Hepatitis B Virus Serum Markers Research Articles

Effectiveness of a Chinese hamster ovary cell derived hepatitis B vaccine in Chinese Rural Communities

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a Chinese hamster ovary cell derived hepatitis B vaccine in a country community in Hebei Province, PR China. Method A cross-sectional investigation was carried out in 4 of 7 randomly selected country communities in Zhengding County in 2005. All of the children who were born between 1997 and 1999 were selected as study objects. Their serum samples were taken to test for HBV markers, and HBsAg prevalence was compared to that of the same age group before hepatitis B vaccination in 1983. In addition, for HBsAg positive children, their mothers were visited and tested for serum HBV markers, in order to distinguish maternal HBV transmissions. Results Among the 2205 children of the selected birth cohort, 1696 (76.9%) were visited. The prevalence of HBsAg was 0.53%, and by comparing to that of before hepatitis B vaccination, the effectiveness was 95.3%, similar to that of yeast derived hepatitis B vaccines. Among 7 mothers of HBsAg positive children, 5 were HBsAg positive, indicating maternal HBV transmissions; and although one mother was HBsAg negative, her kid was not vaccinated, which indicates a horizontal transmission. As for the other kid, he was adopted and the HBV infection status of his birth mother was unknown. Conclusion The effectiveness of the CHO derived hepatitis B vaccine is comparable to yeast derived ones, and after the hepatitis B vaccination maternal transmission is the most important route of spreading HBV.

Significance of investigation on the positive rates of serum HBV markers in hospital population

According to the large-scale investigation on the positive rates of serum HBV markers in hospital population, the HBV infection rate in Chinese population went down gradually and the infection rate of HBV was markedly lower in the low age people. Applying epidemiological principle to design,technology standardization,multiple-center survey were the premise of reliable data on HBV infection rate in hospital population, which could be used as important basis of decision making on prevention and control. Key words: Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B virus; Biological markers; Incidence

Impact of universal vaccination on intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis B virus

To control hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a nationwide vaccination program was launched in 1984 and resulted in a significant reduction in the rate of persistent infection of children. However, the relative contribution of vaccination to the intrafamilial clustering of HBV infection remains unclear. The rate of intrafamilial HBV transmission in vaccinated children was investigated. Eighty-four sera from vaccinated children were enrolled and HBV serum markers were determined. The modes of intrafamilial HBV transmission were investigated by history taking and serological assay, and confirmed by genotyping and phylogenetic analysis. The results showed 66 (78.6%) vaccinated children born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative parents were HBsAg-negative. Eighteen vaccinees were born to HBsAg-positive parents; four (21.4%) of the children were HBsAg-positive. According to the parents' HBsAg status, three patterns of HBsAg-positive parents were identified. Serological analysis showed that three of 15 children born to HBsAg-positive mother (pattern I) and one of two children born to HBsAg-positive father became infected (pattern II). The remaining one child was HBsAg negative with both parents positive for HBsAg (pattern III). Genotyping and phyogenetic analysis confirmed the mode of intrafamilial transmissions. Sequence analysis of S and pre-S genes showed that HBV isolates of HBsAg-positive vaccinees were variants; no G145R but G145A and other substitutions were found. In conclusion, this small study showed that both maternal and paternal transmissions are important of the intrafamilial spread of HBV infection. In addition, the introduction of HBV vaccination has resulted in a reduction of intrafamilial transmission, but a study of a large population is needed.

Development of an economic and efficient strategy to detect HBsAg: Application of “gray-zones” in ELISA and combined use of several detection assays

BackgroundELISA and CMIA are commonly used for detection of HBsAg. However, few investigations have been performed to evaluate their value in clinical practice, especially when jointly used. A reasonable and economic HBsAg testing algorithm is in great need. MethodsA total of 161,426 specimens in China were tested for 5 serum HBV markers with commonly used ELISA kits. 498 of these specimens were further tested for HBsAg by another ELISA kit, a CMIA kit and an HBsAg confirmatory assay. ResultsThe sensitivities of the 2 ELISA kits were 76.21% and 88.42%, respectively. However, when using “gray-zones”, the sensitivities were significantly improved to 97.43% and 96.43%. Furthermore, the combined use of the 2 ELISA kits and their “gray-zones” improved the sensitivity to 99.04%. Nevertheless, 2.91% of the samples with S/CO values below the lower “gray-zone” limits were reactive by the CMIA kit and then confirmed as HBsAg positive. However, 71.43% of the samples with HBsAg values within 0.05 and 0.10IU/ml detected by the CMIA kit could not be confirmed. ConclusionsAs a rational and economic strategy, combined use of “gray-zones” in ELISA and several different detection assays can significantly increase the efficiency of HBsAg detection.

