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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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Ali MJ, Shah PA, Rehman KU, Kaur S, Holzmayer V, Cloherty GA, Kuhns MC, Lau DTY. Immune-Escape Mutations Are Prevalent among Patients with a Coexistence of HBsAg and Anti-HBs in a Tertiary Liver Center in the United States. Viruses 2024; 16:713. [PMID: 38793596 PMCID: PMC11125813 DOI: 10.3390/v16050713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The concurrent seropositivity of HBsAg and anti-HBs has been described among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), but its prevalence is variable. HBV S-gene mutations can affect the antigenicity of HBsAg. Patients with mutations in the 'α' determinant region of the S gene can develop severe HBV reactivation under immunosuppression. In this study at a tertiary liver center in the United States, we evaluated the frequency and virological characteristics of the HBsAg mutations among CHB patients with the presence of both HBsAg and anti-HBs. In this cohort, 45 (2.1%) of 2178 patients were identified to have a coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs, and 24 had available sera for the genome analysis of the Pre-S1, Pre-S2, and S regions. The frequency of mutations in the S gene was significantly higher among those older than 50 years (mean 8.5 vs. 5.4 mutations per subject, p = 0.03). Twelve patients (50%) had mutations in the 'α' determinant region of the S gene. Mutations at amino acid position 126 were most common in eight subjects. Three had a mutation at position 133. Only one patient had a mutation at position 145-the classic vaccine-escape mutation. Despite the universal HBV vaccination program, the vaccine-escape mutant is rare in our cohort of predominantly Asian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukarram Jamat Ali
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (M.J.A.); (P.A.S.); (K.U.R.); (S.K.)
- Howard University Hospital, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20060, USA
| | - Pir Ahmed Shah
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (M.J.A.); (P.A.S.); (K.U.R.); (S.K.)
| | - Khalil Ur Rehman
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (M.J.A.); (P.A.S.); (K.U.R.); (S.K.)
| | - Satinder Kaur
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (M.J.A.); (P.A.S.); (K.U.R.); (S.K.)
| | - Vera Holzmayer
- Abbott Diagnostics Division, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL 60064, USA; (V.H.); (G.A.C.); (M.C.K.)
| | - Gavin A. Cloherty
- Abbott Diagnostics Division, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL 60064, USA; (V.H.); (G.A.C.); (M.C.K.)
| | - Mary C. Kuhns
- Abbott Diagnostics Division, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL 60064, USA; (V.H.); (G.A.C.); (M.C.K.)
| | - Daryl T. Y. Lau
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (M.J.A.); (P.A.S.); (K.U.R.); (S.K.)
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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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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem, with an estimated 296 million people chronically infected and 820 000 deaths worldwide in 2019. Diagnosis of HBV infection requires serological testing for HBsAg and for acute infection additional testing for IgM hepatitis B core antibody (IgM anti-HBc, for the window period when neither HBsAg nor anti-HBs is detected). Assessment of HBV replication status to guide treatment decisions involves testing for HBV DNA, whereas assessment of liver disease activity and staging is mainly based on aminotransferases, platelet count, and elastography. Universal infant immunisation, including birth dose vaccination is the most effective means to prevent chronic HBV infection. Two vaccines with improved immunogenicity have recently been approved for adults in the USA and EU, with availability expected to expand. Current therapies, pegylated interferon, and nucleos(t)ide analogues can prevent development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, but do not eradicate the virus and rarely clear HBsAg. Treatment is recommended for patients with cirrhosis or with high HBV DNA levels and active or advanced liver disease. New antiviral and immunomodulatory therapies aiming to achieve functional cure (ie, clearance of HBsAg) are in clinical development. Improved vaccination coverage, increased screening, diagnosis and linkage to care, development of curative therapies, and removal of stigma are important in achieving WHO's goal of eliminating HBV infection by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - George V Papatheodoridis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna S F Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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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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6
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Nagra N, Kozarek RA, Burman BE. Therapeutic Advances in Viral Hepatitis A-E. Adv Ther 2022; 39:1524-1552. [PMID: 35220557 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02070-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Viral hepatitis remains a significant global health problem. All forms of viral hepatitis A through E (A-E) can lead to acute symptomatic infection, while hepatitis B and C can lead to chronic infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality related to progression to cirrhosis, end-stage-liver disease, and liver cancer. Viral hepatitis occurs worldwide, though certain regions are disproportionately affected. We now, remarkably, have highly effective curative regimens for hepatitis C, and safe and tolerable medications to suppress hepatitis B activity, and to prevent liver damage and slow disease progression. We have effective vaccines for hepatitis A and B which provide long-lasting immunity, while improved sanitation and awareness can curb outbreaks of hepatitis A and E. However, more effective and available preventive and curative strategies are needed to achieve global eradication of viral hepatitis. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology, transmission, diagnosis, and clinical features of each viral hepatitis with a primary focus on current and future therapeutic and curative options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navroop Nagra
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Richard A Kozarek
- Center for Digestive Health, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, 1100 9th Ave., Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Blaire E Burman
- Center for Digestive Health, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, 1100 9th Ave., Seattle, WA, 98101, USA.
