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Delghandi S, Raoufinia R, Shahtahmasbi S, Meshkat Z, Gouklani H, Gholoobi A. An overview of occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) with emphasis on HBV vaccination. Heliyon 2024; 10:e37097. [PMID: 39281486 PMCID: PMC11402251 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a significant threat to the lives of 257 million individuals globally, potentially resulting in severe outcomes such as liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Among the existing preventive measures, yeast-derived vaccines have proven to be the most efficacious approach in combatting hepatitis B. Nonetheless, as scientific inquiries focus more on occult HBV infection (OBI) in vaccinated persons and the lingering risk of vertical transmission affecting 10-30 % of babies born to HBsAg-positive mothers, there is a growing apprehension regarding the inability of HBV vaccines to ensure complete immunity. This study aims to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the implications of widespread HBV vaccination initiatives on OBI while tackling the primary limitations associated with current vaccine formulations. Methods The exploration was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to pinpoint research on OBI within vaccinated cohorts. A sum of 76 suitable studies was recognized. Discussion Multiple studies have documented the occurrence of OBI in fully vaccinated individuals, including both the general population and high-risk groups, such as newborns born to HBsAg-positive mothers. Factors contributing to vaccine failures include low-level anti-HBs antibodies, high maternal viral loads in mother-to-child transmission cases, as well as the presence of vaccine escape mutants and heterologous HBV genotypes. However, further research is needed to precisely understand the impact of active immunization on the emergence of OBI in vaccinated populations. Nonetheless, it is apparent that the advancement of more effective HBV vaccines could potentially lead to the extinction of HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Delghandi
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Division of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ramin Raoufinia
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sahar Shahtahmasbi
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Meshkat
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamed Gouklani
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Aida Gholoobi
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Li Y, Song Y, Xiao Y, Wang T, Li L, Liu M, Li J, Wang J. The Characteristic of HBV Quasispecies Is Related to Occult HBV Infection of Infants Born to Highly Viremic Mothers. Viruses 2024; 16:1104. [PMID: 39066265 PMCID: PMC11281566 DOI: 10.3390/v16071104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Although a combination of immunoprophylaxis and antiviral therapy can effectively prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV), a considerable number of infants born to highly viremic mothers still develop occult HBV infection (OBI). To uncover the virological factor and risk predictor for OBI in infants, we found that the diversity and complexity of maternal HBV quasispecies in the case group were lower than those in the control group. Mutations with significant differences between the two groups were most enriched in the NTCPbd and PreC regions. Genetic distance at the amino-acid level of the PreC region, especially the combination of three amino-acid mutations in the PreC region, could strongly predict the risk of OBI in infants. HBV quasispecies in OBI infants were highly complex, and the non-synonymous substitutions were mainly found in the RT and HBsAg regions. The sK47E (rtQ55R) and sP49L mutations in OBI infants might contribute to OBI through inhibiting the production of HBV DNA and HBsAg, respectively. This study found the potential virological factors and risk predictors for OBI in infants born to highly viremic mothers, which might be helpful for controlling OBI in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yarong Song
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yiwei Xiao
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Minmin Liu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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Wu J, He J, Xu H. Global prevalence of occult HBV infection in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101158. [PMID: 37748752 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Occult HBV infection (OBI) is a specific form of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and has the possibility of developing into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in adults. This study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of occult HBV infection in children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases for relevant studies on the prevalence of OBI in children and adolescents. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 16 software. RESULTS Fifty studies were included. The overall prevalence of OBI in children and adolescents was 7.5% (95% CI: 0.050-0.103). In different risk populations, OBI prevalence was remarkably high in the HIV-infected population (24.2%, 95% CI: 0.000-0.788). The OBI prevalence was 0.8% (95% CI:0.000-0.029) in the healthy population, 3.8% (95% CI:0.012-0.074) in the general population, and 6.4% (95% CI: 0.021-0.124) in children born to HBsAg-positive mothers. Based on different serological profiles, the prevalence of OBI in HBsAg-negative and anti-HBc-positive patients was 6.6% (95% CI: 0.016-0.136), 3.0% (95% CI: 0.009-0.059) in HBsAg-negative and anti-HBc-negative patients, 4.6% (95% CI: 0.015-0.088) in HBsAg-negative and anti-HBs-positive patients, and 3.7% (95% CI: 0.001-0.102) in HBsAg-negative and anti-HBs-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS Despite HBV vaccination and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG), OBI is common in children and adolescents in high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China; The First batch of key Disciplines On Public Health in Chongqing, Health Commission of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayao He
- Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China; The First batch of key Disciplines On Public Health in Chongqing, Health Commission of Chongqing, Chongqing, China.
