1
|
Ribeiro CRDA, de Almeida NAA, Martinelli KG, Pires MA, Mello CEB, Barros JJ, de Paula VS. Cytokine profile during occult hepatitis B virus infection in chronic hepatitis C patients. Virol J 2021; 18:15. [PMID: 33435966 PMCID: PMC7802259 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-021-01487-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the leading causes of acute, chronic and occult hepatitis (OBI) representing a serious public health threat. Cytokines are known to be important chemical mediators that regulate the differentiation, proliferation and function of immune cells. Accumulating evidence indicate that the inadequate immune responses are responsible for HBV persistency. The aim of this study were to investigate the cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17A in patients with OBI and verify if there is an association between the levels of these cytokines with the determination of clinical courses during HBV occult infection. Methods 114 patients with chronic hepatitis C were investigated through serological and molecular tests, the OBI coinfected patients were subjected to the test for cytokines using the commercial human CBA kit. As controls, ten healthy donors with no history of liver disease and 10 chronic HBV monoinfected patients of similar age to OBI patients were selected. Results Among 114 HCV patients investigated, 11 individuals had occult hepatitis B. The levels of cytokines were heterogeneous between the groups, most of the cytokines showed higher levels of production detection among OBI/HCV individuals when compared to control group and HBV monoinfected pacients. We found a high level of IL-17A in the HBV monoinfected group, high levels of TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-2 in OBI/HCV patients. Conclusion These cytokines could be involved in the persistence of HBV DNA in hepatocytes triggers a constant immune response, inducing continuous liver inflammation, which can accelerate liver damage and favor the development of liver cirrhosis in other chronic liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Rodrigues de Almeida Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 4365, Brasil Av., Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Alves Araújo de Almeida
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 4365, Brasil Av., Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
| | | | - Marcia Amendola Pires
- Gaffrée and Guinle Universitary Hospital, Ambulatory of Liver Disease, Rio de Janeiro State Federal University/UniRio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Brandao Mello
- Gaffrée and Guinle Universitary Hospital, Ambulatory of Liver Disease, Rio de Janeiro State Federal University/UniRio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José J Barros
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 4365, Brasil Av., Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Vanessa Salete de Paula
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 4365, Brasil Av., Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hedayati-Moghaddam MR, Soltanian H, Behzadifar M. Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection Prevalence Among Different Populations of Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2020; 20. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.101722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Context: Various frequency rates of occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) are reported from different parts of Iran. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to characterize the OBI epidemiology in Iran and estimate the pooled prevalence among different populations. Evidence Acquisition: Nine international and Persian electronic databases, as well as some conference proceedings, were searched. Original cross-sectional studies up to December 2018 were included if they investigated the prevalence of OBI by the detection of serum hepatitis B virus surface antigen and hepatitis B virus nucleic acid in at least 30 samples selected with any sampling methods. Comprehensive meta-analysis software was used to analyze the data, and Cochran’s Q-test and I-square statistics were applied to assess the heterogeneity. Meta-regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of the year of study on the OBI frequency. A P value < 0.05 was considered as the level of significance. Results: Of 412 citations found in electronic sources and 35 relevant citations added by searching the gray literature, 83 non-duplicated non-overlapping studies were evaluated. A total of 55 documents comprising 14,485 individuals from 16 provinces met the inclusion criteria and were used in the analysis. The prevalence of OBI considerably varied in different parts of the country with the highest prevalence (63.1%) reported among the HIV-positive population in Fars province. The rates of the OBI prevalence were estimated at 0.06% (95% CI: 0.02 - 0.16%) among blood donors (BDs) regardless of their anti-HBc status, 7.90% (95% CI: 4.33 - 13.99%) among anti-HBc positive BDs, 2.49% (95% CI: 1.2 - 4.81%) among hemodialysis (HD) patients, 4.44% (95% CI: 1.56 - 12.02%) among HIV-positive patients, and 7.76% (95% CI: 4.57 - 12.86%) among HCV-positive patients. No significant trends were observed in OBI prevalence rates among different groups over time (P > 0.05). Conclusions: This review revealed high rates of OBI prevalence among high-risk populations in Iran. It is strongly suggested that occult hepatitis B be investigated among populations with a high chance of its occurrence in our country.