HBV infection decreases risk of liver metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer: A cohort study

To evaluate the effect of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on liver metastasis of colorectal cancer. A total of 1298 colorectal cancer patients were recruited from January 2001 to March 2005 in this study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to test serum HBV markers for colorectal cancer. Patients were divided into study (infection) group and control (non-infection) group. Clinical features of patients in two groups were compared. Liver metastasis was found in 319 out of the 1298 colorectal cancer patients. The incidence of liver metastasis was significantly lower in study group than in control group (14.2% vs 28.2%, P < 0.01). HBV infection significantly decreased the risk of liver metastasis [hazard ratio (HR): 0.50, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.38-0.66], but the incidence of extrahepatic metastasis was significantly higher in study group than in control group (31.9% vs 17.0%, P < 0.01). The HR was the lowest in chronic hepatitis B group (HR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.12-0.72). The number of liver metastatic lesions was significantly less in study group than in control group with a higher surgical resection rate. However, no significant difference was found in survival rate between the two groups (P = 0.95). HBV infection decreases the risk of liver metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer and elevates the surgical resection rate of liver metastatic lesions.

Hepatitis B e-antigen Persistency is Associated with the Properties of HBV-Specific CD8 T Cells in CHB Patients

To investigate the correlation between the HBeAg and the properties of HBV-specific CD8 T cells, as well as liver injury, serum HBV markers, liver histology, the frequency and phenotypic characteristics of CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg and HBV-pentamer(+) CD8 T cells were measured. No significant differences between the median serum ALT levels, the frequency and Foxp3 expression of CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg, and liver fibrosis were observed. Higher HBV DNA levels in HBeAg(+) patients were observed, while liver necroinflammation was more severe in HBeAg(-) patients. Differences in HBV-pentamer(+) T cell frequency were not significant, but increased PD-1 and CTLA-4 expression on HBV-specific CD8 T cells was seen in the HBeAg(+) group. HBV-peptide stimulation with anti-PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 significantly increased the proliferation in PBMCs from both groups, but enhanced IFN-γ production only in the HBeAg(+) patients. Therefore, HBeAg persistency in CHB patients probably increased the expression of PD-1 and CTLA-4 on HBV-specific CD8 T cells, which may be associated with the low intensity of T cell responses and high HBV DNA load.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation In Anti-HB Core Antigen (anti-HBc) Positive Patients with Hematological Malignancies: A Prospective Multicenter Study

