Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) is characterized by presence of HBVDNA in blood or liver tissue without detectable HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), with or without antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) or antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs). A molecular and serological characterization was done of OBI in blood donors from Yucatan, Mexico. HBV DNA was found in 24 (6.4%) of the 372 evaluated samples. Anti-HBs was present in 15/24 samples (62.5%), and no significant difference was observed between HBV DNA positivity and anti-HBs levels. HBV genotype H was detected in 66.7% of samples, followed by genotypes D (20.8%) and F (8.3%). Amino acid substitutions were identified in the core region of nine samples, and most of these changes were located in immunodominant epitopes. No precore stop codon 28 mutant (W28Stop) was identified among the analyzed HBV isolates. In conclusion, genotype H is the main circulating HBV strain among OBI blood donors from Yucatan, Mexico. Mutations in the core region may contribute to viral persistence.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