Collapse
|
3
|
Bhatia M, Gupta E, Choudhary MC, Jindal A, Sarin SK. Evaluation of impact of occult hepatitis B infection in chronic HCV-infected patients: A retrospective cohort study. J Lab Physicians 2020; 10:304-308. [PMID: 30078967 PMCID: PMC6052820 DOI: 10.4103/jlp.jlp_12_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) may contribute to liver damage and variable therapeutic response in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection. AIMS To study the prevalence of OBI and to evaluate its impact and/or that of anti-HBc total seropositivity on clinical outcomes and response to directly acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in CHC-infected patients. SETTINGS AND DESIGN A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care liver hospital from January to May 2017. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Eighty HBsAg-negative CHC patients who were initiated on DAA therapy were retrospectively included. Archived pretreatment baseline plasma samples were retrieved and tested for quantitative HBV DNA, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc total antibodies. HCV RNA, genotype, clinical, biochemical and histopathological parameters & treatment response data were obtained from the hospital information system. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED Comparison of continuous variables was done by Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests and categorical variables by Fisher's exact test or Pearson's Chi-square test. RESULTS Prevalence of OBI was 1.25%. Anti-HBc total positivity was seen in 25% patients. Based on anti-HBc total status, patients were categorized into two groups namely Group 1 (anti-HBc positive) and Group 2 (anti-HBc negative). Group 1 patients were further categorized into three subgroups based on signal/cutoff (S/Co) of HBc total antibody semi-quantitative values. HBc total antibody levels did not influence the severity of CHC disease. Comparative evaluation of parameters such as median log10 baseline RNA (P = 0.929 and 0.464), median alanine aminotransferase (ALT 0) (P = 0.519 and 0.449), ALT at 12 weeks (P = 0.875 and 0.594), sustained virological response (SVR) at 12 weeks (P = 0.405 and 0.263) and SVR at 24 weeks (P = 0.265 and 0.625) between Groups 1 and 2 and among three categories within Group 1, respectively, were not found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Very low prevalence of OBI was seen in CHC patients. HBc total antibody levels did not influence clinical outcome and response to DAA therapy in this cohort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Bhatia
- Department of Clinical Virology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ekta Gupta
- Department of Clinical Virology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Manish C Choudhary
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ankur Jindal
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shiv Kumar Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Clinicopathological study of occult hepatitis B virus infection in hepatitis C virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 31:716-722. [PMID: 30870221 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) frequently occurs in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection, but the influence of OBI on CHC outcome is still uncertain. The aim of the present study was to clarify the clinical and pathological characteristics of OBI in CHC-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS DNA was obtained from serum and tumor tissue of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related HCC with negative HBsAg and from patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis. HBV-DNA was detected using qPCR. Clinicopathological features were compared between patients with HCC with and without OBI. RESULTS On the basis of positive serum and tissue HBV-DNA typing, the overall frequency of OBI was 50% in patients with HCV-related HCC. HBV genotype D was the most dominant, constituting 35.3% of HCC cases. Almost 80% of patients with OBI had anti-HBc, whereas 20% of patients had no serological markers. Tissue HBV-DNA showed significant association with positive serum HBV-DNA, anti-HBc, and genotype D. There were no clinical differences between patients with HCC with and without OBI; however, patients with OBI tended to be younger. HCC cases with positive OBI were significantly associated with positive anti-HBc antibodies and late histological grades (3-4). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of OBI was a predictor of more advanced HCC histological grades in patients with HCV infection. CONCLUSION OBI was detected in 50% of HCV-infected patients with HCC. OBI was strongly associated with the presence of anti-HBc antibodies. Patients with HCC with positive OBI were younger and had more advanced HCC histological grades.
Collapse
|
5
|
|
6
|
The prevalence of occult hepatitis B in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with interferon-based antiviral therapy. Arab J Gastroenterol 2018; 19:33-36. [PMID: 29503077 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is known to be mostly prevalent in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and OBI reactivation might be life-threatening in patients undergoing interferon (IFN)-free direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. As previous studies have revealed a relationship between OBI and non-response to IFN-based antiviral therapy, the aim of the current study was to determine if there was a higher prevalence of OBI in IFN non-responders than responders. PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in CHC patients who had previously received IFN-based antiviral therapy. Serum samples of 100 HBsAg negative CHC patients were tested for HBV DNA, anti-HBc IgG, anti-HBs, ALT and AST. The presence of OBI was compared between 50 IFN responders and 50 IFN non-responders. Patients with a history of previous HBV infection, patients with evidence of cirrhosis and patients who had received IFN therapy within the last one year were excluded from the study. RESULTS Anti-HBc IgG positivity was determined in 53% of the patients. HBV DNA positivity, indicating OBI was determined in 1 (1%) patient. This patient was anti-HBc IgG positive, anti-HBs negative, ALT and AST levels were normal. The HBV DNA and anti-HBc IgG positivity rates were higher in the non-responder group than in the responder group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.31 and p = 0.07 respectively). CONCLUSION According to the results of this study, the prevalence of OBI is lower than expected amongst CHC patients in Turkey and it may not be necessary to apply routine screening to IFN non-responders for OBI infection before DAA therapy. However, there is a need for multicentre studies with larger patient series.