AbstractAbstract 4911Patients with haematological malignancies and overt hepatitis B (HB) infection defined by the presence of HB surface antigen (HBsAg) are at risk of hepatitis reactivation, and antiviral prophylaxis is generally recommended. HBV reactivation can also occur during immunosuppressive therapy in patients who are HBsAg negative, but are positive for antibodies to HB core antigen (anti-HBc) which suggests prior contact with HBV and potential occult infection. The risk of HBV reactivation for these patients who have evidence of viral clearance (HBV-DNA negative) and developed potential immunity (anti-HBs positive) is not clear, and there are no clear guidelines for prophylaxis in this subset of patients. We therefore performed a multicenter prospective observational study to determine the risk of HBV seroreversion in anti-HBc positive patients with or without anti-HBs and with hematological malignancies undergoing intensive immunosuppressive chemotherapy and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Patients underwent monitoring of HBV serum markers including HBV-DNA serum levels, while patients who started antiviral prophylaxis concomitant to the cytotoxic therapy were excluded. Between 1/2008 and 12/2008, 25 consecutive HBsAg -/antiHBc +/antiHBs + patients (pts) from 3 hematological centers were enrolled into the study (20 pts with lymphoma, 2 pts with acute myeloid leukaemia, 3 with myeloma). Before starting anticancer therapy, all pts had undetectable HBV-DNA levels, 21 were anti-HBs positive, and 12 had also anti-HBe. Moreover, 3 pts had HCV co-infection. All patients underwent intense immunosuppressive therapy including rituximab in 15 pts, and HSCT in 10 pts (7 autologous and 3 allogeneic). HBV markers were monitored during immunosuppressive treatment and for 18 months after end of therapy. At present, 18 pts have completed the planned follow-up period, and other 7 pts have at least 12 months of post-treatment follow-up. Among the 25 patients, we observed 3 cases of seroreversion with positive HBV-DNA levels. All 3 seroversions occurred in patients following allogeneic HSCT despite high anti-HBs levels at baseline. The 3 seroreverted patients showed a progressive decline in anti-HBs titers during the phase of monitoring, and HBV reactivated between the 7th and 9th month after allogeneic HSCT. The pts responded to treatment with antinucleoside analogues (entecavir in 2 cases, lamivudine in 1 case), i.e. HBV-DNA decreased of at least 1 log within three months from treatment start. Moreover, we detected one case of transient anti-HBs disappearance, and one case of persistent anti-HBe loss without seroreversion. None of the HCV co-infected pts presented acute hepatitis. No seroreversions were observed in 15 lymphoma patients undergoing immunochemotherapy including rituximab. In conclusion, patients with occult HBV infection are at risk of HBV reactivation during continuous immunosuppressive therapy following allogeneic HSCT even in the presence of anti-HBs levels at baseline, while the risk appears low in patients undergoing transient immunosuppressive therapy, as immunochemotherapy including rituximab, for the treatment of lymphoma. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Persistent and transient hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in children born to HBV-infected mothers despite active and passive vaccination

Combined passive and active immunization for newborns very effectively prevents perinatal hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. In the Netherlands, babies born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive women receive passive immunization with hepatitis B and at least three active HBsAg vaccinations. Serological testing for the presence of HBV markers was offered for all infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers between January 2003 and July 2007, after completion of their vaccination schedule. About 75% of the infants (n = 1743) completed their HB-vaccination schedule and participated in the serologic evaluation. Twelve of them (0.7%) were found to be HBV infected. Furthermore, we identified three older children with high levels of anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HBe, while they were HBsAg and HBV DNA negative. This serologic profile is evidence for a resolved HBV infection. In the group of older children (1.5-5 years of age, n = 728), about half of the HBV-infected children (3 of 7) had already cleared their infection at the time of sampling. For a proper evaluation of the efficacy of a new intervention programme to prevent vertical HBV transmission, it is also important to analyse the HBV markers in serum collected when the children are older than 1.5 years. In a programmatic setting, all children born to HBV-infected mothers should be tested not only for the level of anti-HBs but also for the absence of HBsAg, because 2 of the 12 HBV-infected children (17%) had a high level of anti-HBs.

Hepatitis B pre-S1 antigen in the Diagnosis

Objective To study the serum of patients with different disease Hepatitis B antigen pre-S1 (HBVpre-S1) levels in patients with HBV serum markers, HBV-DNA of the clinical relevance, evaluation HB-Vpre-S1 the detection of hepatitis diagnosis value. Methods Used enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were conducted on 268 cases of the five serum HBV serum markers, Pre-S1 test. Automatic biochemical analyzer Lai liver function was detected, anddetected by fluorescence quantitative PCR HBV-DNA quantity. Results 196 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CH) patients, HBeAg (+) group, and HBeAg (-) group, Pre-S1(+)and HBVDNA(+)detection rate and the relative ratio of both high Pre-S1/HBsAg in HBeAg(-) group,the difference was significant,P ＜0. 01 ;and in HBeAg(-) group. HBeAb(-) group and HBeAb(+)group compared to, Pre-S1/HBsAg relative ratio was also significantly higher than HBeAb(+)group,P ＜ 0. 05. In CH patients, mild,moderate and severe among the three groups of Pre-S1 (+)rate, HBVDNA and Pre-S1/HBsAg relative ratio,the difference was not statistically significant, and the relative ratio Pre-S1/HBsAg levels and liver inflammation grade. In the 72 cases of AH patients,Pre-S1/HBsAg the relative ratio and the severity of liver acute injury related to the ratio of AH relative decline in patients with earlier Pre-S1/HBsAg faster, shorter course of disease,better prognosis. Conclusion Pre-S1 can be used as a marker of HBV replication,and Pre-S1/HBsAg the relative ratio of height,in the diagnosis of hepatitis, AH has important prognostic value. Detection Pre-S1 can be combined to complement and improve the HBV less than five detection, particularly for HBeAg (-)or a variation of HBV infection to better reflect the state of viral replication and infectious. Key words: Hepatitis B virus; Before the S1 antigen; Odds ratio; HBV-DNA; Clinical laboratory techniques

