that 87% of infants had received the three-dose HBV vaccination in the first year of life, 46% had received timely birth-dose vaccination, and 13% had received hepatitis B immunoglobulin along with the full vaccination regimen. Less than 1% of mothers with a high viral load had received antiviral therapy to reduce mother-to-child transmission. INTERPRETATION Our estimate of HBV prevalence in 2016 differs from previous studies, potentially because we took into account the effect of infant prophylaxis and early childhood vaccination, as well as changing prevalence over time. Although some regions are well on their way to meeting prophylaxis and prevalence targets, all regions must substantially scale-up access to diagnosis and treatment to meet the global targets. FUNDING John C Martin Foundation.
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Vyas AK, Sharma BC, Sarin SK, Trehanpati N. Immune correlates of hepatitis B surface antigen spontaneous seroconversion in hepatitis B e antigen negative chronic hepatitis B patients. Liver Int 2018; 38:38-49. [PMID: 28500636 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroconversion in HBeAg -ve chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is rare, possibly due to poor antigen processing and impaired humoral response. We investigated the role of dendritic cells (DCs), T follicular helper (TFH) cells and plasma B cells in seroconversion. METHODS HBeAg -ve (n=135) CHB patients with raised ALT at baseline were followed up. Patients undergoing HBsAg seroconversion (Gr. I, n=11) were compared with non-converters with low (Gr. II, n=17, HBV DNA<2000 IU/mL) or high HBV DNA (Gr. III, HBV DNA >2000 IU/mL, n=17). We measured cell phenotypes (TFH, B and DCs), HBV specific T-cell functionality [using pooled overlapping surface and core peptides], IL21 levels and gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR. RESULTS Patients in Gr. I compared to Gr. II and III, had higher IL-21 levels (865 vs 276 vs 111 pg/mL, P=<.0001), TFH (CD4+ CXCR5+ ) cells (12.3 vs 4.67 vs 2.77, P=<.001), inducible T-cell co-stimulator (ICOS) expression on TFH cells (20.0 vs 13.0 vs 13.68, P=.01), HBsAg specific IL-17 (9.40 vs 2.33 vs 2.61, P=<.001) and TNF-α secreting TFH17 cells (82 vs 1.43 vs 2.33, P=<.001), plasma B (CD19+ CD38+ ) cells (15.0 vs 5.08 vs 5.57, P=<.001), myeloid (17.80 vs 5.39 vs 2.70, P=<.001) and plasmocytoid DCs (2.6 vs 0.43 vs 0.21, P=<.001). Plasma B-cell frequency (R2 =.64, P=.01) and IL-21 levels (R2 =.52, P=.003) correlated with anti-HBs titres in patients with HBsAg seroconversion. CONCLUSIONS Dendritic cell and TFH cell mediated responses regulate humoral responses against HBV and play a major role in HBsAg seroconversion in CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Kumar Vyas
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Shiv Kumar Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Nirupma Trehanpati
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Inoue T, Tanaka Y. Hepatitis B virus and its sexually transmitted infection - an update. MICROBIAL CELL 2016; 3:420-437. [PMID: 28357379 PMCID: PMC5354569 DOI: 10.15698/mic2016.09.527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiology: incidence and prevalence:
About 5% of the world’s population has chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)
infection, and nearly 25% of carriers develop chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and
hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The prevalence of chronic HBV infection in human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals is 5%-15%; HIV/HBV coinfected
individuals have a higher level of HBV replication, with higher rates of
chronicity, reactivation, occult infection, and HCC than individuals with HBV
only. The prevalence of HBV genotype A is significantly higher among men who
have sex with men (MSM), compared with the rest of the population.
Molecular mechanisms of infection, pathology, and
symptomatology: HBV replication begins with entry into the
hepatocyte. Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide was identified in
2012 as the entry receptor of HBV. Although chronic hepatitis B develops slowly,
HIV/HBV coinfected individuals show more rapid progression to cirrhosis and HCC.
Transmission and protection: The most common sources
of HBV infection are body fluids. Hepatitis B (HB) vaccination is recommended
for all children and adolescents, and all unvaccinated adults at risk for HBV
infection (sexually active individuals such as MSM, individuals with
occupational risk, and immunosuppressed individuals). Although HB vaccination
can prevent clinical infections (hepatitis), it cannot prevent 100% of
subclinical infections. Treatment and curability:
The goal of treatment is reducing the risk of complications
(cirrhosis and HCC). Pegylated interferon alfa and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs)
are the current treatments for chronic HBV infection. NAs have improved the
outcomes of patients with cirrhosis and HCC, and decreased the incidence of
acute liver failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takako Inoue
- Clinical Laboratory, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Clinical Laboratory, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan. ; Department of Virology & Liver unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
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Time to seroconversion of HBsAg to anti-HBs in individuals who lost HBsAg during follow-up. Epidemiol Infect 2016; 144:2648-53. [PMID: 27268129 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268816001217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine the time to appearance of antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) after clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in chronically infected individuals, we followed up 3963 cases with positive antibody against hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe) from 1991 to 2014. Of these, 101 (67 males, 34 females) lost HBsAg. These serocleared cases were checked every 6-month interval regarding HBsAg, anti-HBs, liver function tests, and liver sonography. Hepatitis B virus DNA was assessed at the time of seroclearance or the appearance of anti-HBs. The mean age of these patients at entry to this study was 34·4 ± 13 years. The mean follow-up duration until seroclearance of HBsAg was 6·6 ± 4·3 years. After the mean follow-up of 43·7 ± 45 months, anti-HBs appeared in 64 (63·4%) cases. The cumulative probabilities of anti-HBs appearance for 2, 5 and 10 years were 24·3%, 58% and 78·2%, respectively. The appearance of anti-HBs was associated with age ⩾35 years and seroclearance of HBsAg (hazard ratio 1·96, 95% confidence interval 1·32-3·38, P = 0·016) but not with sex. The results show that anti-HBs may develop in 78·2% of cases within 10 years of HBsAg clearance. Age ⩾35 years at HBsAg loss was associated with earlier development of anti-HBs.
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Mortensen E, Kamali A, Schirmer PL, Lucero-Obusan C, Winston CA, Oda G, Winters MA, Durfee J, Martinello RA, Davey VJ, Holodniy M. Are current screening protocols for chronic hepatitis B virus infection adequate? Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 85:159-67. [PMID: 27009896 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection screening usually includes only HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) testing; HBV core and surface antibody (anti-HBc, anti-HBs) assays, indicating resolved infection and immunity, are not routinely performed. Yet, serum HBV DNA is measurable in approximately 10% of HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive cases, representing occult HBV infection (OBI). Patient blood samples from 2 Veterans Affairs medical center look-back investigations were screened for HBV infection using HBsAg enzyme immunoassays. Supplementary testing included anti-HBc and anti-HBs enzyme immunoassays. For anti-HBc-positive samples, HBV DNA testing was performed. Background OBI prevalence was further estimated at these 2 facilities based on HBV serology testing results from 1999-2012. Finally, a literature review was performed to determine OBI prevalence in the published literature. Of 1887 HBsAg-negative cohort patients, 98 (5.2%) were anti-HBc positive/anti-HBs negative; and 175 (9.3%), anti-HBc positive/anti-HBs positive. Six of 273 were HBV DNA positive, representing 0.3% of the total tested and 2.2% who were anti-HBc positive/anti-HBs negative or anti-HBc positive/anti-HBs positive. Among 32,229 general population veterans at these 2 sites who had any HBV testing, 4/108 (3.7%) were HBV DNA positive, none of whom were part of the cohort. In 129 publications with HBsAg-negative patients, 1817/1,209,426 (0.15%) had OBI. However, excluding blood bank studies with greater than 1000 patients, the OBI rate increased to 1800/17,893 (10%). OBI is not rare and has implications for transmission and disease detection. HBsAg testing alone is insufficient for detecting all chronic HBV infections. These findings may impact blood donation, patient HBV screening, follow-up protocols for patients assumed to have cleared the infection, and initiation of immunosuppression in patients with distant or undetected HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Mortensen
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amanda Kamali
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Patricia L Schirmer
- Office of Public Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - Gina Oda
- Office of Public Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mark A Winters
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Janet Durfee
- Office of Public Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Richard A Martinello
- Office of Public Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, USA; Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Victoria J Davey
- Office of Public Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mark Holodniy
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Office of Public Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, USA.
