1
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Cangemi R, Miglionico M, Basili S. Infections as predictors of NAFLD progression. Intern Emerg Med 2022; 17:2185-2186. [PMID: 36334187 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-022-03096-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cangemi
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza-University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Miglionico
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza-University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Basili
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza-University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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2
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Occult hepatitis B virus infection among patients with chronic liver disease of unidentified cause, Addis Ababa Ethiopia. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13188. [PMID: 35915105 PMCID: PMC9343390 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17336-3] [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: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) characterized by the absence of detectable HBsAg in the presence of HBV DNA in the serum and/or liver tissue remains a potential risk of transmission and diseases progression among different population groups. It could be associated with asymptomatic case up to chronic liver disease (CLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude and characteristics of OBI among patients with CLD of unidentified cause in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study was conducted at the gastroenterology & hepatology referral clinic of three government and two private hospitals in Addis Ababa. Known CLD patients as evidenced by clinical and imaging criteria and/or with HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) negative results using rapid test kit were included. ELISA serological test to anti-HBc Ab, anti HBsAg Ab, and HBsAg were determined using BIORAD kits [https://www.bio-rad.com]. HBV-DNA was amplified, and viral loads were determined by quantitative real-time PCR using Abbott m2000rt platform following the manufacturer's instructions. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.A total of 48 CLD patients with no identified cause for their liver disease were identified during the study period. All the patients had evidence of CLD by clinical and imaging criteria and nine were excluded. Three (7.69%) of the 39 patients tested positive for HBsAg test done by ELISA making the negative predictive value of the rapid test kits 92.3% compared to ELISA. The remaining 36 patients had serology test for HBV and 16 (44.4%) had positive anti-HBV core antibody. Two (5.56%) of the 36 patients with HBV viral load determination had detectable HBV DNA suggesting presence of an occult hepatitis B infection. Occult hepatitis B infection is found to be an aetiology among CLD patients labelled as having no identified cause by the current standard of care using rapid HBsAg kits in a subset of patients in Ethiopia. This study signifies the high rate of OBI and past evidence of HBV infection among CLD patients and thus nucleic acid testing and/or anti-HBc shall be integrated to the routine health care system to minimize HBV infection risk of transmission and to enhance patient care.
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Saitta C, Pollicino T, Raimondo G. Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection: An Update. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071504. [PMID: 35891484 PMCID: PMC9318873 DOI: 10.3390/v14071504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) refers to a condition in which replication-competent viral DNA is present in the liver (with detectable or undetectable HBV DNA in the serum) of individuals testing negative for the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). In this peculiar phase of HBV infection, the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is in a low state of replication. Many advances have been made in clarifying the mechanisms involved in such a suppression of viral activity, which seems to be mainly related to the host's immune control and epigenetic factors. OBI is diffused worldwide, but its prevalence is highly variable among patient populations. This depends on different geographic areas, risk factors for parenteral infections, and assays used for HBsAg and HBV DNA detection. OBI has an impact in several clinical contexts: (a) it can be transmitted, causing a classic form of hepatitis B, through blood transfusion or liver transplantation; (b) it may reactivate in the case of immunosuppression, leading to the possible development of even fulminant hepatitis; (c) it may accelerate the progression of chronic liver disease due to different causes toward cirrhosis; (d) it maintains the pro-oncogenic properties of the "overt" infection, favoring the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Saitta
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Department of Human Pathology, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(0)-902212392
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Collis OA, Ashley PA, Chen LH, Pedula KL, Miyashiro SM, Yamashita SK. Hepatitis B Core Antibody Positivity Associated with Increased Risk of Liver Cancer in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: Analysis of a Large Patient Cohort in Hawai'i. HAWAI'I JOURNAL OF HEALTH & SOCIAL WELFARE 2022; 81:127-133. [PMID: 35528754 PMCID: PMC9077569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C infection is a major cause of liver cancer in the United States. Hawai'i's incidence of liver cancer consistently ranks among the highest in the US, due in part to the high prevalence of hepatitis B in the state. To better understand the factors associated with liver cancer among patients in Hawai'i with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the patient database of Kaiser Permanente's Hawai'i region was used to identify a cohort of 3198 patients with a history of chronic HCV infection, of whom 159 (5%) were diagnosed with liver cancer between the years 2004-2020. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with liver cancer. Male sex (AOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.34-3.06), Asian race (AOR 1.78, 1.16 - 2.74) and hepatitis B core antibody (HBCAB) positivity (AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.25 - 2.49) emerged as independent predictors of liver cancer among patients with chronic HCV infection. A history of diabetes (AOR 1.56, 1.07 - 2.27) and older age at the time of HCV diagnosis (AOR 1.19, 1.09-1.29) also emerged as significant associations. HBCAB-positive individuals did not differ significantly from those who were HBCAB-negative in regards to demographics or 5-year survival rate. In this cohort of patients with chronic HCV, a positive HBCAB without evidence of active hepatitis B infection was associated with 1.76 increased odds of liver cancer compared to those with negative HBCAB. This finding may have important implications for screening algorithms among individuals with hepatitis C infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrycja A. Ashley
- Kaiser Permanente Internal Medicine Residency Program, Honolulu, HI (PAA, LC)
| | - Li-Hsieh Chen
- Kaiser Permanente Internal Medicine Residency Program, Honolulu, HI (PAA, LC)
| | - Kathryn L Pedula
- Hawai‘i Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente, Honolulu, HI (KLP)
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Boumbaly S, Balde TAL, Semenov AV, Ostankova YV, Serikova EN, Naidenova EV, Valutite DE, Shchemelev AN, Zueva EB, Esaulenko EV, Totolian AA. [Prevalence of viral hepatitis B markers among blood donors in the Republic of Guinea]. Vopr Virusol 2022; 67:59-68. [PMID: 35293189 DOI: 10.36233/0507-4088-92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The problem of transfusion safety in relation to parenteral viral hepatitis still remains relevant. Viral hepatitis B (HB) remains the most common viral infection transmitted through transfusion procedures. One of the natural phases of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is occult hepatitis B infection (OBI), characterized by an undetectable HBsAg (regardless of the other serological markers content) in the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the liver tissue and an extremely low, up to undetectable, level of viral load in the blood. In the Republic of Guinea, as in most countries on the continent, the prevention of HBV transmission through transfusion is still based on HBsAg serological testing of donors only. In this connection, OBI remains as a potential threat to blood transfusion safety. Detection of HBV DNA is a reliable preventive measure against transmission of the virus from donors with HBsAg-negative HBV infection, especially in highly endemic regions. In this regard, the study was conducted to substantiate recommendations for improving blood safety against the background of significant HBV prevalence in the Republic of Guinea.The aim of the work was the evaluation of serological and molecular markers of HBV infection in blood donors in the Republic of Guinea. MATERIAL AND METHODS We examined 250 blood samples obtained from donors living in Conakry, Republic of Guinea. Samples were tested for the presence of serological (surface antigen, HBsAg; antibodies (ABs) to surface (anti-HBs IgG) and core (anti-HBc IgG) antigens) and molecular (DNA) markers of HBV infection. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The overall detection rate of hepatitis B markers was 83.2%; HBsAg was detected in 16.4% of all individuals. The high incidence of HBsAg in men (19.55%) compared to women (8.45%) was shown, the relative risk of HBV infection with the formation of HBsAg-positive chronic hepatitis B in males was also significantly higher. The prevalence of the HBV DNA in the study group was 30.4%, the OBI cases accounted for 15.6%. The prevalence of this form of the disease was shown in donors aged 30-49 years (24.78%), in the group of people younger than 30 years, the incidence was lower (8.73%), and at the age of over 50 years, OBI was not detected. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of 76 virus isolates, it was shown that genotype E prevails in the examined group (85.53%).Cases of pathogen DNA detection occurred in HBsAg-negative blood donors in the presence of anti-HBs IgG (n = 4), as well as in the simultaneous presence of ABs anti-HBs IgG and anti-HBc IgG (n = 7). The viral load exceeded 200 IU/ml in OBI samples. Escape mutations were detected by sequencing in each OBI sample, contributing to the virus escaping from diagnostic based on screening for HBsAg. CONCLUSION Assessment of the prevalence viral hepatitis B markers in blood donors, determination of genotypes and clinically significant mutations of virus variants are necessary to ensure safe medical manipulations, control and prevention of the spread of this infectious agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Boumbaly
- International Tropical Infections Research Center; Research Institute of Applied Biology of Guinea
| | - T A L Balde
- Research Institute of Applied Biology of Guinea
| | - A V Semenov
- FSBI State Scientific Center of Virology and Biotechnology «Vector» of the Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor)
| | - Yu V Ostankova
- FBSI «Saint Petersburg Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Mictobiology» of the Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor)
| | - E N Serikova
- FBSI «Saint Petersburg Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Mictobiology» of the Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor)
| | - E V Naidenova
- FSHI Russian Research Anti-Plague Institute «Microbe» of the Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor)
| | - D E Valutite
- FBSI «Saint Petersburg Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Mictobiology» of the Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor)
| | - A N Shchemelev
- FBSI «Saint Petersburg Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Mictobiology» of the Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor)
| | - E B Zueva
- FBSI «Saint Petersburg Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Mictobiology» of the Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor)
| | - E V Esaulenko
- FBSI «Saint Petersburg Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Mictobiology» of the Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor)
| | - Areg A Totolian
- FBSI «Saint Petersburg Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Mictobiology» of the Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor)
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Sood AK, Pathak SM, Khandelwal N. A Study of Prevalence of Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection, Knowledge and Preventive Practices Against Hepatitis B Virus in Barbers Serving the Armed Forces. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2021; 11:668-673. [PMID: 34866845 PMCID: PMC8617542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem in the world. Barbers deal with frequent abrasions/lacerations due to sharp equipment, making them a high-risk group. Determination of HBsAg positive status excludes most reservoirs of transmission in the population. However, Occult Hepatitis B continues to be a source of transmission. The aim of this study was to study the prevalence of occult HBV infection in barbers serving the armed forces clientele and evaluate their knowledge and preventive practices against HBV transmission. METHODS Seventy-nine HBsAg negative barbers were included in this study and interviewed for the status of immunisation and preventive practices. Anti-HBc total and HBV DNA levels were measured along with a complete haemogram, LFT, PT INR, ultrasound abdomen and Fibroscan of the liver. RESULTS The prevalence of occult Hepatitis B status was 3.79%. Among barbers who were anti-HBc total positive, 100% were found to have replicative HBV DNA status. All barbers (100%) were unaware of the existence and modes of HBV transmission and were never screened for HBV; 98.73% of barbers followed improper disinfection practices and were never immunised. CONCLUSION The prevalence of occult HBV infection in barbers, absence of immunisation, unawareness and improper disinfection practices are significantly at risk for transmission to the unaware clients. It is important to educate barbers, establish a universal disinfection procedure and implement a system of compulsory Hepatitis B vaccination before the commencement of their trade work.
