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Enhanced host immune responses in presence of HCV facilitate HBV clearance in coinfection. Virol Sin 2022; 37:408-417. [PMID: 35523417 PMCID: PMC9243674 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)/Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is frequently observed because of the common infection routine. Despite the reciprocal inhibition exerted by HBV and HCV genomes, the coinfection of HBV and HCV is associated with more severe forms of liver diseases. However, the complexity of viral interference and underlying pathological mechanism is still unclarified. With the demonstration of absence of direct viral interplay, some in vitro studies suggest the indirect effects of viral-host interaction on viral dominance outcome. Here, we comprehensively investigated the viral replication and host immune responses which might mediate the interference between viruses in HBV/HCV coinfected Huh7-NTCP cells and immunocompetent HCV human receptors transgenic ICR mice. We found that presence of HCV significantly inhibited HBV replication in vitro and in vivo irrespective of the coinfection order, while HBV did not affect HCV replication. Pathological alteration was coincidently reproduced in coinfected mice. In addition to the participation of innate immune response, an involvement of HCV in up-regulating HBV-specific immune responses was described to facilitate HBV clearance. Our systems partially recapitulate HBV/HCV coinfection and unveil the uncharacterized adaptive anti-viral immune responses during coinfection, which renews the knowledge on the nature of indirect viral interaction during HBV/HCV coinfection. HCV inhibited HBV replication in Huh7-NTCP cells. HCV suppressed HBV in immunocompetent mice. Induced innate immune response by HCV limited HBV replication. Presence of HCV enhanced HBV specific immune response. Moderate and acute live injure was caused by HBV/HCV coinfection.
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Osman HA, Ghweil AA, Sabry AM, Mahdy RE, Khodeary A. Management Of Patients With Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation Post-DAA Treatment Of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection In HCV-HBV Coinfected Patients With Pretreatment HBeAg Seroconversion And Early Degree Of Hepatic Fibrosis. Infect Drug Resist 2019; 12:3067-3073. [PMID: 31632097 PMCID: PMC6778060 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s215974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Hepatitis C virus (HCV)–HBV coinfection is a significant health problem with rapid progression of liver disease without precise diagnosis and treatment. We aimed in this study to identify if there were any role of HBV antiviral therapy in patients with HBV reactivation after direct-acting antiviral therapy in HCV–HBV coinfected patients. Methods A prospective random study was carried out on 140 patients presenting with chronic HCV and chronic HBV coinfection. All patients had pretreatment HBeAg seroconversion, HBV DNA <2,000 IU/mL, normal liver enzymes, and F0/F1 hepatic fibrosis. They treated with sofosbuvir 400 mg and daklatasvir 60 mg once daily for 3 months. All patients underwent pretreatment hepatic fibrosis assessment using Fibro Scan and laboratory investigations: platelet count, liver-function tests, quantitative HCV PCR, HBsAg, HBc IgG, HBeAg, and HBeAb. All patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months from the start of HCV therapy. Results The study enrolled 140 HCV–HBV coinfected patients: 55% were F0 and the rest F1. All our patients had negative HCV PCR at 1 month posttreatment and had achieved sustained virologic response with negative HCV PCR 3 months after treatment end. Four patients showed HBV reactivation with raised HBV DNA PCR and liver enzymes. Their mean age was 23.7±2.7 years, and three were male. Regarding patients with HBV reactivation, at 12 months posttreatment they showed significant decreases in liver enzymes, bilirubin, and INR, with increased platelet count (P=0.001), each with undetectable HBV PCR (P=0.001). Conclusion HBV–HCV coinfected patients with no/mild hepatic fibrosis, HBeAg seroconversion, and HBV DNA <2,000 IU/mL can complete direct-acting antiviral therapy without HBV antiviral treatment with close monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Ahmed Osman
- Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Ali A Ghweil
- Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Abeer Mm Sabry
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt
| | - Reem E Mahdy
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ashraf Khodeary
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
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3
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Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation Following Pharmacological Eradication of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Viruses 2019; 11:v11090850. [PMID: 31540223 PMCID: PMC6784257 DOI: 10.3390/v11090850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The US Food and Drug Administration issued a black box warning related to the risk of reactivation of overt/occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection during direct acting-antivirals (DAA) treatment. This review evaluated the prevalence of HBV reactivation after hepatitis C virus (HCV) pharmacological suppression and hypothesized the management and prevention of this reactivation. During and after DAA-based treatment, reactivation of HBV infection is common in patients with detectable serum HBsAg (from 2% to 57%) and very low (less than 3%) in individuals with isolated anti-HBc antibodies. The severity of hepatic damage may range from HBV reactivation without hepatitis to fulminant hepatic failure requiring liver transplantation. Thus, HBsAg-positive patients should receive nucleo(s)tide analog (NA) treatment or prophylaxis at the same time as DAA therapy. For those patients with occult B infection, there are no sufficient recommendations to start prophylactic treatment. Reactivation of overt or occult HBV infection during or after eradication of HCV infection is an issue to consider, and additional studies would help to determine the best management of this virological and clinical event.