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10
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Anti-hepatitis B core positivity as a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma in alcoholic cirrhosis: a case-control study. Alcohol 2012; 46:537-41. [PMID: 22572059 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2012.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Revised: 10/09/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is occasionally developed in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Old age, male gender, lifetime quantity of alcohol, and presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are risk factors for HCC in alcoholic cirrhosis. In this study, we investigated whether anti-hepatitis B core (HBc) positivity or occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a risk factor for HCC in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Between January 2006 and August 2008, a total of 72 cirrhotic male patients with an initial diagnosis of HCC, hospitalized in three major hospitals in the Incheon area, were enrolled as cases. Another 72 cirrhotic male patients without HCC, who matched the cases by age (±3 years), were enrolled as controls. All cases and controls were negative for hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-HCV, but had history of chronic alcohol intake over 80 g per day. The clinical characteristics including presence of anti-HBc or serum HBV DNA (identified by nested polymerase chain reaction) were investigated. The mean age of both the cases and controls was 62 ± 10 years. The basal laboratory data, Child-Pugh scores, total lifetime alcohol intake (1459 ± 1364 versus 1641 ± 1045 kg), and detection rates of serum HBV DNA [31.7% (20/63) versus 29.9% (20/67)] of the cases and controls were not significantly different. However, the anti-HBc positivity rate was higher among the cases [86.1% (62/72)] than in the controls [66.7% (48/72); p=0.005] and was the only significant risk factor for HCC (odds ratio; 3.1, 95% confidence interval; 1.354-7.098, p=0.007). Anti-HBc positivity was identified as a risk factor for the development of HCC in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis.
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11
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Tsai PS, Chang CJ, Chen KT, Chang KC, Hung SF, Wang JH, Hung CH, Chen CH, Tseng PL, Kee KM, Yen YH, Tsai CC, Lu SN. Acquirement and disappearance of HBsAg and anti-HCV in an aged population: a follow-up study in an endemic township. Liver Int 2011; 31:971-9. [PMID: 21054768 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2010.02363.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HBsAg and anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) are stable markers and widely used. The seroconversion and seroclearance of HBsAg and anti-HCV are important for disease control and prognosis of diseases. AIMS To investigate acquirement and disappearance of HBsAg and anti-HCV in an endemic area. METHODS Seven years after a community screening, 1002 of 2909 residents of Tzukuan Township were recruited. HBsAg, anti-HCV and alanine transaminase (ALT) were checked in all who participated and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, HCV RNA, anti-HDV and upper abdominal ultrasonography were studied in different groups. RESULTS There were 461 male and 541 female residents with a mean age of 66.7 ± 8.6 years. No new HBsAg carrier was noted and the HBsAg clearance rate was 1.58% per year. One of the 17 cases with HBsAg clearance had positive HBV DNA, three had ALT elevation, two had cirrhosis and seven had anti-HBs seroconversion. Quantitative of HBsAg and HBV DNA were concordant and 78.1% subjects had low levels of titration. Anti-HBc alone contributed to 32.1% and was prominent in old age and the anti-HCV-positive group. The anti-HCV seroconversion rate was only 0.74% per year and household transmission was the only risk factor. Only 37.5% of cases with anti-HCV seroconversion had HCV viraemia and the anti-HCV seroreversion rate was 0.63% per year. The anti-HDV seroconversion rate was 0.72% per year and no subject showed anti-HDV clearance. CONCLUSIONS Much higher rates of HBsAg seroclearance, anti-HCV seroreversion and anti-HBc alone were noted in this endemic area and no subject showed anti-HDV clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Shan Tsai
- Health Center of Zihguan Township, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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12
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Abstract
GOALS AND BACKGROUND The long-term clinical course, including the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatic B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance is not established. We discovered that the incidence of HCC and the risk factors for HCC in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients after HBsAg seroclearance. STUDY During 28 years, 96 CHB patients with HBsAg seroclearance were retrospectively reviewed. These patients continued to undergo HCC surveillance. The median follow-up time from initial visit was 166.5 months (range, 7 to 321 mo). RESULTS The mean age at the initial visit and at the time of seroclearance was 39.2 ± 10.6 years and 46.4 ± 9.9 years, respectively. The mean age at the time of HBsAg seroclearance was significantly lower (P=0.03) in patients with spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance than patients with treatment-associated HBsAg seroclearance. During a median of 56 months (range, 7 to 238 mo) of follow-up after HBsAg seroclearance, 6 (6.5%) patients developed HCC. The mean age at the time of developing HCC was 55.8 ± 10.3 years. On univariate analysis, the evidence of liver cirrhosis from the time of HBsAg seroclearance and age more than 45 years at the time of HBsAg seroclearance were significant risk factors for HCC development. In multivariate analysis, the evidence of liver cirrhosis at HBsAg seroclearance was the only significant risk factor for HCC development. CONCLUSIONS HCC can develop after HBsAg seroclearance in patients with known cirrhosis. Patients who achieved HBsAg seroclearance at older age (>45) may have undiagnosed cirrhosis and hence remain at risk for HCC. HCC surveillance should be carried out for both of those patient populations.