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Key Words
- ALT, Alanine Transaminase
- HBV DNA, Hepatitis B Virus Deoxyribose nucleic acid
- HBV, Hepatitis B Virus
- HBcAg, Hepatitis B core antigen
- HBeAg, Hepatitis B envelope antigen
- HBsAg, Hepatitis B surface antigen
- INR, International Normalised Ratio
- IU/ml, International Units/millilitre
- PT, Prothrombin Time
- anti-HBc, Antibodies to Hepatitis B core antigen
- anti-HBs, Antibodies to Hepatitis B surface antigen
- barbers
- hepatitis B virus DNA
- high-risk group
- kPa, KiloPascal
- occult hepatitis B virus Infection
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul K. Sood
- DM (Gastroenterology) and Commandant, Military Hospital, Dehradun, India
| | - Sukant M. Pathak
- MD (Community Medicine), Station Health Organisation, Dehradun, India
| | - Nitish Khandelwal
- MD (Pathology) and Officer-in-charge Laboratory Sciences, Military Hospital, Dehradun, India
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7
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Michalak TI. Diverse Virus and Host-Dependent Mechanisms Influence the Systemic and Intrahepatic Immune Responses in the Woodchuck Model of Hepatitis B. Front Immunol 2020; 11:853. [PMID: 32536912 PMCID: PMC7267019 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Woodchuck infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) represents the pathogenically nearest model of hepatitis B and associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This naturally occurring animal model also is highly valuable for development and preclinical evaluation of new anti-HBV agents and immunotherapies against chronic hepatitis (CH) B and HCC. Studies in this system uncovered a number of molecular and immunological processes which contribute or likely contribute to the immunopathogenesis of liver disease and modulation of the systemic and intrahepatic innate and adaptive immune responses during hepadnaviral infection. Among them, inhibition of presentation of the class I major histocompatibility complex on chronically infected hepatocytes and a role of WHV envelope proteins in this process, as well as augmented hepatocyte cytotoxicity mediated by constitutively expressed components of CD95 (Fas) ligand- and perforin-dependent pathways, capable of eliminating cells brought to contact with hepatocyte surface, including activated T lymphocytes, were uncovered. Other findings pointed to a role of autoimmune response against hepatocyte asialoglycoprotein receptor in augmenting severity of liver damage in hepadnaviral CH. It was also documented that WHV in the first few hours activates intrahepatic innate immunity that transiently decreases hepatic virus load. However, this activation is not translated in a timely manner to induction of virus-specific T cell response which appears to be hindered by defective activation of antigen presenting cells and presentation of viral epitopes to T cells. The early WHV infection also induces generalized polyclonal activation of T cells that precedes emergence of virus-specific T lymphocyte reactivity. The combination of these mechanisms hinder recognition of virus allowing its dissemination in the initial, asymptomatic stages of infection before adaptive cellular response became apparent. This review will highlight a range of diverse mechanisms uncovered in the woodchuck model which affect effectiveness of the anti-viral systemic and intrahepatic immune responses, and modify liver disease outcomes. Further exploration of these and other mechanisms, either already discovered or yet unknown, and their interactions should bring more comprehensive understanding of HBV pathogenesis and help to identify novel targets for therapeutic and preventive interventions. The woodchuck model is uniquely positioned to further contribute to these advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz I Michalak
- Molecular Virology and Hepatology Research Group, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
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8
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Raimondo G, Locarnini S, Pollicino T, Levrero M, Zoulim F, Lok AS. Update of the statements on biology and clinical impact of occult hepatitis B virus infection. J Hepatol 2019; 71:397-408. [PMID: 31004683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 301] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In October 2018 a large number of international experts with complementary expertise came together in Taormina to participate in a workshop on occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI). The objectives of the workshop were to review the existing knowledge on OBI, to identify issues that require further investigation, to highlight both existing controversies and newly emerging perspectives, and ultimately to update the statements previously agreed in 2008. This paper represents the output from the workshop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Raimondo
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Stephen Locarnini
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory at the Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Massimo Levrero
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon University, Lyon, France
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon University, Lyon, France
| | - Anna S Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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9
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Chen YM, Chen HH, Huang WN, Chen YH, Hsieh TY, Yang SS, Lan JL, Chen DY. Reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection following rituximab treatment in HBsAg-negative, HBcAb-positive rheumatoid arthritis patients: A long-term, real-world observation. Int J Rheum Dis 2019; 22:1145-1151. [PMID: 31117160 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM Longitudinal data of the reactivation of hepatitis B virus (rHBV) and serial serological markers or HBV-DNA has been limited. This study aimed to investigate the temporal course of rHBV development in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients undergoing long-term rituximab therapy. METHODS The occurrence of rHBV was examined in 157 RA patients during rituximab therapy. Serum levels of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), HBV core antibody (HBcAb), and HBsAb were determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassays, and viral loads by real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS Among 157 patients undergoing rituximab therapy, 103 (65.6%) were HBsAg-negative and HBcAb-positive. Before rituximab therapy, 20 (19.4%) of these 103 patients were HBsAb-negative, while 83 (80.1%) were HBsAb-positive. Five (20%) HBsAb-negative patients developed rHBV after rituximab therapy. Among 83 HBsAb-positive patients, 4 (4.8%) developed rHBV. Among 9 patients with rHBV, 7 (77.7%) exhibited HBsAg seroreversion. Significant decline of HBsAb titers (mean ± SD, 296.0 ± 417.3 mIU/mL at baseline vs 187.0 ± 332.5 mIU/mL after rituximab therapy, P < 0.001) was observed in HBsAg-/HBsAb + patients. All HBsAg-negative patients who developed rHBV during rituximab therapy were characterized by baseline HBsAb titers < 100 mIU/mL and negative HBsAb at the time of rHBV. HBsAb positivity was an independent protective factor for rHBV (hazards ratio: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03-0.62, P = 0.009). CONCLUSION Baseline HBsAb positivity was a significant protective factor for rHBV in HBsAg-negative, HBcAb-positive RA patients receiving rituximab therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ming Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Science and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hua Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Science and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Nan Huang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsing Chen
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsu-Yi Hsieh
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Education, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Shun Yang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Joung-Liang Lan
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Translational Medicine Laboratory, Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Der-Yuan Chen
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Translational Medicine Laboratory, Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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10
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Chen YM, Yang SS, Chen DY. Risk-stratified management strategies for HBV reactivation in RA patients receiving biological and targeted therapy: A narrative review. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2019; 52:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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11
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Joshi SS, Coffin CS. Hepatitis B virus lymphotropism: emerging details and challenges. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2018; 34:139-151. [DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2018.1474324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shivali S. Joshi
- Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Carla S. Coffin
- Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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12
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World Hepatitis Day in Burkina Faso, 2016: Awareness, Screening, Identification of HBV Markers, HBV/HCV Coinfection, and Vaccination. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2017. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.13789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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13
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Ostankova YV, Semenov AV, Burkitbayev ZK, Savchuk TN, Totolian AA. RESULTS OF GENOTYPING HEPATITIS VIRUS B IN HBsAg-NEGATIVE BLOOD DONORS IN ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.15789/2220-7619-2017-4-383-392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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14
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Trigo C, do Brasil PEAA, Costa MJM, de Castro L. Occult hepatitis B virus infection: clinical implications in tuberculosis treatment. J Viral Hepat 2016; 23:1027-1035. [PMID: 27624908 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is characterized by the absence of HBsAg and persistence of the virus genome (HBV-DNA) in liver tissue and/or blood. OBI has been reported in several clinical contexts. However, the clinical significance of OBI in tuberculosis (TB) treatment is unknown. We investigated the OBI prevalence and its impact on the risk of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) during TB treatment. This was a prospective cohort study with one hundred patients who were treated for TB from 2008 to 2015. Laboratory, clinical and demographic data of TB patients were extracted from medical records. Based on HBV-DNA testing of serum samples, an OBI prevalence of 12% was established; almost half of these patients had both anti-HBc and anti-HBs serological markers. Low CD4+ cell counts have been shown to be a risk factor for OBI among TB patients co-infected with HIV (P=.036). High DILI incidence was observed in this study. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was conducted and identified OBI (HR 2.98, 95% CI 1.30-6.86) as the strongest predictor for DILI when adjusted to CD4+ cell count (HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.17-0.90), ALT before TB treatment (HR 1.37, 95% CI 0.81-2.32) and TB extrapulmonary clinical form (HR 2.91, 95% CI 1.75-7.21). The main aim of this study was to highlight DILI as a clinical outcome during treatment of TB patients with OBI. Therefore, HBV-DNA testing should be considered routinely in monitoring DILI, and also in other clinical implications associated with OBI, reduce morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Trigo
- Pharmacogenetics Research Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INI), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - P E A A do Brasil
- Intensive Care Clinical Research Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INI), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M J M Costa
- Tuberculosis and Mycobacteria Clinical Research Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infections Diseases (INI), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - L de Castro
- Pharmacogenetics Research Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INI), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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15
