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Xu Y, Li S, OuYang W, Yao Z, Lai X, Gu Y, Yang M, Ye L, Li S, Peng S. Clinical and virological characteristics of coexistent hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody in treatment-naive children with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1380771. [PMID: 38952725 PMCID: PMC11215143 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1380771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Serological pattern of simultaneous positivity for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody against HBsAg (anti-HBs) is considered a specific and atypical phenomenon among patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, especially in pediatric patients. Unfortunately, there is limited understanding of the clinical and virological characteristics among children having chronic HBV infection and the coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs. Hence, our objective was to determine the prevalence of coexistent HBsAg and anti-HBs and to explore the associated clinical and virological features in this patient population. The researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study on the 413 pediatric patients with chronic HBV infection from December 2011 to June 2022. The patients were stratified into two groups based on their anti-HBs status. Demographic, serum biochemical and virological parameters of two group were compared. Of the total 413 enrolled subjects, 94 (22.8%) were tested positive for both HBsAg and anti-HBs. Patients with anti-HBs were younger and demonstrated significantly higher ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G), elevated serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), lower ratio of aspartate transaminase (AST)/ALT (AST/ALT) and reduced serum levels of globulin, HBsAg and HBV DNA, Additionally, these patients were more likely to show coexistent HBeAg and anti-HBe when compared to patients without anti-HBs. The results of multivariate logistical analysis revealed that AST/ALT, serum levels of globulin and HBsAg were negatively associated with coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs. Our data demonstrated a considerable prevalence of coexisting HBsAg and anti-HBs in pediatric patients. Children with this specific serological pattern were commonly of a younger age, seemly predisposing them to early liver impairment and lower HBV replication activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - ShuangJie Li
- Department of Hepatopathy Center, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - WenXian OuYang
- Department of Hepatopathy Center, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenzhen Yao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Lai
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingping Gu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Ye
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Sisi Li
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Songxu Peng
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Gu Y, Li S, Yao Z, Lai X, Yang M, Xu Y, Peng S. Characteristics and clinical treatment outcomes of chronic hepatitis B children with coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to HBsAg. BMC Med 2024; 22:77. [PMID: 38378606 PMCID: PMC10877877 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03294-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) represents an uncommon serological pattern observed in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and its underlying mechanism and clinical significance have not been well established. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between this serological profile and clinical treatment outcomes in children with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 372 treatment-naïve CHB children from the Hunan Children's Hospital. The participants were categorized into HBsAb-positive group and HBsAb-negative group. The associations between HBsAb positive status to clinical outcomes were assessed using Cox proportional hazard regression. Receiver operating characteristic curve was conducted to evaluate the prediction ability in HBsAg loss. RESULTS The coexistence of HBsAg and HBsAb accounted for 23.39% (87/372) of the participants. The crude incidence rates of HBsAg loss, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) clearance, and HBV-DNA undetectability were higher in the HBsAb-positive group compared with the HBsAb-negative group (37.46 vs. 17.37, 49.51 vs. 28.66, 92.11 vs. 66.54 per 100 person-years, respectively, all P < 0.05). The Cox regression analysis revealed a significant association between this serological profile and an increased likelihood of HBsAg loss (HR = 1.78, P = 0.001), and HBeAg clearance (HR = 1.78, P = 0.001). In addition, a combination of HBsAb ≥ 0.84 log10 IU/L and age ≤ 5 years can help identify patients likely to achieve HBsAg loss after antiviral therapy, with an AUC of 0.71. CONCLUSIONS Children who are positive for both HBsAg and HBsAb demonstrate a higher probability of favorable outcomes after antiviral treatment. Thus, children with HBsAb-positive CHB should be actively treated to achieve functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingping Gu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, No. 172 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Shuangjie Li
- Liver Disease Center, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Zhenzhen Yao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, No. 172 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Xin Lai
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, No. 172 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, No. 172 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, No. 172 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Songxu Peng
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, No. 172 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China.