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13
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Tong MJ, Nguyen MO, Tong LT, Blatt LM. Development of hepatocellular carcinoma after seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009; 7:889-93. [PMID: 19394445 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2009.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2008] [Revised: 02/18/2009] [Accepted: 04/15/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS During the natural course of chronic hepatitis B virus infection, a small proportion of patients experience hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance. However, the long-term clinical outcomes of this process are not well established. METHODS Thirty-five patients with chronic hepatitis B, followed between 1976 and 2008 at a community liver clinic, experienced HBsAg seroclearance. Ten patients were Caucasian and 25 were Asian. These patients continued to undergo surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma that included test for alpha-fetoprotein levels and abdominal ultrasound examinations. The median follow-up time was 185 months (range, 27-400 months). RESULTS During the initial visit to the clinic, the median age of the patients was 41 years (range, 1.5-72 years). Eighteen patients (51.4%) were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive 25 (71.4%) were hepatitis B virus DNA positive, and 13 (37.1%) had cirrhosis. At the time of HBsAg loss, the median age was 54 years (range, 13-77 years) and all were hepatitis B e antigen- as well as hepatitis B virus DNA negative. During the long-term follow-up, 4 patients with cirrhosis developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which was discovered by ultrasound examination. Factors associated with development of HCC were low baseline levels of albumin (P = .04), family histories of HBsAg positivity (P = .01) and HCC (P = .04), and age of less than 50 years at the time of HBsAg clearance (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS HCC can still develop after HBsAg seroclearance. Thus, surveillance should be continued after HBsAg loss in the same manner as for HBsAg positive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myron John Tong
- The Pfleger Liver Institute and the Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Shinkawa H, Nakai T, Tamori A, Tanaka H, Takemura S, Ohba K, Uenishi T, Ogawa M, Yamamoto S, Hai S, Ichikawa T, Kodai S, Hirohashi K, Wakasa K, Kubo S. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurring 10 years after clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen and 20 years after resection of hepatitis B virus-related HCC. Int J Clin Oncol 2008; 13:562-6. [PMID: 19093188 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-008-0785-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2008] [Accepted: 03/24/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A 62-year-old man had been followed up for chronic hepatitis B (HB) since 1973. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was detected in 1985, at the age of 42 years. Serum HB surface antigen and anti-HB envelope antibody were positive at that time. A right hepatic lobectomy was performed. In 1995, serum HB surface antigen had cleared spontaneously and liver function had normalized. In March 2005, at the age of 62 years, a 1.5-cm diameter hepatic mass was detected in the left lateral segment. At that time, he was seropositive only for anti-HB core antibody. A diagnosis of recurrent HCC was made, and partial hepatectomy was performed. Covalently closed circular HBV DNA was detected in both cancerous and noncancerous tissues by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Cassette-ligation-mediated PCR showed that HBV DNA was integrated into the telomerase reverse transcriptase gene located on chromosome 5p15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroji Shinkawa
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan.
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15
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Yuen MF, Wong DKH, Fung J, Ip P, But D, Hung I, Lau K, Yuen JCH, Lai CL. HBsAg Seroclearance in chronic hepatitis B in Asian patients: replicative level and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Gastroenterology 2008; 135:1192-9. [PMID: 18722377 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2008.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2008] [Revised: 06/12/2008] [Accepted: 07/03/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Our aims were to study the virologic, histologic, and clinical outcome in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance. METHODS We determined the age of HBsAg seroclearance that is associated with a lower risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 298 CHB patients (median follow-up, 108 months). The following virologic and histologic features were also determined: liver stiffness (n = 229), liver histology, serum HBV DNA levels over time (n = 265), intrahepatic HBV DNA with covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) levels, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. RESULTS The median age of HBsAg seroclearance was 49.6 years. Seven (2.4%) patients developed HCC. Cumulative risk for HCC was higher in patients with HBsAg seroclearance at ages >or=50 years compared with those with HBsAg seroclearance at ages <50 (P = .004) years. Of these 2 groups of patients, 29.5% and 7.9%, respectively, had significant fibrosis by liver stiffness measurement (P = .001), and 15.4% of patients had mild histologic fibrosis. Intrahepatic total HBV DNA and cccDNA were detected in 100% and 79.3% of patients, respectively. All patients had undetectable surface and precore/pregenomic RNA transcripts. One (9.1%) patient had X mRNA expression. Serum HBV DNA were detectable in 13.4%, 6.1%, and 3.7% of patients within 1 year and 5-10 and >10 years after HBsAg seroclearance, respectively, and 82.1% patients had persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels. CONCLUSIONS HBV persisted at low replicative and transcriptional levels after HBsAg seroclearance. HBsAg seroclearance at age <50 years was associated with a lower risk for the development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
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16
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What can be revealed by extending the sensitivity of HBsAg detection to below the present limit? J Hepatol 2008; 49:17-24. [PMID: 18479773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2008.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2007] [Revised: 03/06/2008] [Accepted: 03/21/2008] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS We investigated what can be revealed by extending the sensitivity of HBsAg detection to below the present limit. METHODS We examined the sensitivity of this immunoassay in comparison with real-time PCR detection of HBV DNA using serially diluted sera from HBV carriers. Low HBsAg was measured in 210 healthy volunteers and 368 patients with non-B chronic liver diseases who were negative for HBsAg by a standard EIA method. RESULTS The radical immunoassay was able to detect HBsAg at a concentration of 0.025 ng/ml. Low HBsAg was positive in 6 of 210 normal volunteers (2.86%), 5 of 65 non-B, non-C cirrhosis patients (7.69%), 6 of 62 non-B, non-C hepatocellular carcinoma patients (9.68%: p=0.04 vs. volunteers), 12 of 134 chronic hepatitis C patients (8.96%: p<0.02 vs. volunteers), and 11 of 107 hepatocellular carcinoma patients complicated by chronic hepatitis C (10.28%: p<0.008 vs. volunteers). Although no HBV DNA was positive in healthy volunteers, 9 patients with non-B chronic liver diseases were positive for HBV DNA by real-time PCR analysis. CONCLUSIONS Increasing the sensitivity of HBsAg detection to below the present limit has revealed that infection with HBV, including occult HBV, is far more endemic than suspected previously.
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17
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Obika M, Shinji T, Fujioka SI, Terada R, Ryuko H, Lwin AA, Shiraha H, Koide N. Hepatitis B virus DNA in liver tissue and risk for hepatocarcinogenesis in patients with hepatitis C virus-related chronic liver disease. A prospective study. Intervirology 2008; 51:59-68. [PMID: 18349544 DOI: 10.1159/000121363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2007] [Accepted: 02/04/2008] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To prospectively study whether occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can promote the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related chronic liver disease. In addition, to evaluate the difference among HBV DNA-negative patients and patients with high and low HBV copy numbers. METHODS A total of 167 patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease without HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) were studied. HBV DNA in liver tissue was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS HBV DNA was detected in 9 of 167 patients (5.4%) by single PCR and in 25 patients (15.0%) by nested PCR. HCC developed in 12 of 167 patients (7.2%). Ten of 142 HBV DNA-negative patients (7.0%) and 2 of 9 patients with a high HBV copy number (22.2%) developed HCC, whereas none of 16 patients with a low HBV copy number developed HCC. The incidence rate of HCC in patients with a high HBV copy number was significantly higher than in HBV DNA-negative patients and patients with low HBV copy number. CONCLUSION A high amount of HBV DNA in liver tissue of HBsAg-negative patients with HCV-related liver disease might be associated with HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikako Obika
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.