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Lu Y, Liu YL, Nie JJ, Liang XF, Yan L, Wang FZ, Zhai XJ, Liu JX, Zhu FC, Chang ZJ, Li J. Occult HBV Infection in Immunized Neonates Born to HBsAg-Positive Mothers: A Prospective and Follow-Up Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166317. [PMID: 27835694 PMCID: PMC5106040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Occult HBV infection (OBI) has been reported in infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers despite immunization. This study aims to determine the maintenance of this status in a prospective birth cohort. Methods A total of 158 neonates born to HBsAg-positive mothers were enrolled. All received passive-active immunization against HBV according to a 0-1-6 schedule. Sera were collected at 7 months of age. Those diagnosed with OBI were serially followed up at 12, 24 and 36 months of age. HBV serological markers were determined by Abbott i2000 system. HBV DNA was quantitated by Abbott m2000 system. Standard PCR followed by direct sequencing were applied for mother-child HBV pairs. Homology and phylogenetic comparisons were done by BLAST and Mega 5. Results All the 158 neonates were HBsAg-negative and anti-HBs-positive at 7 months of age, and 32 (20.3%) of them were diagnosed with OBI, with a median HBV DNA level of 1.97 (1.20–3.71) log IU/mL. Of them, HBV DNA was positive in 25.0%, 21.9% and 7.7% at 12, 24 and 36 months of age, respectively. HBV DNA disappeared at one of the follow-up points in 31 neonates, however, rebounded to low levels in 6 of them thereafter. HBV DNA persisted at low levels during follow-ups in the other one neonate apart from the above 31. All remained negative for HBsAg. Only two (6.3%) neonates were positive for anti-HBc after 24 months of age. HBV showed close homology and phylogenetic relationships for mother-child pairs. S-escape mutant, G145R, was not discovered. The first vaccine dose within 6 hours of birth significantly reduced the occurrence of OBI (59.4% vs. 83.3%, p = 0.003). Conclusions HBV may be controlled in immunized neonates of HBsAg-positive mothers, after being diagnosed with OBI. Timely vaccination against HBV may provide the utmost protection. Long-term and close monitorings are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Center of Infectious Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ya-Lin Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Center of Infectious Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jing-Jing Nie
- Department of Microbiology and Center of Infectious Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Liang
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Ling Yan
- Department of Microbiology and Center of Infectious Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Fu-Zhen Wang
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Zhai
- Department of Infectious Disease, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jian-Xun Liu
- Department of Major Projects, Zhengzhou Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, 450053, China
| | - Feng-Cai Zhu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhan-Jun Chang
- Department of Major Projects, Zhengzhou Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, 450053, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Microbiology and Center of Infectious Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
- * E-mail:
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16
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Sosa-Jurado F, Hilda Rosas-Murrieta N, Guzman-Flores B, Perez Zempoaltecalt C, Patricia Sanchez Torres A, Ramirez Rosete L, Bernal-Soto M, Marquez-Dominguez L, Melendez-Mena D, Angel Mendoza Torres M, Teresa Lopez Delgado M, Reyes-Leyva J, Vallejo-Ruiz V, Santos-Lopez G. Prevalence of Serologic Hepatitis B Markers in Blood Donors From Puebla, Mexico: The Association of Relatively High Levels of Anti-Core Antibodies With the Detection of Surface Antigen and Genomic DNA. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2016; 16:e36942. [PMID: 27630726 PMCID: PMC5011399 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.36942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Revised: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes chronic hepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Surface antigen (HBsAg) detection is a definitive test that can confirm HBV infection, while the presence of antibodies against the core protein (anti-HBc) suggests either a previous or ongoing infection or occult hepatitis B infection (OBI). OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of anti-HBc and HBsAg in blood donors. Further, the study aimed to estimate the anti-HBc level at which HBV DNA is detected in putative OBI cases, as well as to search for mutations in the "a" determinant associated with the non-detection of HBsAg in serum. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study from 2003-2009. The study included 120,552 blood donors from the state of Puebla, Mexico. Different commercial systems based on microparticles (enzymatic (MEIA) or chemiluminescent (CMIA)) were used to determine the HBsAg and anti-HBc levels. For the detection of HBV DNA, a nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) was used and the genotypes were determined using Sanger sequencing. RESULTS Of the 120,552 blood donors, 1437 (1.19%, 95% CI: 1.12 - 1.26) were reactive to anti-HBc, while 82 (0.066%, 95% CI: 0.053 - 0.079) were reactive to HBsAg. Some 156 plasma samples collected in 2009 from anti-HBc-positive/HBsAg-negative blood donors were submitted for HBV DNA detection in a search for probable OBI. Viral DNA was detected in 27/156 (17.3%, 95% CI: 11.5 - 23.1). Our results show an association between HBV DNA or HBsAg and anti-HBc S/CO levels ≥ 4.0. All DNA samples were identified as genotype H and some "a" determinant mutations were identified, although none corresponded to mutations previously reported to hinder the detection of HBsAg by commercial immunoassays. CONCLUSIONS We observed that as the anti-HBc levels increase, there is a higher prevalence of the viral protein HBsAg in blood donors. Samples testing positive for HBV-DNA were seen to exhibit a ten-fold higher presence of anti-HBc S/CO ≥ 4 than those with S/CO ≥ 1 and < 4.0, which highlights the relevance of anti-HBc determination in blood donor samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Sosa-Jurado
- Laboratory of Virology and Molecular Biology, Eastern Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico
- Corresponding Authors: Francisca Sosa-Jurado, Laboratory of Virology and Molecular Biology, Eastern Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico. Tel/Fax: +52-2444440122, E-mail: ; Gerardo Santos-Lopez, Laboratory of Virology and Molecular Biology, Eastern Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico. Tel/Fax: +52-2444440122, E-mail:
| | - Nora Hilda Rosas-Murrieta
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry Center, Institute of Science, Autonomous University of Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Belinda Guzman-Flores
- Blood Bank Hospital, National Medical Center Manuel Avila Camacho, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Cintia Perez Zempoaltecalt
- Laboratory of Virology and Molecular Biology, Eastern Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Ana Patricia Sanchez Torres
- Blood Bank Hospital, National Medical Center Manuel Avila Camacho, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Leticia Ramirez Rosete
- Blood Bank Hospital, National Medical Center Manuel Avila Camacho, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Maribel Bernal-Soto
- Blood Bank Hospital, National Medical Center Manuel Avila Camacho, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Luis Marquez-Dominguez
- Laboratory of Virology and Molecular Biology, Eastern Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Daniel Melendez-Mena
- Department of Gastroenterology, Specialized Hospital, Medical Unit of High Specialty, National Medical Center Manuel Avila Camacho, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Miguel Angel Mendoza Torres
- Department of Gastroenterology, Specialized Hospital, Medical Unit of High Specialty, National Medical Center Manuel Avila Camacho, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico
| | | | - Julio Reyes-Leyva
- Laboratory of Virology and Molecular Biology, Eastern Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Veronica Vallejo-Ruiz
- Laboratory of Virology and Molecular Biology, Eastern Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Santos-Lopez
- Laboratory of Virology and Molecular Biology, Eastern Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico
- Corresponding Authors: Francisca Sosa-Jurado, Laboratory of Virology and Molecular Biology, Eastern Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico. Tel/Fax: +52-2444440122, E-mail: ; Gerardo Santos-Lopez, Laboratory of Virology and Molecular Biology, Eastern Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico. Tel/Fax: +52-2444440122, E-mail:
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Olotu AA, Oyelese AO, Salawu L, Audu RA, Okwuraiwe AP, Aboderin AO. Occult Hepatitis B virus infection in previously screened, blood donors in Ile-Ife, Nigeria: implications for blood transfusion and stem cell transplantation. Virol J 2016; 13:76. [PMID: 27150469 PMCID: PMC4859058 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-016-0533-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission through blood transfusion is reduced by screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). However this method cannot detect the presence of occult hepatitis B virus infection. This study sought to determine the prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection among blood donors in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. For the first time in Nigeria we employed an automated real-time PCR- method to investigate the prevalence of occult HBV in blood donors. METHODS Blood donors screened with HBsAg immunochromatographic rapid test kits at the blood transfusion units of two hospitals and found to be negative were recruited into the study. Questionnaires to elicit risk factors for HBV infection were administered and then 10 ml of blood was collected from each donor. Plasma samples obtained from these HBsAg negative blood donors were screened again for HBsAg using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and those found negative were screened for the presence of total antibody to the HBV core antigen (anti-HBc) using ELISA method. Those positive to anti-HBc were then tested for HBV DNA, using an automated real-time PCR method. RESULTS Five hundred and seven blood donors found HBsAg negative by immunochromatographic rapid test kits at both blood transfusion units, were tested for HBsAg using ELISA and 5 (1 %) were HBsAg positive. The 502 found negative were tested for anti-HBc and 354 (70.5 %) were found positive implying previous exposure to HBV and 19 (5.4 %) of the 354 anti-HBc positive had HBV DNA signifying occult HBV infection. No risk factors were found to be associated with the presence of HBV DNA among those who tested positive. CONCLUSION Occult HBV infection exists in blood donors in Ile-Ife, Nigeria and the use of HBsAg alone for screening prospective donors will not eliminate the risk of HBV transmission in blood transfusion or stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amadin A Olotu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Bowen University/Bowen University Teaching Hospital, P.O. Box 15, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
| | - Adesola O Oyelese
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Lateef Salawu
- Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Aaron O Aboderin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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18
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Zhu HL, Li X, Li J, Zhang ZH. Genetic variation of occult hepatitis B virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:3531-3546. [PMID: 27053845 PMCID: PMC4814639 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i13.3531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI), characterized as the persistence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) seronegativity and low viral load in blood or liver, is a special form of HBV infection. OBI may be related mainly to mutations in the HBV genome, although the underlying mechanism of it remains to be clarified. Mutations especially within the immunodominant “α” determinant of S protein are “hot spots” that could contribute to the occurrence of OBI via affecting antigenicity and immunogenicity of HBsAg or replication and secretion of virion. Clinical reports account for a large proportion of previous studies on OBI, while functional analyses, especially those based on full-length HBV genome, are rare.