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Wang J, Ding W, Liu J, Liu Y, Yan X, Xia J, Wu W, Jia B, Chen Y, Gao D, Hong S, Wang X, Wang L, Tong X, Yin S, Zhang Z, Li J, Huang R, Wu C. Association of Coexistent Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibody With Severe Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis in Treatment-Naive Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2216485. [PMID: 35696167 PMCID: PMC9194671 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.16485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody against HBsAg (anti-HBs) constitutes an atypical serological profile in chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and the association between coexistent HBsAg and anti-HBs with severe liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of coexistent HBsAg and anti-HBs with severe liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with CHB. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Consecutive treatment-naive patients with CHB from 2 medical institutions in China were enrolled between January 10, 2015, and March 31, 2021. Severe liver fibrosis and cirrhosis were identified using the aspartate transaminase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI), the fibrosis index based on 4 factors (FIB-4; factors comprise age, AST level, alanine aminotransferase [ALT] level, and platelet count), transient elastography, or ultrasonography. Data were analyzed from August 1, 2021, to April 15, 2022. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcomes were rates of severe liver fibrosis and cirrhosis among patients with vs patients without coexistant HBsAg and anti-HBs. Severe liver fibrosis was defined as an APRI score of 1.5 or higher, a FIB-4 score of 3.25 or higher, or a liver stiffness measurement of 8 kPa or higher; cirrhosis was defined as an APRI score of 2.0 or higher, a FIB-4 score of 6.5 or higher, a liver stiffness measurement of 11 kPa or higher, or ultrasonographic findings suggestive of cirrhosis. RESULTS Of 6534 enrolled patients, 4033 patients (61.7%) were male, and the median (IQR) age was 41.0 (33.0-52.0) years. A total of 277 patients (4.2%) had coexistent HBsAg and anti-HBs. Patients with vs without anti-HBs were older (median [IQR], 46.0 [33.0-55.5] years vs 41.0 [33.0-52.0] years) and had a higher proportion of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positivity (123 of 277 patients [44.4%] vs 2115 of 6257 patients [33.8%]; P < .001), higher ALT levels (median [IQR], 45.1 [24.6-119.0] U/L vs 36.7 [22.0-77.0] U/L; P = .001) and AST levels (median [IQR], 35.0 [23.5-68.4] U/L vs 28.3 [21.6-51.0] U/L; P < .001), and lower platelet counts (median [IQR], 173.0 × 103/μL [129.0-212.5 × 103/μL] vs 185.0 × 103/μL [141.0-224.0 × 103/μL]; P = .004), albumin levels (median [IQR], 4.37 [4.11-4.56] g/dL vs 4.43 [4.17-4.61] g/dL; P = .02), and HBsAg levels (median [IQR], 2.8 log10 [1.6-3.4 log10] IU/mL vs 3.3 log10 [2.6-3.9 log10] IU/mL; P < .001). Compared with patients without anti-HBs, those with anti-HBs had higher APRI scores (median [IQR], 0.5 [0.3-1.4] vs 0.4 [0.3-0.9]; P < .001), FIB-4 scores (median [IQR], 1.4 [0.9-2.6] vs 1.1 [0.7-2.1]; P < .001), and liver stiffness values (median [IQR], 7.5 [6.2-9.8] kPa vs 6.3 [5.2-8.1] kPa; P = .003). Patients with anti-HBs also had higher proportions of severe liver fibrosis (102 of 277 patients [36.8%] vs 1397 of 6207 patients [22.5%]; P < .001) and cirrhosis (87 of 277 patients [31.4%] vs 1194 of 6213 patients [19.2%]; P < .001) compared with patients without anti-HBs. The coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs was independently associated with severe liver fibrosis (odds ratio [OR], 2.29; 95% CI, 1.56-3.38; P < .001) and cirrhosis (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.12-2.68; P = .01) in the multivariate analysis. However, the association of coexistent HBsAg and anti-HBs with cirrhosis was only observed in patients with HBeAg negativity (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.05-2.62; P = .03) and not in patients with HBeAg positivity (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.87-2.43; P = .16). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cross-sectional study, the coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs was unusual in hepatitis B virus infection and was associated with more advanced liver diseases, such as severe liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, especially among patients with HBeAg negativity. These results suggest that close monitoring for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis is warranted in patients with CHB who have this serological profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weimao Ding