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19
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Shigematsu S, Kumagi T, Hiasa Y, Yoshida T, Hirooka M, Tokumoto Y, Matsuura B, Michitaka K, Horiike N, Tohyama T, Onji M. Development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a patient 17 years after recovery from chronic hepatitis B and seroconversion to anti-HBs. Intern Med 2007; 46:29-33. [PMID: 17202730 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.46.1586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A 63-year-old man was admitted to hospital in 2003 for treatment of a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). He was negative for HBs antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibody, and positive for anti-HBs. He had a past history of chronic hepatitis B. In 1986, HBsAg had become negative with the development of anti-HBs. In 2003, an HCC was detected and liver resection was carried out. Histological examination revealed moderately differentiated HCC and slightly fibrotic liver. It is suggested that a diagnosis of HCC, combined with negativity for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody, may include cases of past recovery from chronic hepatitis B, such as this case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuichiro Shigematsu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime Graduate University School of Medicine
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20
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Carmel R, Sarrai M. Diagnosis and management of clinical and subclinical cobalamin deficiency: advances and controversies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 5:23-33. [PMID: 16537043 DOI: 10.1007/s11901-006-0019-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Major recent developments in cobalamin deficiency include issues such as the nature of food-cobalamin malabsorption, sensitivities and specificities of diagnostic tests, and emerging data on oral therapy. These have been heavily influenced by studies of subclinical deficiency, which has a much slower progression (which may be nonlinear), arises from different causes, and poses different, more public health-oriented management considerations than the less frequent but much more medically important entity of clinically expressed deficiency. Distinguishing carefully between the two deficiency states is helpful because clinical lessons and strategies derived from one may not apply equally to the other, as illustrated by controversial decisions about clinical issues such as the serum cobalamin level diagnostic of deficiency. Reassessment of diagnostic and management approaches, including improving our ability to diagnose cobalamin malabsorption, is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Carmel
- Department of Medicine, New York Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA.
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21
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted by parenteral, sexual and perinatal routes. While fulminant hepatitis may occur in 1% of cases of symptomatic acute hepatitis, the principal problem of HBV infection is that it may become chronic, classically defined by carriage of HB surface antigens (HBsAg) for more than 6 months. This occurs in only 0.5 to 3% of immunocompetent adults but more frequently in children (up to 90%) and in immune-compromised patients (30 to 100%). The course of chronic HBV infection is characterized by variations in viral replication with spontaneous reactivation or discontinuation, and potential exacerbations observed clinically or by laboratory testing. The pathogenesis of HBV infection is mainly immune-mediated, resulting from host-virus interactions but also from the complexity of the virus itself (integration, mutation, occult replication). These factors explain the variety of presentations of chronic HBV infection, which range from immune tolerance to inactive carriage of HBsAg, passing through a stage of immune clearance, where chronic active hepatitis which may lead to cirrhosis (yearly incidence of 1.3 to 5.9%). Cirrhosis may be complicated by portal hypertension, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma, which together explain 80% of the morbidity and mortality associated with HBV. The 5-year survival rate for HBV-related cirrhosis ranges from 52 to 82%. Immunosuppression, hepatitis D virus superinfection, and chronic alcohol consumption are the principal factors that modify this natural history. Chronic HBV infection is a major public health problem, particularly in developing countries, and it requires that efforts to make HBV vaccination universal be intensified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislas Pol
- Unité d'hépatologie et Inserm U-370, Hôpital Necker, Paris.
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22
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Lai CJ, Terrault NA. Antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2004; 33:629-54, x-xi. [PMID: 15324948 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2004.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) may result in significant morbidity, including cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The management of chronic HBV cirrhosis is advancing rapidly. Current treatment options for patients with HBV-related cirrhosis include interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil. IFN-a is used less commonly today because of its toxicity, difficulty with administration, and the availability of safer drugs. Lamivudine, an oral nucleoside analog, has proven to be at least as effective, and is safer, than IFN-a in the treatment of HBV-related cirrhosis. It is plagued by the development of resistant viral mutants, however. The newest oral nucleotide analog, adefovir dipivoxil, has shown excellent efficacy in treatment-naïve and lamivudine-resistant HBV patients and has lower rates of resistance in the short-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy J Lai
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of California San Francisco, S357, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143-0538, USA
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23
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Yuen MF, Wong DKH, Sablon E, Tse E, Ng IOL, Yuan HJ, Siu CW, Sander TJ, Bourne EJ, Hall JG, Condreay LD, Lai CL. HBsAg seroclearance in chronic hepatitis B in the Chinese: virological, histological, and clinical aspects. Hepatology 2004; 39:1694-701. [PMID: 15185311 DOI: 10.1002/hep.20240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have examined Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B who exhibit hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance. We comprehensively studied the biochemical, virological, histological, and clinical aspects of 92 patients with HBsAg seroclearance (median follow-up, 126 months). Ninety-two HBsAg-positive controls matched for age, sex, and duration of follow-up were also recruited. Liver biochemistry, serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels, and development of clinical complications were monitored. Intrahepatic total and covalently closed circular (ccc) HBV DNA were measured quantitatively in 16 patients. HBV genotype was determined in 30 patients. The mean age at HBsAg seroclearance was 48.8 (+ 13.81) years. There was a significant improvement in serum alanine aminotransferase levels after HBsAg seroclearance (p<0.0001). Patients with genotype B had a higher chance of HBsAg seroclearance than those with genotype C (P =.014). Ninety-eight percent of patients had undetectable serum HBV DNA. Thirty-seven percent of patients had low titer of intrahepatic HBV DNA, mainly in the form of cccDNA (71%-100%). All 14 patients with liver biopsies had near normal histology. There was no difference in the risk of development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between patients with and without HBsAg seroclearance. However, the mean age of HBsAg seroclearance was significantly older in patients with HCC than in patients without HCC (P =.016). In conclusion, patients with HBsAg seroclearance had favorable biochemical, virological, and histological parameters. Intrahepatic HBV DNA level was low and predominantly in the form of cccDNA. However, HCC could still develop, particularly in patients with cirrhosis who had HBsAg seroclearance at an older age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Fung Yuen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
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Yeh CT, Chang MH, Lai HY, Chang ML, Chu CM, Liaw YF. Identification of a novel pre-S2 mutation in a subgroup of chronic carriers with spontaneous clearance of hepatitis B virus surface antigen. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2003; 18:1129-38. [PMID: 12974898 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2003.03146.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The aim of the present study was to investigate whether spontaneous seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in patients with chronic hepatitis B could be attributed to the presence of pre-S/S gene mutations. METHODS Of 34 hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers who experienced spontaneous seroclearance of HBsAg, 30 were still seropositive for HBV DNA. The serum samples of these carriers were subjected to sequence analysis. RESULTS A novel pre-S2 mutation, G149R, was found in nine (group I) but not in 17 (group II) patients carrying HBV DNA with intact pre-S/S reading frames. In the remaining four patients (group III), only aberrant pre-S/S transcripts were found in their sera. Distinct patterns of amino acid substitutions specific to group I and II patients were identified. Superinfection by hepatitis C or D virus occurred predominantly in group II patients (P = 0.019). Superinfection by HBV of a different genotype occurred predominantly in patients without hepatitis C or D virus superinfection (P = 0.013). Site-directed mutagenesis experiments showed that secretion of HBsAg was not defective in the pre-S2 G149R mutant. CONCLUSIONS In a particular subgroup (group I) of patients, seroclearance of HBsAg was not caused by superinfection of other hepatitis viruses, nor was it caused by failure of HBsAg secretion or detection. Instead, a yet unrecognized mechanism associated with emergence of a novel pre-S2 mutation is responsible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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25
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Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is characterized by presence of HBV infection with undetectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Serum HBV level is usually less than 104 copies/mL in these patients. Diagnosis of occult HBV infection requires sensitive HBV-DNA PCR assay. Several possibilities have been hypothesized as the mechanisms of occult HBV infection. These include: (i) mutations of HBV-DNA sequence; (ii) integration of HBV-DNA into host's chromosomes; (iii) infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells by HBV; (iv) formation of HBV-containing immune complex; (v) altered host immune response; and (vi) interference of HBV by other viruses. The precise prevalence of occult HBV infection remains to be defined. The clinical implications of occult HBV infection involve different clinical aspects. First of all, occult HBV infection harbours potential risk of HBV transmission through blood transfusion, haemodialysis, and organ transplantation. Second, it may serve as the cause of cryptogenic liver disease, contribute to acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B, or even fulminant hepatitis. Third, it is associated with development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Fourth, it may affect disease progression and treatment response of chronic hepatitis C. Most of the previous studies utilized retrospective observation without control groups, and lacked direct association of occult HBV infection with specific pathological changes and disease progression. Highly sensitive, quantitative, and functional molecular analyses of HBV, combined with a well-designed prospective clinical assessment will provide the best approach for the future study of occult HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Qin Hu
- Transplantation Institute and Division of Gastroenterology, Loma Linda University Medical Center and Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center, Loma Linda, California 92354, USA.