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20
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Pondé RAA. Molecular mechanisms underlying HBsAg negativity in occult HBV infection. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 34:1709-31. [PMID: 26105620 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-015-2422-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although genomic detection is considered the gold standard test on HBV infection identification, the HBsAg investigation is still the most frequent clinical laboratory request to diagnose HBV infection in activity. However, the non-detection of HBsAg in the bloodstream of chronic or acutely infected individuals has been a phenomenon often observed in clinical practice, despite the high sensitivity and specificity of screening assays standardized commercially and adopted in routine. The expansion of knowledge about the hepatitis B virus biology (replication/life cycle, genetic variability/mutability/heterogeneity), their biochemical and immunological properties (antigenicity and immunogenicity), in turn, has allowed to elucidate some mechanisms that may explain the occurrence of this phenomenon. Therefore, the negativity for HBsAg during the acute or chronic infection course may become a fragile or at least questionable result. This manuscript discusses some mechanisms that could explain the negativity for HBsAg in a serological profile of individuals with HBV infection in activity, or factors that could compromise its detection in the bloodstream during HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A A Pondé
- Laboratory of Human Virology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil,
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21
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Occult hepatitis B virus infection in Chinese cryptogenic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patient population. J Clin Gastroenterol 2014; 48:878-82. [PMID: 24356457 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000000058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no information available about occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) in individuals with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). GOALS To investigate the correlation between OBI and ICC. STUDY A retrospective case-control study was conducted. The cases were 183 cryptogenic ICC patients (group I), and the controls were 549 healthy individuals (group II). The cases and controls were matched for age, sex, and inhabitancy. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Intrahepatic total HBV DNA in 63 paraffin-embedded samples was collected from patients in group I (n=44), HBV-associated ICC patients (n=3), and hepatic cavernous hemangioma patients with seronegative HBsAg (hepatitis B S antigen) (group III; n=16). We determined the levels of serum and intrahepatic HBV DNA and compared the level of intrahepatic HBV DNA in 44 cryptogenic patients from group I with the level in the patients from group III. RESULTS Compared with group II, group I had a lower prevalence of anti-HBs (antibody against HBsAg) and a higher prevalence of anti-HBe (antibody against hepatitis B e antigen) and anti-HBc (antibody against hepatitis B c antigen). Multivariate analysis confirmed that anti-HBe and anti-HBc positivity were associated with ICC. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for anti-HBe and anti-HBc were 2.482 and 1.482-4.158, 4.556 and 2.938-7.066, respectively. Compared with group III, cryptogenic ICC cases showed more frequent detection of intrahepatic total HBV DNA (63.64% vs. 18.75%, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS OBI may represent an important risk factor for ICC. HBsAg seroclearance does not signify eradication of HBV and may not entirely prevent the development of ICC.
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22
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Mulrooney-Cousins PM, Chauhan R, Churchill ND, Michalak TI. Primary seronegative but molecularly evident hepadnaviral infection engages liver and induces hepatocarcinoma in the woodchuck model of hepatitis B. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1004332. [PMID: 25165821 PMCID: PMC4148403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepadnavirus at very low doses establishes in woodchucks asymptomatic, serologically undetectable but molecularly evident persistent infection. This primary occult infection (POI) preferentially engages the immune system and initiates virus-specific T cell response in the absence of antiviral antibody induction. The current study aimed to determine whether POI with time may culminate in serologically identifiable infection and hepatitis, and what are, if any, its pathological consequences. Juvenile woodchucks were intravenously injected with inocula containing 10 or 100 virions of woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) to induce POI and followed for life or up to 5.5 years thereafter. All 10 animals established molecularly detectable infection with virus DNA in serum (<100–200 copies/mL) and in circulating lymphoid cells, but serum WHV surface antigen and antibodies to WHV core antigen remained undetectable for life. By approximately 2.5–3.5 years post-infection, circulating virus transiently increased to 103 copies/mL and virus replication became detectable in the livers, but serological markers of infection and biochemical or histological evidence of hepatitis remained undetectable. Nonetheless, typical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in 2/10 animals. WHV DNA integration into hepatic and lymphatic system genomes was identified in 9/10 animals. Virus recovered from the liver virus-negative or virus-positive phases of POI displayed the wild-type sequence and transmitted infection to healthy woodchucks causing hepatitis and HCC. In summary, for the first time, our data demonstrate that an asymptomatic hepadnaviral persistence initiated by very small amounts of otherwise pathogenic virus, advancing in the absence of traditional serological markers of infection and hepatitis, coincides with virus DNA integration into the host's hepatic and immune system genomes, retains liver pro-oncogenic potency and is capable of transmitting liver pathogenic infection. This emphasizes the role for primary occult hepatitis B virus infection in the development of seemingly cyptogenic HCC in seronegative but virus DNA reactive patients. Introduction of highly sensitive molecular assays for detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) identified the existence of persistent occult HBV infection years after recovery from an episode of hepatitis B and in individuals exposed to HBV but without symptoms and classical markers of infection. Because HBV integrates into human DNA and is a potent human carcinogen, it is postulated that occult HBV infection can be a cause of hepatic cancer in many individuals in which the tumor origin remains currently unknown. A causative relation between occult HBV infection and hepatocarcinoma is highly challenging to investigate in humans since occult HBV persistence is rarely diagnosed with current clinical assays and cancer development takes 15–30 years. However, we have established excellent models of occult HBV infection in the eastern North American woodchucks which are naturally susceptible to a virus closely related to HBV and in which chronic infection advances to liver cancer. In the current study, exploring experimental primary occult infection in woodchucks, we proved that the silently progressing infection, which is not detectable by serological markers, can culminate in hepatocellular carcinoma and that the persisting virus remains infectious, and causes hepatitis and liver cancer when transmitted to virus-naïve hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M. Mulrooney-Cousins
- Molecular Virology and Hepatology Research Group, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Ranjit Chauhan
- Molecular Virology and Hepatology Research Group, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Norma D. Churchill
- Molecular Virology and Hepatology Research Group, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Tomasz I. Michalak
- Molecular Virology and Hepatology Research Group, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- * E-mail:
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23
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Song SH, Hwang SG. [Occult hepatitis B virus infection: transmission and reactivation]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2014; 62:148-53. [PMID: 24077624 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2013.62.3.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Occult HBV infection (OBI) is defined as presence of HBV DNA in the liver tissue in patients with serologically undetectable HBsAg. There are differences in virologic and serological profiles of OBI. Majority of OBI are positive for anti-HBs and/or anti-HBc and minor portion are negative for all HBV markers. However, there are no HBV mutations in the surface and its regulatory regions. HBV infection persists by the presence of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) within the infected hepatocytes, which serves as a reservoir for future infection. OBI increases the risk of HBV transmission through transfusion, hemodialysis, and organ transplantation. Therefore effective measures should be employed to screen OBI. Antiviral therapy is needed in HBsAg-negative transplant patients who are anti-HBc positive to prevent the recurrence of HBV infection. Since HBV replication is strongly suppressed by immune surveillance system in OBI patients, immunosuppression results in massive HBV replication. This leads to acute hepatitis and sometimes mortality when immune surveillance is recovered after stopping immunosuppressive drugs/anticancer chemotherapy. Therefore, narrow surveillance is required to recognize the viral reactivation and start antiviral agents during immunosuppressive therapy/anticancer chemotherapy in patients with OBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hee Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