- Department of Hepatology, Huai’an No. 4 People’s Hospital, Huai’an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiacheng Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaomin Yan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Juan Xia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weihua Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bei Jia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongmei Gao
- Community Work Office, Huai’an No. 4 People’s Hospital, Huai’an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuqin Hong
- Hospital Grade Creation Office, Huai’an No. 4 People’s Hospital, Huai’an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Surgery, Huai’an No. 4 People’s Hospital, Huai’an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Tong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shengxia Yin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhaoping Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Shaver ZM, Anderson M, Bhebhe L, Baruti K, Chogaa WT, Ngidi J, Mbangiwa T, Taua M, Setlhare DR, Melamu P, Phinius BB, Musonda R, Mine M, Moyo S, Gaseitsiwe S. Decreased hepatitis B virus vaccine response among HIV-positive infants compared with HIV-negative infants in Botswana. AIDS 2022; 36:755-762. [PMID: 35113045 PMCID: PMC7614825 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003183] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to determine vaccine antibody titres and the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative infants born to HIV-positive mothers in Botswana. DESIGN This was a retrospective cross-sectional study using 449 archived dried blood spot samples from both HIV-positive and HIV-negative infants collected between 2016 and 2018. METHODS We screened dried blood spot samples for HBsAg and determined hepatitis B surface antibody titres. We determined hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes by amplifying 415 base-pairs of the surface region. RESULTS HIV-positive infants mounted a significantly lower immune response to the HBV vaccine (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a lower proportion of HIV-positive infants had protective hepatitis B surface antibody titres (74.5%) than HIV-negative infants (89.2%) (P < 0.001). HIV-positive infants were older and 50.9% of them had completed vaccination (P = 0.018). Of the 449 infant samples tested, three (0.67%) were positive for HBsAg. Of the three HBsAg-positive infants, two had protective titres (>10 mIU/ml). Two of the three HBV-positive infants were infected with genotype D3 and had no drug-resistance or escape mutations. CONCLUSION Vaccine response was lower among HIV-positive infants compared with HIV-negative infants. HBV infections were observed in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative infants in Botswana. Studies to investigate additional preventive strategies to reduce HBV mother-to-child transmission are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kabo Baruti
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone
- University of Botswana, Department of Biological Sciences, Gabarone, Botswana
| | - Wonderful T. Chogaa
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Julia Ngidi
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone
- National Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Modiri Taua
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone
- National Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ditiro R. Setlhare
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone
- National Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Pinkie Melamu
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone
| | | | | | - Madisa Mine
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone
- National Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Simani Gaseitsiwe
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Research Progress on the Mechanism of Persistent Low-Level HBsAg Expression in the Serum of Patients with Chronic HBV Infection. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:1372705. [PMID: 35465353 PMCID: PMC9020929 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1372705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Among HBV-infected persons, there is a group of people with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) showing persistently low levels of expression. The production of low-level HBsAg does not mean a good outcome of chronic HBV infection. Patients still have virus replication and sustained liver damage, and they have the potential to transmit the infection. This risk poses a challenge to clinical diagnosis and blood transfusion safety and is a major concern of experts. However, the mechanism behind persistent low-level HBsAg expression in serum is not completely clear, and complete virus clearance by the host is vital. In this review, we summarize the research progress on the mechanism behind low-level expression of HBsAg in patients with chronic HBV infection in recent years.