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Roth WK, Weber M, Petersen D, Drosten C, Buhr S, Sireis W, Weichert W, Hedges D, Seifried E. NAT for HBV and anti-HBc testing increase blood safety. Transfusion 2002; 42:869-75. [PMID: 12375659 DOI: 10.1046/j.1537-2995.2002.00128.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Routine HBV PCR screening of blood donations to our institutes was introduced in January 1997 to complete the NAT screening program for transfusion-relevant viruses. Testing was successively extended to customer transfusion services with a total of 1,300,000 samples tested per year. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Minipools of 96 blood donation samples were formed by automatic pipettors. HBsAg-reactive samples were included. HBV particles were enriched from the minipools by centrifugation. Conventional and in-house TaqMan PCRs were successively applied for HBV amplification. Sensitivity reached 1000 genome equivalents per mL for each individual donation. Confirmatory single-sample and single-sample enrichment PCRs were established with sensitivities of 300 and 5 to 10 genome equivalents per mL, respectively. RESULTS After screening of 3.6 million donor samples, 6 HBV PCR-positive, HBsAg-negative donations were identified. Two samples were from infected donors who had not seroconverted and four were from chronic anti-HBc-positive low-level HBV carriers. Retesting by single-sample PCR of 432 samples confirmed positive for HBsAg identified 37 donations that were negative in minipool PCR. Donor-directed look-back procedures indicated that no infected donor who had not yet seroconverted was missed by minipool PCR. However, recipient-directed look-back procedures revealed two anti-HBc-positive recipients of HBsAg-negative minipool PCR-negative, anti-HBc-positive and single-sample PCR-positive blood components. After testing randomly selected 729 HBsAg-negative minipool PCR-negative, anti-HBc-positive donors by single-sample enrichment PCR, 7 were identified with < or = 10 HBV particles per mL of donor plasma. CONCLUSION Minipool PCR testing after virus enrichment was sensitive enough to identify HBsAg-negative donors who had seroconverterd and HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive chronic HBV carriers. HBV NAT in conjunction with anti-HBc screening would reduce the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Kurt Roth
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology German Red Cross, Hesse, Frankfurt
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27
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Kew MC. Hepatitis B virus in the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma. VIRUSES AND LIVER CANCER 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s0168-7069(02)06063-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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28
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Papatheodoridis GV, Manesis E, Hadziyannis SJ. The long-term outcome of interferon-alpha treated and untreated patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. J Hepatol 2001; 34:306-13. [PMID: 11281561 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(00)00094-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS This study aimed to evaluate the effect of interferon-alpha therapy on the long-term outcome of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. METHODS A cohort of 209 interferon-alpha treated and 195 untreated patients with histologically documented HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B were closely followed for a mean of 6 (1-13.5) years. Patients with decompensated liver disease and/or hepatocellular carcinoma at presentation were excluded. RESULTS Survival and complication (liver decompensation and/or hepatocellular carcinoma) -free survival were significantly worse in patients with compared to those without baseline cirrhosis and in patients older compared to those younger than 45 years (P < 10(-4)). Sustained biochemical remission was achieved in 57 treated patients. Sustained responders had significantly better survival and complication-free survival than non-sustained responders (P = 0.027 and P = 0.019, respectively) or than untreated patients (P = 0.048 and P = 0.012, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that absence of baseline cirrhosis, younger age, and sustained biochemical remission were independently associated with an improved outcome. CONCLUSION In patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B, sustained biochemical remission induced by interferon-alpha is associated with improved long-term outcome, even in the presence of cirrhosis and old age, both known factors associated with worse survival. Therefore, long-term biochemical remission appears to represent a satisfactory therapeutic target in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- G V Papatheodoridis
- Academic Department of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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29
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Bréchot C, Gozuacik D, Murakami Y, Paterlini-Bréchot P. Molecular bases for the development of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Semin Cancer Biol 2000; 10:211-31. [PMID: 10936070 DOI: 10.1006/scbi.2000.0321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common histological form of primary liver cancer; the tumor cells having retained features of hepatocytic differentiation. It is important to emphasize the heterogeneity of the histological background on which the tumor develops. Most HCCs complicate the evolution of an active or inactive cirrhosis. However, some tumors occur on livers with minimal histological changes; the prevalence of such cases varies from one geographical region to the other; being much higher in the southern half of Africa (around 40% of HCCs) than in Asia, America and Europe, where at least 90% of HCCs are associated in the cirrhosis. This heterogeneity is probably a reflection of different environmental and genetic factors. A large number of epidemiological and molecular studies have indeed clearly demonstrated the prime importance of environmental factors to the development of primary liver cancers in humans. Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections are major risk factors. This review will mainly analyse the impact of chronic HBV infection but it is important to emphasize the potential synergistic effects between HBV and HCV, as well as between viral infections and other environmental factors, such as alcohol, chemical carcinogens (see review by Dr Wogan) and other, still poorly defined, hormonal factors which may account for the higher incidence of the tumor in man. Finally the review by Dr Buendia highlights the emerging issue of liver-cancer genetics.
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MESH Headings
- Apoptosis
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/virology
- Cell Cycle
- DNA, Viral/analysis
- Genome, Viral
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/analysis
- Hepatitis B virus/genetics
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/genetics
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/pathology
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/virology
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/genetics
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/pathology
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/virology
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/virology
- Transcription, Genetic/genetics
- Tumor Cells, Cultured/drug effects
- Virus Integration
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bréchot
- Liver unit and INSERM U370, CNR Pasteur/Necker Institute, Paris, France.
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30
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Rokuhara A, Tanaka E, Yagi S, Mizokami M, Hashikura Y, Kawasaki S, Kiyosawa K. De novo infection of hepatitis B virus in patients with orthotopic liver transplantation: Analysis by determining complete sequence of the genome. J Med Virol 2000. [DOI: 10.1002/1096-9071(200012)62:4<471::aid-jmv12>3.0.co;2-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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31
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Van Thiel DH, De Maria N, Colantoni A, Friedlander L. Can hepatitis B core antibody positive livers be used safely for transplantation: hepatitis B virus detection in the liver of individuals who are hepatitis B core antibody positive. Transplantation 1999; 68:519-22. [PMID: 10480410 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-199908270-00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A major impediment to the wider application of clinical liver transplantation is the paucity of acceptable organs. Most centers refuse organs that come from donors who are hepatitis B core antibody positive because of a fear of transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection to the recipient. The risk related to the use of such donor organs has never been assessed in an ordered manner. The presence or absence of polymerase chain reaction detectable HBV-DNA in liver tissue of individuals undergoing liver biopsy for clinical reasons was assessed in 133 consecutive patients. A total of 8.2% of these livers resulted positive for HBV-DNA; interestingly the rate was higher among those who were hepatitis B surface antibody positive (12.5%) as compared to those without detectable hepatitis B surface antibody (5.7%). These data provide measures of putative risk for HBV infection in liver transplant recipients associated with the use of organs obtained from a hepatitis B core antibody positive donor.