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24
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Squadrito G, Spinella R, Raimondo G. The clinical significance of occult HBV infection. Ann Gastroenterol 2014; 27:15-19. [PMID: 24714731 PMCID: PMC3959533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative individuals is defined as occult HBV infection (OBI). OBI is related in some cases to infection with variant viruses (S-escape mutants) undetectable by HBsAg commercial kits. More frequently, however, it is due to infection with wild-type viruses that are strongly suppressed in their replication activity. OBI may be involved in different clinical contexts, including the transmission of the infection by blood transfusion or liver transplantation and its acute reactivation when an immunosuppressive status occurs. Moreover, much evidence suggests that it may contribute to the development of cirrhosis and may have an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Squadrito
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy,
Correspondence to: Prof. Giovanni Raimondo, Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy, Tel.: +39 (0) 902212392, Fax: +39 (0) 902213594, e-mail:
| | - Rosaria Spinella
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Pande C, Sarin SK, Patra S, Kumar A, Mishra S, Srivastava S, Bhutia K, Gupta E, Mukhopadhyay CK, Dutta AK, Trivedi SS. Hepatitis B vaccination with or without hepatitis B immunoglobulin at birth to babies born of HBsAg-positive mothers prevents overt HBV transmission but may not prevent occult HBV infection in babies: a randomized controlled trial. J Viral Hepat 2013; 20:801-10. [PMID: 24168259 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Vertical transmission of Hepatitis B virus HBV can result in a state of chronic HBV infection and its complications. HBV vaccination with or without hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) prevents transmission of overt infection to the babies. However, whether it also prevents occult HBV infection in babies is not known. Consecutive pregnant women of any gestation found to be HBsAg positive were followed till delivery, and their babies were included in the study. Immediately after delivery, babies were randomized to receive either HBIG or placebo in addition to recombinant HBV vaccine (at 0, 6, 10 and 14 weeks). The primary end-point of the study, assessed at 18 weeks of age, was remaining free of any HBV infection (either overt or occult) plus the development of adequate immune response to vaccine. The babies were further followed up for a median of 2 years of age to determine their eventual outcome. Risk factors for HBV transmission and for poor immune response in babies were studied. Of the 283 eligible babies, 259 were included in the trial and randomized to receive either HBIG (n=128) or placebo (n=131) in addition to recombinant HBV vaccine. Of the 222 of 259 (86%) babies who completed 18 weeks of follow-up, only 62/222 (28%) reached primary end-point. Of the remaining, 6/222 (3%) developed overt HBV infection, 142/222 (64%) developed occult HBV infection, and 12/222 (5%) had no HBV infection but had poor immune response. All 6 overt infections occurred in the placebo group (P=0.030), while occult HBV infections were more common in the HBIG group (76/106 [72%] vs. 66/116 [57%]; P=0.025). This may be due to the immune pressure of HBIG. There was no significant difference between the two groups in frequency of babies developing poor immune response or those achieving primary end-point. The final outcome of these babies at 24 months of age was as follows: overt HBV infection 4%, occult HBV infection 42%, no HBV infection but poor immune response 8% and no HBV infection with good immune response 28%. Women who were anti-HBe positive were a low-risk group, and their babies were most likely to remain free of HBV infection (occult or overt) and had good immune response to the vaccine. Maternal HBeAg-positive status and negativity for anti-HBe predicted not only overt but also any infection (both overt and occult) in babies. In addition, high maternal HBV DNA and treatment with vaccine alone were significant factors for overt HBV infection in babies. The current practice of administration of vaccine with HBIG at birth to babies born of HBsAg-positive mothers is not effective in preventing occult HBV infection in babies, which may be up to 40%. Because the most important risk factors for mother-to-baby transmission of HBV infection are the replicative status and high HBV DNA level in mothers; it will be worthwhile investigating the role of antivirals and HBIG administration during pregnancy to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pande
- Department of Gastroenterology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India; Special Centre for Molecular Medicine (SCMM), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, India
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26
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Nishikawa H, Osaki Y. Clinical significance of occult hepatitis B infection in progression of liver disease and carcinogenesis. J Cancer 2013; 4:473-80. [PMID: 23901347 PMCID: PMC3726709 DOI: 10.7150/jca.6609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is defined as long-lasting persistence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the liver of patients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative status, with or without serological markers of previous exposure (antibodies to HBsAg and/or to hepatitis B core antigen). Over the past two decades, significant progress has been made in understanding OBI and its clinical implications. OBI as a cause of chronic liver disease in patients with HBsAg-negative status is becoming an important disease entity. In conditions of immunocompetence, OBI is inoffensive in itself and detection of HBV DNA in the liver does not always indicate active hepatitis. However, when other factors that cause liver damage, such as hepatitis C virus infection, obesity and alcohol abuse are present, the minimal lesions produced by the immunological response to OBI might worsen the clinical course of the underlying liver disease. Several lines of evidence suggest that OBI is associated with progression of liver fibrosis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic liver disease. The major interest in OBI is primarily associated with the growing, widely discussed evidence of its clinical impact. The aim of this review is to highlight recent data for OBI, with a major focus on disease progression or carcinogenesis in patients with chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Nishikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka Red Cross Hospital, Osaka, Japan
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27
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Idilman R, Arat M. Evaluation and management of hepatitis B virus infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: before and after transplantation. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2013; 9:641-52. [PMID: 21819330 DOI: 10.1586/eri.11.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
HBV infection remains a major global health problem and continues to be a common cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals. Reactivation of HBV is a serious complication of chemotherapy/immunosuppressive therapy in patients with HBV infection. In this article, we aim to describe the diagnosis, prevention and management of HBV infection in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant candidates, from the pre- to post-transplant period. The data currently available suggest that all individuals with hemato-/onco-logical malignancies who undergo chemotherapy/immunosuppressive therapy should be screened for hepatotropic viruses such as HBV and HCV. HBV surface antigen-positive individuals who receive chemotherapy/immunosuppressive therapy are at considerable risk of HBV reactivation. Antiviral prophylaxis prevents HBV reactivation, decreases reactivation-related morbidity and mortality, and prevents interruptions in chemotherapy/immunosuppressive therapy in such individuals. The optimal duration of antiviral prophylaxis remains to be elucidated. The vaccination of HBV-naive recipients and their donors against HBV infection prior to transplantation plays an important role in preventing acquired HBV infection. The presence of hepatitis B surface antigen positivity is not an absolute contraindication for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramazan Idilman
- Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Ibn-i Sina Hospital, Sihhiye, Ankara 06100, Turkey.
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28
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Occult hepatitis B: clinical viewpoint and management. HEPATITIS RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2013; 2013:259148. [PMID: 23533738 PMCID: PMC3603201 DOI: 10.1155/2013/259148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Revised: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Occult HBV infection (OBI) is defined as HBV DNA detection in serum or in the liver by sensitive diagnostic tests in HBsAg-negative patients with or without serologic markers of previous viral exposure. OBI seems to be higher among subjects at high risk for HBV infection and with liver disease. OBI can be both a source of virus contamination in blood and organ donations and the reservoir for full blown hepatitis after reactivation. HBV reactivation depends on viral and host factors but these associations have not been analyzed thoroughly. In OBI, it would be best to prevent HBV reactivation which inhibits the development of hepatitis and subsequent mortality. In diverse cases with insufficient data to recommend routine prophylaxis, early identification of virologic reactivation is essential to start antiviral therapy. For retrieving articles regarding OBI, various databases, including OVID, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, were used.