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Chen G, Wang C, Chen J, Ji D, Wang Y, Wu V, Karlberg J, Lau G. Hepatitis B reactivation in hepatitis B and C coinfected patients treated with antiviral agents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hepatology 2017; 66:13-26. [PMID: 28195337 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED There is an increased awareness of hepatitis B (HBV) reactivation in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients coinfected with HBV treated with pan-oral direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the rate of HBV reactivation in CHC patients coinfected with overt HBV (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] positive) and occult HBV (HBsAg negative with positive HBV DNA) infection separately, treated with interferon (IFN)-based therapy to those with pan-oral DAAs. The primary outcome was HBV reactivation, and the secondary outcomes included hepatitis due to HBV reactivation, sustained virologic response (SVR) for CHC, loss of HBV DNA and HBsAg seroclearance. Although the pooled incidence rate of HBV reactivation, among CHC patients with overt HBV (n = 779), was similar among those treated with IFN-based therapy (14.5%, P < 0.001) and DAAs (12.2%, P = 0.03; P = 0.91 for heterogeneity between subgroups), it was reported to occur much earlier in those treated with DAAs (4-12 weeks during treatment) than in those treated with IFN-based therapies (most at the end of treatment and some during follow-up). Also, studies with DAA-based therapies were more likely to report incidence of hepatitis due to HBV reactivation (12.2% in DAAs vs. 0% in IFN; P = 0.009 for heterogeneity between subgroups). HBV reactivation and hepatitis due to HBV reactivation also occurred, though less frequently in CHC patients with occult HBV infection. CHC SVR was not affected by HBV reactivation (P = 0.27). CONCLUSION HBV reactivation occurs earlier and is clinically more significant in CHC patients coinfected with overt and occult HBV who are treated with pan-oral DAAs compared with IFN-based therapy. It is therefore important to have all patients screened for evidence of overt or occult HBV infection and managed during pan-oral DAAs therapy. (Hepatology 2017;66:13-26).
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofeng Chen
- Beijing 302-Hong Kong Humanity and Health Hepatitis C Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China.,Second Liver Cirrhosis Diagnosis and Treatment Center, 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Beijing 302-Hong Kong Humanity and Health Hepatitis C Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China.,Humanity and Health Research Centre, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Beijing 302-Hong Kong Humanity and Health Hepatitis C Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China.,Humanity and Health Research Centre, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Dong Ji
- Beijing 302-Hong Kong Humanity and Health Hepatitis C Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China.,Second Liver Cirrhosis Diagnosis and Treatment Center, 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yudong Wang
- Beijing 302-Hong Kong Humanity and Health Hepatitis C Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China.,Humanity and Health Research Centre, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vanessa Wu
- Beijing 302-Hong Kong Humanity and Health Hepatitis C Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China.,Humanity and Health Research Centre, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Johan Karlberg
- Humanity and Health Research Centre, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - George Lau
- Beijing 302-Hong Kong Humanity and Health Hepatitis C Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China.,Humanity and Health Research Centre, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Humanity and Health Medical Centre, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Institute of Translational Hepatology, 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
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Baghbanian M, Halvani M, Roghani HS, Lotfi MH, Yazdi MF, Vahedian-Ardakani HA. PREVALENCE OF OCCULT HEPATITIS B INFECTION IN IRANIAN CANCER PATIENTS BEFORE CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2016; 53:175-9. [PMID: 27438423 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-28032016000300010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis B infection is characterized by negative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and also detectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) -DNA, with or without hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). HBV reactivation in individuals under immunosuppressive therapy is critical, occurring in occult HBV. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of occult HBV infection among hepatitis B surface antigen negative in cancer patients before receiving chemotherapy. METHODS Sera from 204 cancer patients who were negative for HBsAg, were tested for anti-HBc antibodies. The samples that were negative for HBsAg but positive for anti-HBc also examined for HBV-DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS Of the 204 HBsAg negative blood samples, 11 (5.4%) samples were positive for anti-HBc antibodies. HBV-DNA was detected in 9/11 (81%) of anti-HBc positive samples. Occult HBV infection in hematological cancers was more than solid cancers, 4.8% and 4.3% respectively. There was no significant difference in HBc antibody positivity based on vaccination, previous blood transfusions, history of familial hepatitis or biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, total and direct bilirubin levels) (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Screening of occult HBV infection by HBsAg, HBV DNA and anti HB core antibody should be suggested as a routine investigation in cancer patients before receiving chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmud Baghbanian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mehdi Halvani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hassan Salman Roghani
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan Lotfi
- Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Health Faculty, Shaheed Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Daneshju Blv. Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Frahat Yazdi