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Affiliation(s)
- D H Van Thiel
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University at Chicago, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA
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32
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Oketani M, Oketani K, Xiaohong C, Arima T. Low level wild-type and pre-core mutant hepatitis B viruses and hbeAg negative reactivation of chronic hepatitis B. J Med Virol 1999. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9071(199908)58:4<332::aid-jmv3>3.0.co;2-q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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33
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Liaw YF, Chen YC, Sheen IS. Spontaneous clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen in chronic hepatitis B virus infection confers a favorable response. Hepatology 1999; 29:296-7. [PMID: 9935338 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510290134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
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34
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Attallah AM, Hussein M, Tabll A, el-Dosoki E, el-Sadany M, el-Ghawalby N. High prevalence of hepatitis B viral DNA in cirrhotic patients without surface antigen. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 1998; 92:516-7. [PMID: 9861366 DOI: 10.1016/s0035-9203(98)90898-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of liver diseases induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is supported by the detection of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) in serum. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in patients with liver cirrhosis using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on primers derived from the pre-S1 and pre-core regions. HBsAg was detected in 10 of 48 patients (21%), total anti-hepatitis B core antigen (HBc) antibodies in 54%, anti-hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in 14.6%, anti-HBc immunoglobulin M in 8%, and anti-HBs in 26%; none had detectable HBeAg. HBV DNA was detected in 73% of the cirrhotic patients. All cirrhotic patients with HBsAg also had HBV DNA; HBV DNA was detected in 64.5% of those without HBsAg. We conclude that the clearance of HBsAg does not necessarily indicate termination of viraemia in patients with liver cirrhosis and the detection of HBV DNA using a PCR based on primers from the pre-S1 and pre-core regions should be included in the diagnosis of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Attallah
- Gastroenterology Centre, Mansoura University, Egypt
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35
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Bréchot C, Jaffredo F, Lagorce D, Gerken G, Meyer zum Büschenfelde K, Papakonstontinou A, Hadziyannis S, Romeo R, Colombo M, Rodes J, Bruix J, Williams R, Naoumov N. Impact of HBV, HCV and GBV-C/HGV on hepatocellular carcinomas in Europe: results of a European concerted action. J Hepatol 1998; 29:173-83. [PMID: 9722197 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(98)80001-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS To investigate the impact of hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Europe. METHODS Five hundred and three patients with HCC, from six liver centers, were included. All 503 sera and 80 liver samples were tested for HBV DNA and HCV RNA by polymerase chain reaction. GBV-C/HGV RNA was also tested in 57 sera. RESULTS HBsAg and anti-HCV were detected in 19% and 40.1% of the patients, respectively. Serum and liver HBV DNA were detected in 82% and 91% of the HBsAg positive subjects. HBV DNA was also detected in the serum and liver of 33% and 47% of HBsAg negative patients. In this group, serum HBV DNA was more prevalent in anti-HBs and/or anti-HBc patients (47.9%), compared to those without any HBV marker (25.1%). HCV RNA was detected in 89% and 7% of anti-HCV positive and negative cases, respectively, HCV 1b being the most prevalent genotype (80%). Coinfection with HBV and HCV was shown in 20.4% of patients, while only 29% had neither HBV nor HCV GBV-C/HGV RNA was detected in only 4/57 sera. CONCLUSIONS This study offers the first large analysis of HCC in Europe, based on both serology and molecular tests. It demonstrates the major impact of HBV and HCV, but not of GBV-C/HGV, in liver carcinogenesis in Northern as well as Southern Europe. It also stresses the need to use viral genome detection in epidemiological studies when serological tests are negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bréchot
- INSERM U370 and Liver Unit, CHU Necker, Paris, France.
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36
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Huo TI, Wu JC, Lee PC, Chau GY, Lui WY, Tsay SH, Ting LT, Chang FY, Lee SD. Sero-clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen in chronic carriers does not necessarily imply a good prognosis. Hepatology 1998; 28:231-6. [PMID: 9657117 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510280130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of delayed hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance in the natural history of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients was low. Previous studies regarding the prognosis in such patients were controversial. Among 1,355 chronic carriers from 1985 to 1997, spontaneous HBsAg clearance was observed in 55 patients. During a mean follow-up period of 23 months, 18 (32.7%; all were male subjects) developed serious complications, including 11 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (9 of them underwent surgical resection), 6 with cirrhosis, and 1 with subfulminant liver failure. The overall cumulative probability of complications was 29.8% at 4 years, and it was higher in males (P = .044) and patients aged 45 years or more (P = .006); the latter carried an 8.6-fold increased risk (95% CI: 1.2-64.6; P = .037) of adverse events. Histories of acute or chronic infection by hepatitis A virus, C virus (HCV), or D virus (HDV) were present in 42% of patients. Patients seropositive for antibodies against HCV (anti-HCV) or HDV (anti-HDV) had higher alanine transaminase (ALT) levels (>40 U/L; P = .008) after sero-clearance. HBV DNA was detectable in 31% of 51 subjects, in 20% of 20 with antibodies against HBsAg, in 40% of 20 with anti-HCV or anti-HDV, and also in an HCC patient's serum and tumor. Staining of liver HBsAg was positive in 30% of 10 HCC patients. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that hepatitis B viremia may persist, and adverse complications were not rare in HBsAg-clearance patients. All such patients should be closely monitored, which may allow for earlier detection of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- T I Huo
- Department of Medicine, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei and National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taiwan, Republic of China
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37