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29
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Cassini R, De Mitri MS, Gibellini D, Urbinati L, Bagaglio S, Morsica G, Domenicali M, Verucchi G, Bernardi M. A novel stop codon mutation within the hepatitis B surface gene is detected in the liver but not in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HIV-infected individuals with occult HBV infection. J Viral Hepat 2013; 20:42-9. [PMID: 23231083 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2012.01623.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
To characterize occult HBV infection (OHB) in different compartments of HIV+ individuals. This retrospective study involved 38 consecutive HIV+ patients; 24 HBsAg negative (HBV-) and 14 HBsAg positive (HBV+). OHB was assessed in serum samples, liver tissue (LT) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by genomic amplification of the partial S, X and precore/core regions. HBV genomic analysis was inferred by direct sequencing of PCR products. The intracellular HBV-DNA was measured by a quantitative real-time PCR. HBV+ patients were used as a control for HBV replication and genomic profile. In HBV- patients, HBV-DNA was undetectable in all serum samples, while it was found positive in 7/24 (29%) LT in which genotype D prevailed (57%). HBV-DNA was found in 6/7 (86%) PBMC of occult-positive and none of occult-negative LT. Significantly lower HBV-DNA load was present in both compartments in OHB+ with respect to the HBV+ group (LT: P = 0.002; PBMC: P = 0.026). In the occult-positive cases, HBV replication was significantly higher in LT than in PBMC (P = 0.028). A hyper-mutated S gene in PBMC and a nucleotide mutation at position C695 in LT that produces a translational stop codon at amino acid 181 of the HBs gene characterized OHB. In this group of HIV+ persons, OHB is frequent and exhibits lower replication levels than chronic HBV in the different compartments examined. HBV-DNA detection in PBMC may offer a useful tool to identify OHB in serum-negative cases. The novel HBs gene stop codon found in LT could be responsible for reduced production leading to undetectability of HBsAg.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cassini
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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30
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Repeated exposure to trace amounts of woodchuck hepadnavirus induces molecularly evident infection and virus-specific T cell response in the absence of serological infection markers and hepatitis. J Virol 2012; 87:1035-48. [PMID: 23135718 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01363-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to multiple small doses of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a frequent occurrence in high-risk groups, including close relatives of infected individuals, primary care givers, and intravenous drug users. It remains uncertain whether such repeated contact may culminate in a symptomatic infection coinciding with hepatitis in individuals not immunoprotected. In this study, we evaluated consequences of multiple exposures to small, liver-nonpathogenic amounts of infectious hepadnavirus in the woodchuck model of hepatitis B. Virus-naïve animals were intravenously injected with 6 weekly doses of 110 DNase digestion-protected virions of woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV), injected again with 6 weekly 110-virion doses after 7.5 months, and then challenged or not with a liver-pathogenic dose of 1.1 × 10(6) virions of the same inoculum. The data revealed that two rounds of such repeated exposure did not result in serologically evident infection or hepatitis. However, a low-level WHV DNA-positive infection accompanied by a WHV-specific T cell response in the absence of antiviral antibody reactivity was established. The kinetics of the virus-specific and mitogen-induced (generalized) T cell responses and the inability to induce immunoprotection against challenge with a large, liver-pathogenic virus dose were closely comparable to those previously reported for occult infection initiated by a single liver-nonpathogenic dose of WHV. Thus, repeated exposures to small quantities of hepadnavirus induce molecularly evident but serologically silent infection that does not culminate in hepatitis or generate immune protection. The findings imply that the HBV-specific T cell response encountered in the absence of serological markers of infection likely reflects ongoing occult infection.
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Abstract
The long-lasting persistence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomes in the liver (with detectable or undetectable HBV DNA in the serum) of individuals testing negative for the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) is termed occult HBV infection (OBI). Although in a minority of cases the lack of HBsAg detection is due to infection with variant viruses unrecognized by available assays (S-escape mutants), the typical OBI is related to replication-competent HBVs strongly suppressed in their replication activity. The causes of HBV suppression are not yet well clarified, although the host's immune surveillance and epigenetic mechanisms are likely involved. OBI is a worldwide diffused entity, but the available data of prevalence in various categories of individuals are often contrasting because of the different sensitivity and specificity of the methods used for its detection in many studies. OBI may have an impact in several different clinical contexts. In fact, it can be transmitted (i.e., through blood transfusion and liver transplantation) causing classic forms of hepatitis B in newly infected individuals. The development of an immunosuppressive status (mainly by immunotherapy or chemotherapy) may induce OBI reactivation and development of acute and often severe hepatitis. Finally, evidence suggests that OBI can favor the progression of liver fibrosis, in particular in HCV-infected patients. The possible contribution of OBI to the establishment of cirrhosis also implies its possible indirect role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. On the other hand, OBI may maintain most of the direct transforming properties of the overt HBV infection, such as the capacity to integrate in the host's genome and to synthesize pro-oncogenic proteins.
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32
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Sugden PB, Cameron B, Bull R, White PA, Lloyd AR. Occult infection with hepatitis C virus: friend or foe? Immunol Cell Biol 2012; 90:763-73. [PMID: 22546735 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2012.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global pandemic associated with a growing disease burden due to cirrhosis and the consequent morbidity and mortality. Transmission is largely via blood-to-blood contact. Following primary infection, a minority of individuals clear the infection predominantly via cellular immune mechanisms, whereas the majority become chronically infected. Recent data suggest that a third outcome may also be possible, termed 'occult' infection in which subjects who are known, or suspected to have previously been infected with HCV, no longer have viral RNA in their serum at levels detectable by sensitive commercial assays, but do have virus detected by ultra-sensitive techniques. Occult infection has also been detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which may indicate an extra-hepatic reservoir of the virus. Although the clinical significance of occult infection remains unknown, most authors have raised concerns of recrudescent infection. Here we critically review the published literature, suggest further avenues of investigation and propose that occult infection may be beneficial to the host by maintaining immunological memory to protect against reinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter B Sugden
- Inflammation and Infection Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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33
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Cho IR, Oh M, Koh SS, Malilas W, Srisuttee R, Jhun BH, Pellegrini S, Fuchs SY, Chung YH. Hepatitis B virus X protein inhibits extracellular IFN-α-mediated signal transduction by downregulation of type I IFN receptor. Int J Mol Med 2012; 29:581-6. [PMID: 22218495 PMCID: PMC3577137 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2012.879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that hepatitis B virus (HBV) protein X (HBX), a regulatory protein of HBV, activates Stat1, leading to type I interferon (IFN) production. Type I IFN secreted from HBX-expressing hepatic cells enforces antiviral signals through its binding to the cognate type I IFN receptor. We therefore investigated how cells handle this detrimental situation. Interestingly, compared to Chang cells stably expressing an empty vector (Chang-Vec), Chang cells stably expressing HBX (Chang-HBX) showed lower levels of IFN-α receptor 1 (IFNAR1) protein, a subunit of type I IFN receptor. The levels of IFNAR1 transcripts detected in Chang-HBX cells were lower than the levels in Chang-Vec cells, indicating that HBX regulates IFNAR1 at the transcriptional level. Moreover, we observed that HBX induced the translocation of IFNAR1 to the cytoplasm. Consistent with these observations, HBX also downregulated Tyk2, which is required for the stable expression of IFNAR1 on the cell surface. Eventually, Chang-HBX cells consistently maintained a lower level of IFNAR1 expression and displayed no proper response to IFN-α, while Chang-Vec cells exhibited a proper response to IFN-α treatment. Taken together, we propose that HBX downregulates IFNAR1, leading to the avoidance of extracellular IFN-α signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Il-Rae Cho
- WCU Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735, Republic of Korea
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34
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Coffin CS, Mulrooney-Cousins PM, Peters MG, van Marle G, Roberts JP, Michalak TI, Terrault NA. Molecular characterization of intrahepatic and extrahepatic hepatitis B virus (HBV) reservoirs in patients on suppressive antiviral therapy. J Viral Hepat 2011; 18:415-23. [PMID: 20626626 PMCID: PMC4142495 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2010.01321.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) replicates via an error-prone reverse transcriptase generating potential drug-resistant quasispecies. The degree of HBV variability in liver vs peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in patients on long-term suppressive antivirals is unclear. We characterized HBV replication, drug resistance and molecular diversity in patients with plasma HBV DNA undetectable by clinical assays. Explant liver (n=9), PBMC (n=6) and plasma (n=7) from nine such patients undergoing liver transplantation were evaluated for HBV genomes by sensitive PCR/nucleic acid hybridization assay. Cases with HBV DNA in liver and PBMC were tested for covalently closed circular DNA (HBV cccDNA). HBV polymerase (P) amplicons were cloned, sequenced and both P and overlapping surface (S) gene sequences were analysed. HBV DNA was detected in 43% (3/7) of plasma, 100% (9/9) of liver and 83% (5/6) of PBMC samples. HBV cccDNA was detected in all liver and one PBMC sample. Four patients had a clinical diagnosis of resistance. HBV P gene sequencing revealed 100% wild type (wt) in plasma (2/2), 83% wt in PBMC (5/6) but livers of 3/9 (33%) contained wt and 6/9 (66%) carried resistance to lamivudine and/or adefovir. The translated S gene revealed no changes affecting HBV antigenicity. Sequences from livers with antiviral resistant mutants revealed greater interpatient quasispecies diversity. Despite apparent HBV suppression, the liver continues to support HBV replication and extrahepatic HBV can be detected. PBMC may be a sanctuary for wt virus during antiviral therapy, while the liver harbours more drug-resistant viruses. Drug resistance correlates with intrahepatic viral diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. S. Coffin
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - P. M. Mulrooney-Cousins
- Molecular Virology and Hepatology Research Group, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - M. G. Peters
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - G. van Marle
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - J. P. Roberts
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - T. I. Michalak
- Molecular Virology and Hepatology Research Group, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - N. A. Terrault
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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35
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Fuente RADL, Gutiérrez ML, Garcia-Samaniego J, Fernández-Rodriguez C, Lledó JL, Castellano G. Pathogenesis of occult chronic hepatitis B virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2011; 17:1543-8. [PMID: 21472118 PMCID: PMC3070123 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i12.1543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Revised: 01/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/29/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is characterized by hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum in the absence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) presenting HBsAg-negative and anti-HBc positive serological patterns. Occult HBV status is associated in some cases with mutant viruses undetectable by HBsAg assays; but more frequently it is due to a strong suppression of viral replication and gene expression. OBI is an entity with world-wide diffusion. The failure to detect HBsAg, despite the persistence of the viral DNA, is due in most cases to the strong suppression of viral replication and gene expression that characterizes this “occult” HBV infection; although the mechanisms responsible for suppression of HBV are not well understood. The majority of OBI cases are secondary to overt HBV infection and represent a residual low viremia level suppressed by a strong immune response together with histological derangements which occurred during acute or chronic HBV infection. Much evidence suggests that it can favour the progression of liver fibrosis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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36
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Ocana S, Casas ML, Buhigas I, Lledo JL. Diagnostic strategy for occult hepatitis B virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2011; 17:1553-7. [PMID: 21472120 PMCID: PMC3070125 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i12.1553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Revised: 12/09/2010] [Accepted: 12/16/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2008, the European Association for the study of the liver (EASL) defined occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) as the “presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the liver (with detectable or undetectable HBV DNA in the serum) of individuals testing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative by currently available assays”. Several aspects of occult HBV infection are still poorly understood, including the definition itself and a standardized approach for laboratory-based detection, which is the purpose of this review. The clinical significance of OBI has not yet been established; however, in terms of public health, the clinical importance arises from the risk of HBV transmission. Consequently, it is important to detect high-risk groups for occult HBV infection to prevent transmission. The main issue is, perhaps, to identify the target population for screening OBI. Viremia is very low or undetectable in occult HBV infection, even when the most sensitive methods are used, and the detection of the viral DNA reservoir in hepatocytes would provide the best evaluation of occult HBV prevalence in a defined set of patients. However, this diagnostic approach is obviously unsuitable: blood detection of occult hepatitis B requires assays of the highest sensitivity and specificity with a lower limit of detection < 10 IU/mL for HBV DNA and < 0.1 ng/mL for HBsAg.