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Deng X, Guo X, Gu H, Wang D, Laperche S, Allain J, Zang L, Candotti D. Anti-HBc-nonreactive occult hepatitis B infections with HBV genotypes B and C in vaccinated immunocompetent adults. J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:958-967. [PMID: 35876456 PMCID: PMC9804389 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Absence of anti-HBc reactivity with detectable anti-HBs was observed in blood donors with occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI). The prevalence and mechanisms underlying this uncommon condition were investigated over time in Chinese blood donors with OBI. Isolated anti-HBs OBI status was identified from 466,911 donors from Dalian, China, and monitored in follow-up (range: 2.6-84.3 months). HBV vaccination status was documented, and infecting viral strains were characterized. Of 451 confirmed OBIs (1:1035), 43 (9.5%; 1:10,858) had isolated anti-HBs as only serological marker. Isolated anti-HBs OBIs differed from anti-HBc-reactive OBIs by significantly younger age (median 24 years), higher HBV DNA (median: 20 IU/ml) and anti-HBs (median 60.5 IU/L) levels, paucity of mutations in HBV Core and S proteins, and high vaccination rate (72%). Vaccinated isolated anti-HBs OBIs (n = 31) differed from unvaccinated (n = 11) by significantly younger age (22 vs 38 years), higher anti-HBs level at index (48% vs 9% with anti-HBs >100 IU/L) and higher frequency of anti-HBs immune response (44% vs 20%). Of 15 vaccinated and 5 unvaccinated OBIs follow-up, 65% (8 vaccinated and 5 unvaccinated) became HBV DNA negative suggesting aborted recent infection, while 35% (7 vaccinated) had low persistent viraemia 2 to 65 months post index. In conclusion, isolated anti-HBs OBI in Chinese blood donors appears associated with young, vaccinated, adults exposed to HBV who predominantly develop low level aborted infection revealed by transient HBV DNA and immune anti-HBs response. However, a subset of individuals still experienced low but persistent viral replication whose clinical outcome remains uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hongfang Gu
- Dalian Public Health Clinical CenterDalianChina
| | | | - Syria Laperche
- Department of Blood Transmitted AgentsNational Institute of Blood TransfusionParisFrance
| | | | | | - Daniel Candotti
- Department of Blood Transmitted AgentsNational Institute of Blood TransfusionParisFrance,Department of VirologyHenri Mondor Hospital, AP‐HPCréteilFrance,University of Paris‐Est, INSERM U955, IMRBCréteilFrance
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Screening of Occult Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection in Working Children, Tehran, Iran. ARCHIVES OF PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.5812/pedinfect-118763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Working children are susceptible to infection with various infectious microorganisms. Unfortunately, the difficulties of working children are growing at a remarkable speed worldwide. Objectives: The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, as well as to evaluate the level of anemia, calcium, and phosphorus in working children. Methods: This cross-sectional research was performed on 370 Iranian and Afghan working children from February 2018 to May 2019. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb), hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), and anti-HCV Ab were evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, HCV-RNA and genomic HBV-DNA in the plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) specimens of the participants were investigated. The restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method was used to determine the genotype of HCV, and sequencing was performed to confirm. Results: The mean age of the participants was 10.1 ± 2.1 years (range, 6 - 15 years), and 229 (61.9%) were male. None of the studied children had any detectable HBV-DNA in the plasma and PBMC. The HCV genome was not detected in the plasma of the children, but HCV-RNA was assessed in the PBMC sample of 1 child (0.3%). Therefore, one of the children had occult HCV infection (OCI). The genotype of HCV in this child was subtype 1a. Furthermore, HBsAb was detected in Iranian (41.5%) and Afghan children (40.0%), and 2 (0.54%) of the working children were HBsAg positive. In 3 participants (0.8%), a positive HBcAb test result was noted. Conclusions: The prevalence of HCV and HBV infection in working children in Iran is extremely rare. However, there is a possibility of the presence of OCI in these children.
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de Almeida NAA, de Paula VS. Occult Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and challenges for hepatitis elimination: A literature review. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 132:1616-1635. [PMID: 34724308 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is characterized by the detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum or liver but negativity for hepatitis B surface antigen. OBI, which is thought to be maintained by host, immunological, viral and/or epigenetic factors, is one of the most challenging clinical features in the study of viral hepatitis. Currently, there is no validated detection test for OBI. It is believed that OBI is widely distributed throughout the world, with a higher prevalence in populations at high-risk HBV, but the detailed worldwide prevalence patterns are unknown. We conducted a survey of recently published studies on OBI rates across all continents. High prevalence rates of OBI are observed in some specific groups, including patients with hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus co-infection or hepatocellular carcinoma. In 2016, the World Health Organization adopted strategies to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030, but the difficulties in detecting and treating OBI currently challenge this goal. Subjects with OBI can transmit HBV, and episodes of reactivation can occur. Further studies to understanding the mechanisms that drive the development of OBI are needed and can contribute to efforts at eliminating viral hepatitis.
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