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Mason AL, Xu L, Guo L, Kuhns M, Perrillo RP. Molecular basis for persistent hepatitis B virus infection in the liver after clearance of serum hepatitis B surface antigen. Hepatology 1998; 27:1736-42. [PMID: 9620351 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510270638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA has been detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the liver of patients with resolved chronic HBV infection and sustained clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) from serum. However, it is unknown whether the virus is transcriptionally active at this time or if the covalently closed circular (CCC) replicative intermediate of HBV DNA can still be detected. Therefore, hepatic nucleic acid extracts from seven patients who had cleared serum HBsAg were assessed by (PCR) for either reverse-transcribed HBV RNA, or an intact direct repeat region of the HBV genome indicative of the CCC replicative intermediate of HBV DNA. HBV transcripts were detected in four of seven patients in the study group, whereas an intact direct repeat region of the HBV genome was detected in three. Evidence for viral transcription and replication was more frequently detected in patients who had recently cleared serum HBsAg, but HBV RNA was also detected in one patient 5 years after HBsAg clearance, and an intact direct repeat region of HBV DNA was detected in another subject at nearly 4 years after resolution of disease. Therefore, hepatic HBV transcription may be associated with replicative intermediates of persistent HBV DNA in patients who have cleared HBsAg from serum, suggesting that, on occasion, HBV may not be in a latent state but undergoing low-level replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Mason
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ochsner Medical Institutions, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA
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38
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Yotsuyanagi H, Yasuda K, Iino S, Moriya K, Shintani Y, Fujie H, Tsutsumi T, Kimura S, Koike K. Persistent viremia after recovery from self-limited acute hepatitis B. Hepatology 1998; 27:1377-82. [PMID: 9581694 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510270526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
To define the duration of viremia in the course of acute hepatitis B, we semiquantitatively determined the levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the sera, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with Southern blotting, of non-immunocompromised patients with self-limited acute hepatitis B. In the sera of 10 of 11 patients, HBV DNA, which was presumably coated with viral proteins, was detected for a long period after recovery, even at the final observation times, which ranged from 6 to 19 months after disease onset. To characterize the mode of HBV that was present in serum, we immunoprecipitated immune complexes in sera by the addition of anti-human immunoglobulin G (IgG) and determined the levels of HBV DNA separately in the supernatants and pellets. In the acute phase of hepatitis B, high levels of HBV DNA were detected both in the supernatants and pellets at comparative levels. After the convalescent phase, the amount of HBV DNA in the supernatant decreased with respect to that in the pellets. It is notable that, in most cases, serum HBV persisted as a form of immune complex even after the seroconversion to antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs). These data suggest that the replication of HBV may persist in some organs, most likely in the liver or peripheral blood cells, for a long period after recovery from acute hepatitis B, and the data indicate the possible transmission of HBV from organ transplantation donors who exhibit serological markers of past infection only.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Yotsuyanagi
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan
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39
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Uemoto S, Sugiyama K, Marusawa H, Inomata Y, Asonuma K, Egawa H, Kiuchi T, Miyake Y, Tanaka K, Chiba T. Transmission of hepatitis B virus from hepatitis B core antibody-positive donors in living related liver transplants. Transplantation 1998; 65:494-9. [PMID: 9500622 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-199802270-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to clarify the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission from hepatitis B core antibody-positive (HBcAb(+)) donors and to evolve a new strategy to counter such a risk, we undertook a retrospective (1990-1995) and prospective (1995-1996) analysis of our experience with living related liver transplantation involving HBcAb(+) donors. METHODS Between June 15, 1990, and June 30, 1995, HBcAb(+) individuals were not excluded as donor candidates at our institutions. For 171 liver transplants, 16 donors were HBcAb(+). Between July 1, 1995, and June 30, 1996, HBcAb(+) individuals were generally excluded as donor candidates; however, three recipients were given liver grafts from HBcAb(+) donors because other donor candidates presented even higher risks. In the latter period, recipients with transplants from HBcAb(+) donors underwent prophylactic passive immunization with hyperimmune hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG). The serum of 10 HBcAb(+) donors was examined by nested polymerase chain reaction for the presence of HBV-DNA, but it was not detected in any of them. However, the same examination of the liver tissue of five such donors yielded positive results in all cases. RESULTS In the first 5-year period, out of 16 recipients with HBcAb(+) donors, 15 became hepatitis B surface antigen-positive after transplant. The three recipients with HBcAb(+) donors during the second 1-year period, who were treated by prophylactic passive immunization with HBIG, remained hepatitis B surface antigen-negative and negative for serum HBV-DNA after transplant. CONCLUSIONS HBV exists in the liver of healthy HBcAb(+) individuals, but not in the blood. Therefore, HBV is thought to be transmitted to recipients by liver grafts from the HBcAb(+) donors at a significantly high rate. The prevention of viral activation and clinical disease development by means of passive immunization with HBIG seems promising, although the follow-up period in our study may be too short for any definitive conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Uemoto
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan
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40
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Donato F, Boffetta P, Puoti M. A meta-analysis of epidemiological studies on the combined effect of hepatitis B and C virus infections in causing hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Cancer 1998; 75:347-54. [PMID: 9455792 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19980130)75:3<347::aid-ijc4>3.0.co;2-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 386] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess whether co-infection by hepatitis-B virus (HBV) and hepatitis-C virus (HCV) is associated with a higher risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) than each infection alone. A meta-analysis of data published up to June 1997 was performed. HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies or HCV RNA (anti-HCV/HCV RNA) were considered as serological markers of current HBV and HCV infection respectively. A total of 32 case-control studies were suitable for a quantitative overview. The summary odds ratios (OR) were 13.7 for HBsAg positivity and 11.5 for anti-HCV/HCV RNA positivity. The OR for anti-HCV was lower among studies using second- or third-generation anti-HCV or HCV RNA (OR, 8.2) with respect to studies with first-generation anti-HCV test (OR, 19.1). When combining data from the studies with second- or third-generation anti-HCV or HCV RNA, the OR for HBsAg positivity and anti-HCV/HCV RNA negativity was 22.5 (95% confidence interval (CI), 19.5-26.0), the OR for anti-HCV/HCV RNA positivity and HBsAg negativity was 17.3 (95% CI, 13.9-21.6), and the OR for both markers positivity was 165 (95% CI: 81.2-374, based on 191 cases and 8 controls exposed). A synergism was found between HBV and HCV infections, the OR for co-infection being greater than the sum and lower than the product of those for each infection alone. The interaction was therefore negative according to the multiplicative model, providing epidemiological evidence both of an independent effect and of interference between the 2 viruses in the carcinogenic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Donato
- Cattedra di Igiene, Università di Brescia, Italy.