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37
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Louisirirotchanakul S, Oota S, Khuponsarb K, Chalermchan W, Phikulsod S, Chongkolwatana V, Sakuldamrongpanish T, Kitpoka P, Chielsilp P, Tanprasert S, Tirawatnapong T, Wasi C. Occult hepatitis B virus infection in Thai blood donors. Transfusion 2011; 51:1532-40. [PMID: 21251005 DOI: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2010.03023.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An evaluation by the National Blood Center, the Thai Red Cross Society, of two commercial multiplex nucleic acid tests (NATs; the Chiron PROCLEIX ULTRIO test and the Roche Cobas TaqScreen MPX test) for screening Thai blood donors for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 identified 175 HBV NAT-reactive/hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative donors. The classification of the HBV infection of these donors was confirmed by follow-up testing. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Index samples were tested for HBV serologic markers and HBV viral loads were determined. Donors were followed for up to 13 months and samples were tested with both NAT assays and for all HBV serological markers. RESULTS Of 175 HBV NAT-yield donors, 72 (41%) were followed. Based on the follow-up results, the majority of donors who were followed had an occult HBV infection (66.7%), followed by donors with a primary, acute infection (26.4%). The majority of donors in this latter group (20.8%) were in the window period. Three donors (4.2%), who were anti-HBs positive, had a reinfection or breakthrough infection. CONCLUSION The majority of donors detected during routine screening, who were HBsAg negative and NAT reactive, had an occult HBV infection, thus validating the decision to introduce NAT for blood donations in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suda Louisirirotchanakul
- Department of Microbiology and Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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38
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Occult hepatitis B: clinical implications and treatment decisions. Dig Dis Sci 2010; 55:3328-35. [PMID: 20927592 PMCID: PMC3001399 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-010-1413-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
First reported in 1978, occult hepatitis B is a term used to describe the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA without hepatitis B surface antigenemia. The prevalence of occult HBV is unclear and depends in part on the sensitivity of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and DNA assays used as well as the prevalence of HBV infection in the study population. The origin of occult HBV also remains in question. Several mechanisms have been hypothesized including mutations in the regulatory regions of the HBV genome, persistence of Ig-bound HBV immune complexes, viral interference, and blockage of free HBsAg secretion. Occult HBV has important clinical implications such as transmission through blood transfusion, reactivation in the setting of immunosuppression, and interference with hepatitis C treatment. To date, there is little data pertaining to the treatment of occult HBV outside of the setting of chemotherapy-induced HBV reactivation.
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39
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D'Ugo E, Argentini C, Giuseppetti R, Canitano A, Catone S, Rapicetta M. The woodchuck hepatitis B virus infection model for the evaluation of HBV therapies and vaccine therapies. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2010; 5:1153-62. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2010.530252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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40
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Gujar SA, Jenkins AKM, Macparland SA, Michalak TI. Pre-acute hepadnaviral infection is associated with activation-induced apoptotic death of lymphocytes in the woodchuck (Marmota monax) model of hepatitis B. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 34:999-1008. [PMID: 20451550 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2010.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2010] [Revised: 04/30/2010] [Accepted: 05/01/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Woodchucks (Marmota monax) infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) represent a highly valuable immunopathogenic model of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Both WHV and HBV are noncytopathic hepadnaviruses which induce a strong but delayed virus-specific cellular immune response believed to be a cause of hepatitis. The reason behind this postponement is not well understood and its dissection in the woodchuck model has been hampered by the lack of appropriate research tools. In this study, we applied an assay for the simultaneous detection of cell apoptosis and proliferation to determine the fate of T lymphocytes after WHV infection leading to acute hepatitis. The results revealed that pre-acute WHV infection is associated with the significantly heightened susceptibility of T lymphocytes to activation-induced apoptotic death. This suggests that T lymphocyte function is compromised very early in the course of hepadnaviral infection and this may directly contribute to the postponement of virus-specific T cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi A Gujar
- Molecular Virology and Hepatology Research Group, Division of BioMedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
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41
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The persistence in the liver of residual duck hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA is not dependent upon new viral DNA synthesis. Virology 2010; 406:286-92. [PMID: 20705309 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2010.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2010] [Revised: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 07/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Residual hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA can be detected following the resolution of acute HBV infection. Our previous work using duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infected ducks, indicated that ~80% of residual DHBV DNA in the liver is in the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) form, suggesting that viral DNA synthesis is suppressed. The current study asked more directly if maintenance of residual DHBV cccDNA is dependent upon ongoing viral DNA synthesis. Ducks that recovered from acute DHBV infection were divided into 2 groups and treated with the antiviral drug, Entecavir (ETV), or placebo. No major differences in the stability of cccDNA or levels of residual cccDNA were observed in liver biopsy tissues taken 95 days apart from ETV treated and placebo control ducks. The data suggest that residual DHBV cccDNA is highly stable and present in a cell population with a rate of turnover similar to normal, uninfected hepatocytes.
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De Mitri MS, Cassini R, Bernardi M. Hepatitis B virus-related hepatocarcinogenesis: Molecular oncogenic potential of clear or occult infections. Eur J Cancer 2010; 46:2178-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2010.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2009] [Accepted: 03/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Levast M, Larrat S, Thelu MA, Nicod S, Plages A, Cheveau A, Zarski JP, Seigneurin JM, Morand P, Leroy V. Prevalence and impact of occult hepatitis B infection in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. J Med Virol 2010; 82:747-54. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Coffin C, Stock P, Dove L, Berg C, Nissen N, Curry M, Ragni M, Regenstein F, Sherman K, Roland M, Terrault N. Virologic and clinical outcomes of hepatitis B virus infection in HIV-HBV coinfected transplant recipients. Am J Transplant 2010; 10:1268-75. [PMID: 20346065 PMCID: PMC3155863 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2010.03070.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is the treatment of choice for end-stage liver disease, but is controversial in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Using a prospective cohort of HIV-hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfected patients transplanted between 2001-2007; outcomes including survival and HBV clinical recurrence were determined. Twenty-two coinfected patients underwent LT; 45% had detectable HBV DNA pre-LT and 72% were receiving anti-HBV drugs with efficacy against lamivudine-resistant HBV. Post-LT, all patients received hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) plus nucleos(t)ide analogues and remained HBsAg negative without clinical evidence of HBV recurrence, with a median follow-up 3.5 years. Low-level HBV viremia (median 108 IU/mL, range 9-789) was intermittently detected in 7/13 but not associated with HBsAg detection or ALT elevation. Compared with 20 HBV monoinfected patients on similar HBV prophylaxis and median follow-up of 4.0 years, patient and graft survival were similar: 100% versus 85% in HBV mono- versus coinfected patients (p = 0.08, log rank test). LT is effective for HIV-HBV coinfected patients with complications of cirrhosis, including those who are HBV DNA positive at the time of LT. Combination HBIG and antivirals is effective as prophylaxis with no clinical evidence of HBV recurrence but low-level HBV DNA is detectable in approximately 50% of recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- C.S. Coffin
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - P.G. Stock
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - L.M. Dove
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - C.L. Berg
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - N.N. Nissen
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - M.P. Curry
- Department of Medicine, Harvard School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M. Ragni
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburg, PA, USA
| | - F.G. Regenstein
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - K.E. Sherman
- Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - M.E. Roland
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - N.A. Terrault
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Designing primers from multiple sequences using Matchup program to improve detection of hepatitis B virus by polymerase chain reaction. J Microbiol 2010; 48:111-6. [PMID: 20221738 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-009-0282-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2009] [Accepted: 10/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally primers for PCR detection of viruses have been selected from genomic sequence of single or representative viral strain. However, high mutation rate of viral genomes often results in failure in detecting viruses in clinical and environmental samples. Thus, it seems necessary to consider primers designed from multiple viral sequences in order to improve detection of viral variants. Matchup is a program intended to select universal primers from multiple sequences. We designed using Matchup program primer pairs for HBV detection from 691 full genomic HBV DNA sequences available from NCBI GenBank database. Thousands of primer candidates were initially extracted and these were sequentially filtered down to 5 primer pairs. These primer pairs were tested by PCR using 5 HBV Korean HBsAg(+) patient sera, and eventually one universal primer pair was selected and named MUW (multiple-universal-worldwide). This primer pair, 3 HBV reference primer pairs reported by others and 1 commercial primer pair were compared using 86 HBV HBsAg(+) sera from Korean and Vietnamese patients. The detection rate for MUW primer pair was 72.1%, much greater than those obtained by reference and commercial primers (32.5 to 40.7%). The superiority of MUW primer pair appeared to be correlated with the conserved sequences of the forward primer binding sites and primer quality score. These results suggest that the universal primers designed by the Matchup program from multiple sequences could be useful in detecting viruses from clinical samples.