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Wang Y, Xiao X, Chen S, Huang C, Zhou J, Dai E, Li Y, Liu L, Huang X, Gao Z, Wu C, Fang M, Gao C. The Impact of HBV Quasispecies Features on Immune Status in HBsAg+/HBsAb+ Patients With HBV Genotype C Using Next-Generation Sequencing. Front Immunol 2021; 12:775461. [PMID: 34899733 PMCID: PMC8656693 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.775461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of the coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) serological pattern via intensive characterization of HBV s gene in both chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Method A total of 73 HBsAg+/HBsAb+ patients (CHB = 36, HCC = 37) and 96 HBsAg+/HBsAb− patients (CHB = 47, HCC = 49) were enrolled from 13 medical centers in China. The sequence features were elaborated based on the combination of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and multidimensional bioinformatics analysis. Results The 16 high-frequency missense mutations, changes of stop codon mutation, clustering, and random forest models based on quasispecies features demonstrated the significant discrepancy power between HBsAg+/HBsAb+ and HBsAg+/HBsAb− in CHB and HCC, respectively. The immunogenicity for cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope Se and antigenicity for the major hydrophilic region (MHR) were both reduced in HBsAg+/HBsAb+ patients (CTL Se: p < 0.0001; MHR: p = 0.0216). Different mutation patterns were observed between HBsAg+/HBsAb+ patients with CHB and with HCC. Especially, mutations in antigenic epitopes, such as I126S in CHB and I126T in HCC, could impact the conformational structure and alter the antigenicity/immunogenicity of HBsAg. Conclusion Based on NGS and bioinformatics analysis, this study indicates for the first time that point mutations and quasispecies diversities of HBV s gene could alter the MHR antigenicity and CTL Se immunogenicity and could contribute to the concurrent HBsAg+/HBsAb+ with different features in HCC and CHB. Our findings might renew the understanding of this special serological profile and benefit the clinical management in HBV-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shipeng Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenjun Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Erhei Dai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ya Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xianzhang Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyuan Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanyong Wu
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Fang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunfang Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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7
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Jiang X, Chang L, Yan Y, Wang L. Paradoxical HBsAg and anti-HBs coexistence among Chronic HBV Infections: Causes and Consequences. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:1125-1137. [PMID: 33867835 PMCID: PMC8040313 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.55724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) were reported simultaneously among Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. HBsAg is a specific indicator of acute or chronic HBV infections, while anti-HBs is a protective antibody reflecting the recovery and immunity of hosts. HBsAg and anti-HBs coexist during seroconversion and then form immune complex, which is rare detected in clinical cases. However, with the promotion of vaccination and the application of various antiviral drugs, along with the rapid development of medical technology, the coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs has become more prevalent. Mutations in the viral genomes, immune status and genetic factors of hosts may contribute to the coexistence. Novel HBsAg assays, with higher sensitivity and ability to detect mutations or immune complexes, can also yield HBsAg/anti-HBs coexistence. The discovery of coexistence has shattered the idea of traditional serological patterns and raised questions about the effectiveness of vaccines. Worth noting is that HBsAg/anti-HBs double positivity is strongly associated with progressive liver diseases, especially hepatocellular carcinoma. In conclusion, viral mutations, host factors, and methodology impacts can all lead to the coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs. This coexistence is not an indicator of improvement, as an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes still exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Jiang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Le Chang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ying Yan
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lunan Wang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