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Humoral immunity in hepatitis B virus infection: Rehabilitating the B in HBV. JHEP REPORTS : INNOVATION IN HEPATOLOGY 2022; 4:100398. [PMID: 35059620 PMCID: PMC8760517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Insights into the immunopathogenesis of chronic HBV infections are fundamental in the quest for novel treatment approaches aimed at a functional cure. While much is known about the ineffective HBV-specific T-cell responses that characterise persistent HBV replication, B cells have been left largely understudied. However, an important role for humoral immunity during the natural history of HBV infections, as well as after functional cure, has been inadvertently revealed by the occurrence of HBV flares following B cell-depleting treatments. Herein, we review our current understanding of the role of the humoral immune response in chronic HBV, both at the level of HBV-specific antibody production and at the phenotypic and broader functional level of B cells. The recent development of fluorescently labelled HBV proteins has given us unprecedented insights into the phenotype and function of HBsAg- and HBcAg-specific B cells. This should fuel novel research into the mechanisms behind dysfunctional HBsAg-specific and fluctuating, possibly pathogenic, HBcAg-specific B-cell responses in chronic HBV. Finally, novel immunomodulatory treatments that partly target B cells are currently in clinical development, but a detailed assessment of their impact on HBV-specific B-cell responses is lacking. We plead for a rehabilitation of B-cell studies related to both the natural history of HBV and treatment development programmes.
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Vasconcelos J, Domingos J, Bastos L, Baptista T, Mansinho K. Pegylated Interferon Alpha for Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Case Rep Infect Dis 2022; 2022:3890309. [PMID: 35036013 PMCID: PMC8758259 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3890309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a potentially life-threatening and prevalent disease worldwide. Far from attaining the ultimate treatment goal, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection eradication, the two current therapeutic options aim to prevent progression to end-stage liver disease, maintaining long-term suppression of HBV replication. Pegylated interferon-α (PEG-INFα) is often poorly tolerated and disregarded considering the orally administered nucleos(t)ide analogues. However, PEG-INFα may achieve similar treatment endpoints with a finite course of treatment. We report a case of PEG-INFα-treated CHB that attained sustained off-treatment virological response with only 16 weeks of treatment, with loss of both HBeAg and HBsAg (this latter the optimal treatment endpoint).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Vasconcelos
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Domingos
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lia Bastos
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Teresa Baptista
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Kamal Mansinho
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisboa, Portugal
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Sarowar A, Hirode G, Janssen HLA, Feld JJ. Controversies in Treating Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Discordant Serologic Results. Clin Liver Dis 2021; 25:805-816. [PMID: 34593154 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite effective vaccines and approved therapeutic agents, hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a prevalent global health problem. Current guidelines rely on a combination of serologic, virological, and biochemical markers to identify the phase in the natural history of chronic HBV infection. Discordant serologic results can occur, which may lead to misclassification. Commonly encountered results that differ from the typical profiles seen in chronic HBV infection are described. For each scenario, the frequency of occurrence, possible explanations, and recommendations for clinical management are discussed. Recognition of discordant serologic findings is crucial for optimal clinical decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Sarowar
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Grishma Hirode
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada.
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10
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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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