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a common viral pathogen that causes a substantial health burden worldwide. Remarkable progress has been made in our understanding of the natural stages of chronic HBV infection. A dynamic balance between viral replication and host immune response is pivotal to the pathogenesis of liver disease. Knowledge of the HBV genome organization and replication cycle can unravel HBV genotypes and molecular variants, which contribute to the heterogeneity in outcome of chronic HBV infection. Most HBV infections are spontaneously resolved in immunocompetent adults, whereas they become chronic in most neonates and infants at a great risk of developing complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Those with chronic HBV infection may present in one of the four phases of infection: immune tolerance, immune clearance [hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB)], inactive carrier state, and reactivation (HBeAg-negative CHB). Understanding the dynamic nature of chronic HBV infection is crucial in the management of HBV carriers. Long-term monitoring and optimal timing of antiviral therapy for chronic HBV infection help to prevent progression of HBV-related liver disease to its later stage, particularly in patients with higher risk markers of HCC, such as serum DNA concentration, HBeAg status, serum aminotransferase, HBV genotypes, and pre-core or core mutants.
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Profound antiviral effect of oral administration of MIV-210 on chronic hepadnaviral infection in a woodchuck model of hepatitis B. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2009; 53:3803-14. [PMID: 19564357 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00263-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MIV-210 is a prodrug of 3'-fluoro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine with high oral bioavailability in humans and potent activity against hepatitis B virus (HBV). Woodchucks infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) represent an accurate model of HBV infection that is utilized for evaluation of the efficacy and safety of novel anti-HBV agents. Oral administration of MIV-210 at 20 or 60 mg/kg of body weight/day induced a rapid virological response in chronically infected woodchucks, reducing serum WHV DNA levels by 4.75 log10 and 5.72 log10, respectively, in 2 weeks. A progressive decline in WHV viremia occurred throughout the 10-week therapy, giving final reductions of 7.23 log10 and 7.68 log10 in the 20- and 60-mg/kg/day groups, respectively. Further, a daily dose of 10 mg/kg decreased the serum WHV load 400-fold after 4 weeks of treatment, and a dose of 5 mg/kg/day was sufficient to maintain this antiviral effect during the following 6-week period. MIV-210 at 20 or 60 mg/kg/day reduced the liver WHV DNA load 200- to 2,500-fold from pretreatment levels and, importantly, led to a 2.0 log10 drop in the hepatic content of WHV covalently closed circular DNA. The treatment with 60 mg/kg/day was well tolerated. Liver biopsy specimens obtained after the 10-week treatment with 20 or 60 mg/kg/day and after the 10-week follow-up showed hepatocyte and mitochondrial ultrastructures comparable to those in the placebo-treated group. It was concluded that MIV-210 is highly effective against chronic WHV infection. These findings, together with the previously demonstrated inhibitory activity of MIV-210 against lamivudine-, adefovir-, and entecavir-resistant HBV variants, make MIV-210 a highly valuable candidate for further testing as an agent against chronic hepatitis B.
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El-Sherif A, Abou-Shady M, Abou-Zeid H, Elwassief A, Elbahrawy A, Ueda Y, Chiba T, Hosney AM. Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen as a screening test for occult hepatitis B virus infection in Egyptian chronic hepatitis C patients. J Gastroenterol 2009; 44:359-64. [PMID: 19271112 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-009-0020-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2008] [Accepted: 12/07/2008] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in liver tissue and/or in serum in the absence of detectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is called occult HBV infection. This pattern was identified in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of this study was to determine the role of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) as a screening test for occult HBV infection in Egyptian chronic HCV patients. METHODS One hundred chronic HCV patients negative for HBsAg were included and subdivided into two groups according to anti-HBc-IgG seroreactivity. Group A included 71 patients positive for anti-HBc (53 men and 18 women, mean age +/- SD 48.8 +/- 9.6 years), and group B included 29 patients negative for anti-HBc (18 men and 11 women, mean age +/- SD 46.6 +/- 11.7 years). All patients were subjected to full clinical assessment, routine laboratory investigations, abdominal ultrasonography and quantification of HBV-DNA by real-time PCR. RESULTS Chronic HCV patients positive for anti-HBc have more severe liver disease compared with anti-HBc negative patients. Although HBV-DNA in the serum was detected in 22.5% of anti-HBc-positive chronic HCV patients, it was not detected in any of anti-HBc-negative chronic HCV patients. There was no significant difference in any of the clinical and laboratory data tested between anti-HBc-positive patients with and without HBV-DNA in the serum. CONCLUSION A significant number of patients with anti-HBc had detectable levels of HBV-DNA in the serum. Egyptian chronic HCV patients have a high prevalence of occult HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assem El-Sherif
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Primary occult hepadnavirus infection induces virus-specific T-cell and aberrant cytokine responses in the absence of antiviral antibody reactivity in the Woodchuck model of hepatitis B virus infection. J Virol 2009; 83:3861-76. [PMID: 19193791 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02521-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the virological features of serologically silent hepadnaviral primary occult infection (POI) have been relatively well recognized in the woodchuck model of hepatitis B virus infection, the characteristics of accompanying immune responses remain unknown. In this study, the kinetics of woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV)-specific and generalized (mitogen-induced) T-cell proliferative responses and cytokine expression profiles in circulating lymphoid cells and the liver, along with WHV-specific antibody responses, were investigated during experimentally induced POI and subsequent challenge with a liver-pathogenic dose (>10(3) virions) or liver-nonpathogenic dose (50 virions) of the same virus. The data revealed that POI, which does not prompt WHV surface antigenemia, antiviral antibody response, and hepatitis or protect from challenge with a liver-pathogenic virus dose, was accompanied by the appearance of a strong WHV-specific T-cell response directed against multiple viral epitopes that intermittently persisted at low levels for up to 10-months during follow-up. Furthermore, immediately after exposure to a liver-nonpathogenic dose of WHV, lymphocytes acquired a heightened capacity to proliferate in response to mitogenic stimuli and displayed augmented expression of alpha interferon, interleukin-12 (IL-12), and IL-2, but not tumor necrosis factor alpha. Overall, the kinetics of WHV-specific and mitogen-induced T-cell proliferative and cytokine responses in POI were closely comparable to those seen in infection induced by liver-pathogenic viral doses. The data demonstrated that virus-specific T-cell proliferative reactivity is a very sensitive indicator of exposure to hepadnavirus, even to small amounts inducing serologically mute infection. They also showed that hepadnaviral POI is not only a molecularly but also an immunologically identifiable and distinctive entity.
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Park EH, Koh SS, Srisuttee R, Cho IR, Min HJ, Jhun BH, Lee YS, Jang KL, Kim CH, Johnston RN, Chung YH. Expression of HBX, an oncoprotein of hepatitis B virus, blocks reoviral oncolysis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cancer Gene Ther 2008; 16:453-61. [PMID: 19096445 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2008.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Although reovirus has been used in tests as a potential cancer therapeutic agent against a variety of cancer cells, its application to hepatocellular carcinoma cells, in which the hepatitis B virus (HBV) X (HBX) protein of HBV plays a primary role, has not yet been explored. Here, we describe experiments in which we use reovirus to treat Chang liver carcinoma cells expressing either a vector only (Chang-vec) or a vector encoding HBX protein (Chang-HBX). Although Chang-vec cells readily support reoviral proliferation and undergo apoptosis, Chang-HBX cells are highly resistant to reoviral infection and virus-induced apoptosis, even though HBX protein induces activation of Ras and inactivation of PKR, which are normally thought to enhance reoviral oncolysis. The resistance of Chang-HBX cells to reovirus may instead be explained by HBX-induced downregulation of death receptor 5 and activation of Stat1. Phosphorylated Stat1 activates interferon (IFN)-stimulated regulatory element (ISRE)- and IFN-gamma-activated sequence (GAS)-mediated transcription, leading to the production of IFN-beta, whereas the reduced expression of Stat1 with its siRNA results in a decrease in IFN-beta production, by which Chang-HBX cells eventually succumb to reovirus infection. This result further indicates that HBX induces the establishment of an antiviral state through Stat1 activation. Thus, it appears that active Ras does not override the antiviral effect mediated by the activation of Stat1. Accordingly, we report that HBX, an oncoprotein of HBV, can prevent reoviral oncolysis of hepatocellular carcinoma. This suggests there may be limits to the practical application of reovirus in the treatment of human cancers already expressing other oncoviral proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- E-H Park
- Department of Nanomedical Engineering, BK21 Nanofusion Technology Team, Pusan National University, Miryang, Republic of Korea
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