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen HY, Su TH, Tseng TC, Yang WT, Chen TC, Chen PJ, Chen DS, Kao JH, Liu CJ. Impact of occult hepatitis B on the clinical outcomes of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: A 10-year follow-up. J Formos Med Assoc 2017; 116:697-704. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
|
8
|
Elkady A, Iijima S, Aboulfotuh S, Mostafa Ali E, Sayed D, Abdel-Aziz NM, Ali AM, Murakami S, Isogawa M, Tanaka Y. Characteristics of escape mutations from occult hepatitis B virus infected patients with hematological malignancies in South Egypt. World J Hepatol 2017; 9:477-486. [PMID: 28396718 PMCID: PMC5368625 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v9.i9.477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the prevalence and virological characteristics of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in patients with hematological malignancies in South Egypt.
METHODS Serum samples were collected from 165 patients with hematological malignancies to monitor titers of HBV DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and antibodies to HBV core (anti-HBc) and surface antigens. Serum samples negative for HBsAg and positive for anti-HBc were subjected to nucleic acid extraction and HBV DNA detection by real-time polymerase chain reaction. DNA sequences spanning the S region were analyzed in cases with occult HBV infection. In vitro comparative study of constructed 1.24-fold wild type and S protein mutant HBV genotype D clones was further performed.
RESULTS HBV DNA was detected in 23 (42.6%) of 54 patients with hematological malignancies who were HBsAg negative, but anti-HBc positive, suggesting the presence of occult HBV infection. The complete HBV genome was retrieved from 6 occult HBV patients, and P120T and S143L were detected in 3 and 2 cases, respectively. Site directed mutagenesis was done to produce 1.24-fold genotype D clones with amino acid mutations T120 and L143. The in vitro analyses revealed that a lower level of extracellular HBsAg was detected by chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) with the clone containing T120 mutation, compared with the wild type or the clone with S143L mutation despite the similar levels of extracellular and intracellular HBsAg detected by Western blot. Southern blot experiments showed that the levels of intracellular HBV DNA were not different between these clones.
CONCLUSION Occult HBV infection is common in patients with hematological malignancies and associated with P120T and S143L mutations. 120T mutation impairs the detection of HBsAg by CLEIA.
Collapse
|
9
|
El Din Ahmed Elsawaf G, Abd El Kader Mahmoud O, Mohamed Shawky S, Mostafa Mostafa Mohamed H, Hezam Ahmed Alsumairy H. Impact of occult hepatitis B virus infection on antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients. ALEXANDRIA JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajme.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hafez Hezam Ahmed Alsumairy
- Master of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jang JY, Park EJ. [Occult hepatitis B virus infection in chronic hepatitis C]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2014; 62:154-9. [PMID: 24077625 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2013.62.3.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Occult HBV infection is defined as the presence of HBV DNA in the liver (with or without detectable or undetectable HBV DNA in the serum) of individuals testing negative for HBsAg. Studies on occult HBV infection in hepatitis C patients have reported highly variable prevalence, because the prevalence of occult HBV infection varies depending on the hepatitis B risk factors and methodological approaches. The most reliable diagnostic approach for detecting occult HBV detection is through examination of liver DNA extracts. HCV has been suspected to strongly suppress HBV replication up to the point where it may be directly responsible for occult HBV infection development. However, more data are needed to arrive at a definitive conclusion regarding the role of HCV in inducing occult HBV infection. Occult HBV infection in chronic hepatitis C patients is a complex biological entity with possible relevant clinical implications. Influence of occult HBV infection on the clinical outcomes of chronic hepatitis C may be considered negative. However, recent studies have shown that occult HBV infection could be associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and contribute to the worsening of the course of chronic liver disease over time in chronic hepatitis C patients. Nevertheless, the possible role of occult HBV infection in chronic hepatitis C is still unresolved and no firm conclusion has been made up until now. It still remains unclear how occult HBV infection affects the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Therefore, in order to resolve current controversies and understand the pathogenic role and clinical impacts of occult HBV infection in chronic hepatitis C patients, well-designed clinical studies are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae Young Jang
- Institution for Digestive Research, Digestive Disease Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pollicino T, Saitta C. Occult hepatitis B virus and hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:5951-5961. [PMID: 24876718 PMCID: PMC4033435 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i20.5951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) is a challenging pathobiological and clinical issue that has been widely debated for several decades. By definition, OBI is characterized by the persistence of HBV DNA in the liver tissue (and in some cases also in the serum) in the absence of circulating HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). Many epidemiological and molecular studies have indicated that OBI is an important risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. OBI may exert direct pro-oncogenic effects through the activation of the same oncogenic mechanisms that are activated in the course of an HBsAg-positive infection. Indeed, in OBI as in HBV-positive infection, HBV DNA can persist in the hepatocytes both integrated into the host genome as well as free episome, and may maintain the capacity to produce proteins-mainly X protein and truncated preS-S protein - provided with potential transforming properties. Furthermore, OBI may indirectly favor HCC development. It has been shown that the persistence of very low viral replicative activity during OBI may induce mild liver necro-inflammation continuing for life, and substantial clinical evidence indicates that OBI can accelerate the progression of liver disease towards cirrhosis that is considered the most important risk factor for HCC development.