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41
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Donato F, Boffetta P, Puoti M. A meta-analysis of epidemiological studies on the combined effect of hepatitis B and C virus infections in causing hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Cancer 1998. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19980130)75:3%3c347::aid-ijc4%3e3.0.co;2-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Loriot MA, Marcellin P, Walker F, Boyer N, Degott C, Randrianatoavina I, Benhamou JP, Erlinger S. Persistence of hepatitis B virus DNA in serum and liver from patients with chronic hepatitis B after loss of HBsAg. J Hepatol 1997; 27:251-8. [PMID: 9288597 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(97)80168-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The persistence of serum and liver hepatitis B virus (HBV) sequences in patients with chronic hepatitis B after loss of HBsAg has already been described. We have attempted to elucidate the significance of these HBV sequences after loss of HBsAg. METHODS Fifteen patients were studied. We looked for serum and liver HBV DNA, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with different sets of primers and in situ hybridization. The sedimentation velocity of serum HBV DNA was measured on a gradient of sucrose in two patients. RESULTS Serum HBV DNA was detected by PCR in four of the 14 patients tested at 0 months after loss of HBsAg, two patients remained HBV DNA positive until 12 months, and none was positive at 24 months. The sedimentation velocity of serum HBV DNA in sucrose was relatively similar to that of a chronic HBV carrier with active viral replication. Liver HBV DNA was demonstrated by PCR in all 15 patients and by in situ hybridization in six patients. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that: 1) HBV DNA may persist in the serum in a minority of patients and may be associated with circulating viral particles; 2) HBV DNA persists in the liver in all patients and its extrachromosomal localization was shown by in situ hybridization technique in some cases. These results suggest the persistence of low-level HBV replication after loss of HBsAg.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Loriot
- Unité de Recherches de Physiopathologie Hépatique (INSERM U24), Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
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Da Silva LC, Madruga CL, Carrilho FJ, Pinho JR, Saéz-Alquezar A, Santos C, Bassit L, Barreto C, Fonseca LE, Alves VA, Leitão R, Vianna R, Cardoso RA, França AV, Gayotto LC. Spontaneous hepatitis B surface antigen clearance in a long-term follow-up study of patients with chronic type B hepatitis. Lack of correlation with hepatitis C and D virus superinfection. J Gastroenterol 1996; 31:696-701. [PMID: 8887037 DOI: 10.1007/bf02347619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the frequency of HBsAg clearance and the possible role of viral superinfection in a long-term follow-up of 184 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Our subjects were 184 patients with chronic hepatitis B and the follow-up was 12-216 months (mean 66.2 +/- 53.7 months). The investigative methods used were: immunoenzymatic assays for HBV, HCV, HDV, and HIV markers; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HBV DNA; and liver biopsy and immunoperoxidase. During the follow-up, 20 of the 184 patients cleared serum HBsAg. A comparison of patients with persistent HBsAg(group I) and of those who cleared this marker (group II) showed a significant difference in mortality (P = 0.002) between the two groups and a tendency to a more severe exacerbation (flare) in group II (P = 0.07). Antibodies to hepatitis C and D virus as well as antibodies to HIV were equally distributed in both groups. Thirteen patients (7.9%) from group I, but none from group II, subsequently developed hepatocellular carcinoma. These results suggest that the frequency of spontaneous clearance of HBsAg during chronic HBV infection is low. No determinant factor for the clearance was found, including the presence of liver cirrhosis. Serum HBV DNA was undetectable by PCR after clearance in 16 out of 17 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Da Silva
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil
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Bortolotti F, Wirth S, Crivellaro C, Alberti A, Martine U, de Moliner L. Long-term persistence of hepatitis B virus DNA in the serum of children with chronic hepatitis B after hepatitis B e antigen to antibody seroconversion. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1996; 22:270-4. [PMID: 8708880 DOI: 10.1097/00005176-199604000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the prevalence and duration of viremia in relation to the features of liver disease, we investigated hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA by the polymerase chain reaction in the serum of 39 children with chronic hepatitis B, after hepatitis B e antigen to antibody seroconversion. During a mean observation period of 8.2 +/- 3.8 years after seroconversion, all patients were asymptomatic; 36 had persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels, and three had occasional mild alterations. Liver histology, checked in 21 patients, showed persistent hepatitis in nine, fibrosis in 10, and cirrhosis in two cases. HBV DNA was always undetectable by dot blot hybridization. Five children eventually cleared hepatitis B surface antigen, including one with cirrhosis who developed liver cancer at 19 years. HBV DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in 87% of children within 5 years of follow-up, in 58% of cases 6-10 years after seroconversion (p < 0.001), and in 50% of patients investigated later. Long-term viremia was found in two patients (40%) who cleared HBsAg, including the one who developed liver cancer. The chances of clearing viremia during follow-up were higher in children with acute hepatitis at the onset of illness (86%) than in those with asymptomatic onset (37%; p < 0.05). Our results show that low levels of HBV viremia, probably reflecting low levels of virus replication, persist for several years in children with chronic hepatitis B after hepatitis B e antigen to antibody seroconversion and remission of liver disease, even after the clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen. Persistent replication could support mild biochemical alterations and inflammatory liver lesions. It could allow late reactivation of liver disease and may play a role in the development of carcinoma.
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45
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Pardoe IU, Michalak TI. Detection of hepatitis B and woodchuck hepatitis viral DNA in plasma and mononuclear cells from heparinized blood by the polymerase chain reaction. J Virol Methods 1995; 51:277-88. [PMID: 7738148 DOI: 10.1016/0166-0934(94)00116-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA extracted from parallel samples of serum and heparinized plasma gave contradictory results, indicating that heparin inhibits virus detection. Similarly, analysis of PCR products of woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) DNA showed that heparinization of blood abolished WHV DNA amplification, while anticoagulation with sodium EDTA or acid citrate dextrose did not. Amplification of recombinant WHV and HBV DNA in the presence of increasing concentrations of sodium heparin progressively inhibited and finally abolished virus genome detection. The inhibitory effect of heparin was reversed by treatment of either plasma or isolated DNA with heparinase (5 U/reaction, 1 h at 28 degrees C) prior to PCR. In contrast, heparin did not influence the detection of hepadnavirus in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), even after prolonged incubation of the cells with heparin in culture. These findings confirm that heparin exerts a dramatic inhibitory effect on hepadnaviral DNA detection by PCR and they demonstrate that this effect can be reversed by heparinase. The findings also show that extensively washed PBMC derived from heparinized blood can be a reliable source of nucleic acids for amplification of hepadnavirus genome. These results imply that previous data should be reassessed if samples of heparinized plasma were found hepadnavirus DNA nonreactive by PCR or when these samples were used as a starting material for PCR quantitation of viral genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- I U Pardoe
- Liver Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Complex, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
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Michalak TI, Pasquinelli C, Guilhot S, Chisari FV. Hepatitis B virus persistence after recovery from acute viral hepatitis. J Clin Invest 1994; 93:230-9. [PMID: 8282792 PMCID: PMC293757 DOI: 10.1172/jci116950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Contrary to current opinion, the disappearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) from the serum, the development of anti-HBs antibodies, and normalization of liver function may not reflect complete virological recovery from acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. By using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in the current study we demonstrate long-term persistence of HBV DNA in the serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of four patients for up to 70 mo after complete clinical, biochemical, and serological recovery from acute viral hepatitis. Serum HBV DNA reactivity co-sedimented with HBsAg in sucrose gradients, and it displayed the size and density characteristics of naked core particles and intact HBV virions, presumably contained within circulating immune complexes in these anti-HBs antibody-positive sera. HBV DNA was also present in PBMC in late convalescent samples from all four patients, and HBV RNA was detected in late convalescent phase PBMC in two of these patients. These results suggest that HBV DNA, and possibly HBV virions, can be present in the serum, and that the viral genome can persist in a transcriptionally active form in PBMC for > 5 yr after complete clinical and serological recovery from acute viral hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T I Michalak
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037
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Fong TL, Di Bisceglie AM, Gerber MA, Waggoner JG, Hoofnagle JH. Persistence of hepatitis B virus DNA in the liver after loss of HBsAg in chronic hepatitis B. Hepatology 1993. [PMID: 8244254 DOI: 10.1002/hep.1840180605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
To determine whether patients with chronic hepatitis B who lose hepatitis B virus DNA and HBsAg from the serum completely resolve the hepatitis and virus infection, we evaluated serum and liver tissue from 11 patients who had lost HBsAg. These patients were evaluated for clinical, histological and serological features and for hepatitis B virus DNA by use of hybridization and polymerase chain reaction techniques. Liver biochemical test results were normal in all except two patients who had mild aminotransferase elevations. All sera were negative for hepatitis B virus DNA by direct hybridization, and only one was positive transiently by polymerase chain reaction. Liver histology was abnormal in all patients, but the changes were mild and markedly improved compared with biopsy specimens taken before loss of HBsAg. Liver tissue from 10 patients was positive for hepatitis B virus DNA by polymerase chain reaction but not by direct hybridization. These findings indicate that loss of HBsAg is associated with marked improvements in clinical and serum biochemical features of chronic hepatitis B, yet mild degrees of hepatitis and low levels of viral DNA may persist in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Fong
- Liver Diseases Section, Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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