- Department of haematology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
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Makvandi M. Update on occult hepatitis B virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:8720-8734. [PMID: 27818588 PMCID: PMC5075547 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i39.8720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The event of mutations in the surface antigen gene of hepatitis B virus (HBV) results in undetectable hepatitis B surface antigen with positive/negative anti-hepatitis B core (anti-HBc) antibody status in serum and this phenomenon is named occult hepatitis B infection (OBI). The presence of anti-HBc antibody in serum is an important key for OBI tracking, although about 20% of OBI cases are negative for anti-HBc antibody. The diagnosis of OBI is mainly based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR assays. However, real-time PCR is a more reliable method than PCR. OBI is a great issue for the public health problem and a challenge for the clinical entity worldwide. The persistence of OBI may lead to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. With regard to OBI complications, the screening of HBV DNA by the highly sensitive molecular means should be implemented for: (1) patients with a previous history of chronic or acute HBV infection; (2) patients co-infected with hepatitis C virus/human immunodeficiency virus; (3) patients undergoing chemotherapy or anti-CD20 therapy; (4) recipients of organ transplant; (5) blood donors; (6) organ transplant donors; (7) thalassemia and hemophilia patients; (8) health care workers; (9) patients with liver related disease (cryptogenic); (10) hemodialysis patients; (11) patients undergoing lamivudine or interferon therapy; and (12) children in time of HBV vaccination especially in highly endemic areas of HBV. Active HBV vaccination should be implemented for the close relatives of patients who are negative for OBI markers. Thus, the goal of this review is to evaluate the rate of OBI with a focus on status of high risk groups in different regions of the world.
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Mandour M, Nemr N, Shehata A, Kishk R, Badran D, Hawass N. Occult HBV infection status among chronic hepatitis C and hemodialysis patients in Northeastern Egypt: regional and national overview. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2016; 48:258-64. [PMID: 26108002 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0037-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is considered to be one of the major risks for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on regular hemodialysis (HD) and patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study compared the prevalence of OBI among these two high-risk groups in the Suez Canal region, Northeastern Egypt, to obtain a better national overview of the magnitude of OBI in this region. METHODS Serum samples were collected from 165 HD patients and 210 chronic HCV-infected patients. Anti-HCV antibody, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), total hepatitis B core (anti-HBc) antibody, and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HCV RNA was detected using a quantitative real-time RT-PCR assay, and HBV was detected using a nested PCR. RESULTS All patients were negative for HBsAg. A total of 49.1% and 25.2% of the patients in the HD and HCV groups, respectively, were anti-HBc-positive. In addition, more anti-HBs-positive patients were detected in the HD group compared to the HCV group (52.1% and 11.4%, respectively). Three cases were positive for HBV DNA in the HD group, while eighteen positive cases were detected in the HCV group. Both study groups showed significant differences in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level as well as anti-HBc, anti-HBs and HBV-DNA positivity. CONCLUSIONS OBI was more prevalent among chronic HCV patients than HD patients in the Suez Canal region, Egypt, with rates of 8.5% and 1.8%, respectively. However, more precise assessment of this infection requires regular patient follow-up using HBV DNA detection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mandour
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Nader Nemr
- Department of Endemic and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Atef Shehata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Rania Kishk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Dahlia Badran
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Nashaat Hawass
- Department of Endemic and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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8
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Taha SE, El-Hady SA, Ahmed TM, Ahmed IZ. Detection of occult HBV infection by nested PCR assay among chronic hepatitis C patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmhg.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Huang CF, Chuang WL, Yu ML. The Evolution of HCV Treatment in Taiwan. CURRENT HEPATITIS REPORTS 2013; 12:143-148. [DOI: 10.1007/s11901-013-0172-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
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10
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Vakili Ghartavol Z, Alavian SM, Amini S, Vahabpour R, Bahramali G, Mostafavi E, Aghasadeghi MR. Prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell compartments of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection in tehran-iran. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2013; 13:e10134. [PMID: 23967017 PMCID: PMC3741907 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.10134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) is frequently reported in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. An association between OBI and more liver damage, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and reduced response to interferon therapy in patients with HCV infection is suggested. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of occult HBV, and evaluate its clinical influence on patients with chronic HCV. PATIENTS AND METHODS A cohort study including50 patients with positive results for HCV, and negative results for HBsAg tests was performed. The patients were divided into two groups: one group had positive results for both HCV and occult HBV tests (n = 18), and the other had positive results for HCV, but negative findings for occult HBV (n = 32). All were treated with PEG-IFN alpha-2a and Ribavirin. Presence of HCV RNA was followed in these patients. RESULTS HBV-DNA was detected using nested-PCR in 20% of plasma and 32.6% of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) compartments. No significant differences were observed between patients with and without occult HBV for sex, age, duration of HCV infection, histological markers, presence of anti-HBc, HCV viral load, and HCV genotype. The response rate was significantly higher in patients with positive results for HBV-DNA test compared to those with negative findings (100% vs. 71.9 %, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, occult HBV was found in 36% of patients with negative results for HBsAg, but positive results for HCV. Detection of HBV-DNA in both PBMCs and plasma together in comparison with plasma alone provided more true identification of OBI.The SVR rate was significantly higher in coinfected patients than mono-infected ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Vakili Ghartavol
- Department of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences and Tehran Hepatitis Center, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Safieh Amini
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Safieh Amini, Department of Hepatitis andAIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-2166969291, Fax: +98-2166969291, E-mail:
| | - Rouhollah Vahabpour
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Department of Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Golnaz Bahramali
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- Department of Epidemiology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
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Caviglia GP, Abate ML, Manzini P, Danielle F, Ciancio A, Rosso C, Olivero A, Pellicano R, Touscoz GA, Smedile A, Rizzetto M. Occult hepatitis B virus infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with antiviral therapy. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2012; 12:e7292. [PMID: 23300497 PMCID: PMC3539061 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.7292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2012] [Revised: 07/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is defined as the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the liver and/or in the serum of patients with negative results of hepatitis B s antigen (HBsAg) test with or without serological markers of previous viral exposure. The impact of OBI in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is still unclear. OBJECTIVES The Aim of this study was to assess OBI prevalence and its potential implications on treatment outcome in a cohort of patients with CHC underwent standard antiviral therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Baseline serum samples from 137 HBsAg-negative CHC patients treated with pegylated-interferon and ribavirin (73 Responders/74 Non Responders),were retrospectively analyzed for HBV status. RESULTS Seventy-three patients (53.3%) showed markers of previous exposure to HBV. HBV DNA was detected in 2 of 137 serum samples (1.5%), both carrying HBV antibodies. Liver biopsies and post-therapy sera were available for 35 patients (12 Responders/23 Non Responders). HBV DNA sequences were found in 13 of 35 specimens (37.1%), all of patients with HBV DNA negativity in basal and post-therapy serum samples. Among OBI-positive patients, 5 (38.5%) carried serological markers of HBV infection. Regarding therapy outcome, in the OBI-positive group there were 5 of 13 (38.5%) sustained virological responders (SVR) compared to 7 of 22 (31.8%) in the OBI-negative one. CONCLUSIONS Despite the high prevalence rate of liver HBV DNA in patients with CHC, SVR was not affected by occult HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paola Manzini
- Blood Bank, San Giovanni Battista University Hospital (Molinette), Turin, Italy
| | - Franca Danielle
- Blood Bank, San Giovanni Battista University Hospital (Molinette), Turin, Italy
| | - Alessia Ciancio
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, San Giovanni Battista University Hospital (Molinette), Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Rosso
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Rinaldo Pellicano
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, San Giovanni Battista University Hospital (Molinette), Turin, Italy
- Corresponding author: Rinaldo Pellicano, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, San Giovanni Battista University Hospital, C.so Bramante n.88/90, 10100, Turin, Italy. Tel.: +39-116333532, Fax: +39-116333976, E-mail:
| | - Giovanni Antonio Touscoz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, San Giovanni Battista University Hospital (Molinette), Turin, Italy
| | - Antonina Smedile
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, San Giovanni Battista University Hospital (Molinette), Turin, Italy
| | - Mario Rizzetto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, San Giovanni Battista University Hospital (Molinette), Turin, Italy
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a complex clinical entity frequently associated with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The persistence of HBV genomes in the absence of detectable surface antigenemia is termed occult HBV infection. Mutations in the surface gene rendering HBsAg undetectable by commercial assays and inhibition of HBV by suppression of viral replication and viral proteins represent two fundamentally different mechanisms that lead to occult HBV infections. The molecular mechanisms underlying occult HBV infections, including recently identified mechanisms associated with the suppression of HBV replication and inhibition of HBV proteins, are reviewed in detail. The availability of highly sensitive molecular methods has led to increased detection of occult HBV infections in various clinical settings. The clinical relevance of occult HBV infection and the utility of appropriate diagnostic methods to detect occult HBV infection are discussed. The need for specific guidelines on the diagnosis and management of occult HBV infection is being increasingly recognized; the aspects of mechanistic studies that warrant further investigation are discussed in the final section.