Collapse
|
12
|
Vakili Ghartavol Z, Alavian SM, Amini S, Vahabpour R, Bahramali G, Mostafavi E, Aghasadeghi MR. Prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell compartments of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection in tehran-iran. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2013; 13:e10134. [PMID: 23967017 PMCID: PMC3741907 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.10134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) is frequently reported in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. An association between OBI and more liver damage, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and reduced response to interferon therapy in patients with HCV infection is suggested. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of occult HBV, and evaluate its clinical influence on patients with chronic HCV. PATIENTS AND METHODS A cohort study including50 patients with positive results for HCV, and negative results for HBsAg tests was performed. The patients were divided into two groups: one group had positive results for both HCV and occult HBV tests (n = 18), and the other had positive results for HCV, but negative findings for occult HBV (n = 32). All were treated with PEG-IFN alpha-2a and Ribavirin. Presence of HCV RNA was followed in these patients. RESULTS HBV-DNA was detected using nested-PCR in 20% of plasma and 32.6% of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) compartments. No significant differences were observed between patients with and without occult HBV for sex, age, duration of HCV infection, histological markers, presence of anti-HBc, HCV viral load, and HCV genotype. The response rate was significantly higher in patients with positive results for HBV-DNA test compared to those with negative findings (100% vs. 71.9 %, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, occult HBV was found in 36% of patients with negative results for HBsAg, but positive results for HCV. Detection of HBV-DNA in both PBMCs and plasma together in comparison with plasma alone provided more true identification of OBI.The SVR rate was significantly higher in coinfected patients than mono-infected ones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Vakili Ghartavol
- Department of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences and Tehran Hepatitis Center, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Safieh Amini
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Safieh Amini, Department of Hepatitis andAIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-2166969291, Fax: +98-2166969291, E-mail:
| | - Rouhollah Vahabpour
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Department of Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Golnaz Bahramali
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- Department of Epidemiology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Larrubia JR. Occult hepatitis B virus infection: A complex entity with relevant clinical implications. World J Gastroenterol 2011; 17:1529-30. [PMID: 21472115 PMCID: PMC3070120 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i12.1529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Revised: 09/06/2010] [Accepted: 09/13/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a world-wide entity, following the geographical distribution of detectable hepatitis B. This entity is defined as the persistence of viral genomes in the liver tissue and in some instances also in the serum, associated to negative HBV surface antigen serology. The molecular basis of the occult infection is related to the life cycle of HBV, which produces a covalently closed circular DNA that persists in the cell nuclei as an episome, and serves as a template for gene transcription. The mechanism responsible for the HBsAg negative status in occult HBV carriers is a strong suppression of viral replication, probably due to the host’s immune response, co-infection with other infectious agents and epigenetic factors. There is emerging evidence of the potential clinical relevance of occult HBV infection, since this could be involved in occult HBV transmission through orthotopic liver transplant and blood transfusion, reactivation of HBV infection during immunosuppression, impairing chronic liver disease outcome and acting as a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore it is important to bear in mind this entity in cryptogenetic liver diseases, hepatitis C virus/HIV infected patients and immunosupressed individuals. It is also necessary to increase our knowledge in this fascinating field to define better strategies to diagnose and treat this infection.
Collapse
|