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Hoan NX, Hoechel M, Tomazatos A, Anh CX, Pallerla SR, Linh LTK, Binh MT, Sy BT, Toan NL, Wedemeyer H, Bock CT, Kremsner PG, Meyer CG, Song LH, Velavan TP. Predominance of HBV Genotype B and HDV Genotype 1 in Vietnamese Patients with Chronic Hepatitis. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020346. [PMID: 33671832 PMCID: PMC7926858 DOI: 10.3390/v13020346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) coinfection will additionally aggravate the hepatitis B virus (HBV) burden in the coming decades, with an increase in HBV-related liver diseases. Between 2018 and 2019, a total of 205 HBV patients clinically characterized as chronic hepatitis B (CHB; n = 115), liver cirrhosis (LC; n = 21), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; n = 69) were recruited. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies against surface antigens (anti-HBs), and core antigens (anti-HBc) were determined by ELISA. The presence of hepatitis B viral DNA and hepatitis delta RNA was determined. Distinct HBV and HDV genotypes were phylogenetically reconstructed and vaccine escape mutations in the “a” determinant region of HBV were elucidated. All HBV patients were HbsAg positive, with 99% (n = 204) and 7% (n = 15) of them being positive for anti-HBc and anti-HBs, respectively. Anti-HBs positivity was higher among HCC (15%; n = 9) compared to CHB patients. The HBV-B genotype was predominant (65%; n = 134), followed by HBV-C (31%; n = 64), HBV-D, and HBV-G (3%; n = 7). HCC was observed frequently among young individuals with HBV-C genotypes. A low frequency (2%; n = 4) of vaccine escape mutations was observed. HBV-HDV coinfection was observed in 16% (n = 33) of patients with the predominant occurrence of the HDV-1 genotype. A significant association of genotypes with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzyme levels was observed in HBV monoinfections. The prevalence of the HDV-1 genotype is high in Vietnam. No correlation was observed between HDV-HBV coinfections and disease progression when compared to HBV monoinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nghiem Xuan Hoan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.X.H.); (M.H.); (A.T.); (S.R.P.); (L.T.K.L.); (M.T.B.); (P.G.K.); (C.G.M.)
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Vietnam; (C.X.A.); (B.T.S.); (L.H.S.)
- Institute of Clinical Infectious Diseases, 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Mirjam Hoechel
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.X.H.); (M.H.); (A.T.); (S.R.P.); (L.T.K.L.); (M.T.B.); (P.G.K.); (C.G.M.)
| | - Alexandru Tomazatos
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.X.H.); (M.H.); (A.T.); (S.R.P.); (L.T.K.L.); (M.T.B.); (P.G.K.); (C.G.M.)
| | - Chu Xuan Anh
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Vietnam; (C.X.A.); (B.T.S.); (L.H.S.)
- Institute of Clinical Infectious Diseases, 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Srinivas Reddy Pallerla
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.X.H.); (M.H.); (A.T.); (S.R.P.); (L.T.K.L.); (M.T.B.); (P.G.K.); (C.G.M.)
| | - Le Thi Kieu Linh
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.X.H.); (M.H.); (A.T.); (S.R.P.); (L.T.K.L.); (M.T.B.); (P.G.K.); (C.G.M.)
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Vietnam; (C.X.A.); (B.T.S.); (L.H.S.)
| | - Mai Thanh Binh
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.X.H.); (M.H.); (A.T.); (S.R.P.); (L.T.K.L.); (M.T.B.); (P.G.K.); (C.G.M.)
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Vietnam; (C.X.A.); (B.T.S.); (L.H.S.)
- Institute of Clinical Infectious Diseases, 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Bui Tien Sy
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Vietnam; (C.X.A.); (B.T.S.); (L.H.S.)
- Institute of Clinical Infectious Diseases, 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Linh Toan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam;
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30623 Hannover, Germany;
| | - C.-Thomas Bock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Peter G. Kremsner
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.X.H.); (M.H.); (A.T.); (S.R.P.); (L.T.K.L.); (M.T.B.); (P.G.K.); (C.G.M.)
- Centre de Recherches Medicales de Lambarene, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Christian G. Meyer
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.X.H.); (M.H.); (A.T.); (S.R.P.); (L.T.K.L.); (M.T.B.); (P.G.K.); (C.G.M.)
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Vietnam; (C.X.A.); (B.T.S.); (L.H.S.)
| | - Le Huu Song
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Vietnam; (C.X.A.); (B.T.S.); (L.H.S.)
- Institute of Clinical Infectious Diseases, 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.X.H.); (M.H.); (A.T.); (S.R.P.); (L.T.K.L.); (M.T.B.); (P.G.K.); (C.G.M.)
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Vietnam; (C.X.A.); (B.T.S.); (L.H.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-7071-2985981
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