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a complex clinical entity frequently associated with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The persistence of HBV genomes in the absence of detectable surface antigenemia is termed occult HBV infection. Mutations in the surface gene rendering HBsAg undetectable by commercial assays and inhibition of HBV by suppression of viral replication and viral proteins represent two fundamentally different mechanisms that lead to occult HBV infections. The molecular mechanisms underlying occult HBV infections, including recently identified mechanisms associated with the suppression of HBV replication and inhibition of HBV proteins, are reviewed in detail. The availability of highly sensitive molecular methods has led to increased detection of occult HBV infections in various clinical settings. The clinical relevance of occult HBV infection and the utility of appropriate diagnostic methods to detect occult HBV infection are discussed. The need for specific guidelines on the diagnosis and management of occult HBV infection is being increasingly recognized; the aspects of mechanistic studies that warrant further investigation are discussed in the final section.
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14
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Fernandez-Rodriguez CM, Gutierrez ML, Lledó JL, Casas ML. Influence of occult hepatitis B virus infection in chronic hepatitis C outcomes. World J Gastroenterol 2011; 17:1558-62. [PMID: 21472121 PMCID: PMC3070126 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i12.1558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Revised: 10/26/2010] [Accepted: 11/02/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistence of hepatitis B virus-DNA in the sera, peripheral blood mononuclear cells or in the liver of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative patients with or without serological markers of previous exposure (antibodies to HBsAg and/or to HB-core antigen) defines the entity called occult hepatitis B infection (OBI). Co-infection with hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses is frequent in highly endemic areas. While this co-infection increases the risk of liver disease progression, development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and also increases the rate of therapeutic failure to interferon-based treatments than either virus alone, a potentially negative effect of OBI on clinical outcomes and of therapeutic response to current antiviral regimes of patients with chronic hepatitis C remains inconclusive.
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15
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Emara MH, El-Gammal NE, Mohamed LA, Bahgat MM. Occult hepatitis B infection in egyptian chronic hepatitis C patients: prevalence, impact on pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy. Virol J 2010; 7:324. [PMID: 21083926 PMCID: PMC2998483 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-7-324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic HCV infection combined with occult hepatitis B infection has been associated with liver enzymes flare, advanced hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis, poor response to standard interferon-α, and increased risk of HCC. This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence of occult hepatitis B infection in Egyptian chronic HCV patients, and to clarify its role in non-response of those patients to pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy. This study enrolled 155 consecutive chronic HCV patients under pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy. All patients were exposed to clinical assessment, biochemical, histological and virological examinations. HBV parameters (HBV DNA, anti-HBc, anti-HBs) and patients' response status to the combination therapy were determined. RESULTS In this study, occult hepatitis B infection occurs in 3.9% of Egyptian chronic HCV patients; tends to affect younger age patients, associated with higher base line HCV viral load, less hepatic fibrosis than monoinfected patients. This occult hepatitis B infection is not a statistically significant cause of non-response to pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy. Anti-HBs was not associated with any biochemical, histological or virological abnormalities in those patients, contrary to low response rate to therapy and higher HCV viral load that was observed with anti-HBc. CONCLUSIONS Detection of HBV DNA in HBsAg negative chronic HCV patients plays a non significant role in non-response of Egyptian patients to pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed H Emara
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Nahla E El-Gammal
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Lamiaa A Mohamed
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Maged M Bahgat
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Chu CJ, Lee SD. Occult hepatitis B virus infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C: An actor behind the scene or just a bystander? J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2010; 25:221-3. [PMID: 20136983 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2009.06134.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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