Detection of Intrahepatic HBV DNA in HBsAg-negative Liver Diseases.
- Author:
Yun Soo KIM
1
;
Jae Young JANG
;
Soo Hoon EUN
;
Young Koog CHEON
;
Young Seok KIM
;
Jong Ho MOON
;
Young Deok CHO
;
So Young JIN
;
Chan Sup SHIM
;
Boo Sung KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Gastroenterology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Inchon, Korea. kimys@gilhospital.com
- Publication Type:Original Article ; English Abstract
- Keywords:
Liver;
Hepatitis B virus;
Hepatitis B s antigens;
Hepatitis B antibodies;
Korea
- MeSH:
Middle Aged;
Male;
Liver/*virology;
Humans;
Hepatitis B virus/*genetics/isolation & purification;
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/*analysis;
Hepatitis B/*diagnosis/immunology/virology;
Female;
DNA, Viral/*analysis;
Aged;
Adult
- From:The Korean Journal of Hepatology
2006;12(2):201-208
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Occult HBV infection is characterized by the presence of HBV infection with undetectable HBsAg. This study was carried out to find out the frequency of HBV infection in HBsAg- negative patients. METHODS: Fifty-six HBsAg-negative patients including 17 anti-HCV positive patients were evaluated. Patients were grouped according to their serological status; group A (anti-HBc+, anti-HBs-, n=16), B (anti-HBc+, anti-HBs+, n=26), and C (anti-HBc-, anti-HBs+/-, n=14). DNA was extracted from frozen liver biopsy specimen, and HBV DNA level was measured with real-time PCR. RESULTS: Overall frequency of detectable intrahepatic HBV DNA was 34% (19/56). The frequency was 56% (9/16) in group A, 31% (8/26) in group B and 14% (2/14) in group C (P=0.01). Intrahepatic HBV DNA levels were as follows; 2,010 +/- 6,660 copies/mg in group A, 6,180 +/- 29,530 copies/mg in group B and 350 +/- 1,220 copies/mg in group C. The frequency of occult HBV infection was not increased in anti-HCV positive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Intrahepatic HBV DNA is frequently detected in anti-HBc positive, HBsAg-negative patients, although the concentration is low.