Pattern of hepatitis virus infection among pregnant women and their newborns at the Women's Health Center of Assiut University, Upper Egypt

Objective To determine the prevalence, risk factors, and rate of vertical transmission of HBV and/or HCV infection among pregnant women in Upper Egypt, and assess the preventive efficacy of administering hepatitis B immunoglobulin and vaccine to newborns on their carrier status at 8 months. Methods Five hundred pregnant women were screened for HCV and HBV serum markers by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Those testing positive had their status confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and their levels of liver enzymes and interferon gamma were evaluated. The newborns of HBV-positive women received hepatitis B immunoglobulin and vaccine and were followed up to assess the rates of vertical transmission and carrier status among the newborns. Results Of the 500 pregnant women, 6.4% were HCV positive, 4.0% were HBV positive, and 1.0% were both. The vertical transmission rate was 3.1% for HCV, 30.0% for HBV, and 20.0% for a combined infection. The carrier rate of the infants at the end of their eighth month was 10.8% for those with HCV and 8% for those with HBV. Conclusion Infection with HBV and/or HCV is highly prevalent among pregnant women in Upper Egypt. The rate of vertical transmission was also high. Administering hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin resulted in a 92% reduction in carrier status among newborns.

Low incidence of hepatitis B virus reactivation during chemotherapy among diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients who are HBsAg‐negative/ HBcAb‐positive: a multicenter retrospective study

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is less common in lymphoma patients with prior resolved HBV infection [characterized by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative/hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)-positive status] compared with chronic HBV infection (HBsAg positive) when receiving chemotherapy alone. The use of rituximab in chemotherapy regimen might increase the risk of HBV reactivation in patients with prior resolved HBV infection. However, the incidence of HBV reactivation is uncertain, and prophylactic antiviral treatment for this group of patients during rituximab-containing chemotherapy is controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of HBV reactivation in HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-positive patients diagnosed of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and treated with CHOP-like or RCHOP-like regimen. In addition, this study also aims to explore the relationship of HBV reactivation and HBV serology. Patients were identified using data from six university hospitals collected between January 1998 and November 2008. Four hundred and thirty-seven patients with complete data were selected based on the diagnosis of CD20+ DLBCL, availability of HBV serum markers prior to initiation of chemotherapy and during the development of hepatitis, completion of at least four cycles of chemotherapy using CHOP-like or RCHOP-like regimen, and follow-up for at least 6 months after completion of treatment. The characteristics of the HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-positive patients treated with CHOP-like regimen were compared to those treated with RCHOP-like regimen. Eighty-eight patients of the total 437 patients had pretreatment serology of prior resolved hepatitis B, with a prevalence of 20.1%. Among them, 45 patients received CHOP-like regimen while 43 patients received RCHOP-like regimen. Five patients developed hepatitis during treatment, two from CHOP group and three from RCHOP group. Only one patient treated with RCHOP had hepatitis associated with HBV reactivation, while the other four patients did not have evidence of HBV reactivation. Those four patients also demonstrated positive HBsAb at baseline, while the only patient who suffered from HBV reactivation had negative HBsAb status. This patient was successfully treated with antiviral medications. There were no statistically significant risk factors predictive of HBV reactivation. The present study revealed a low HBV reactivation rate of 2.3% in prior resolved hepatitis B among DLBCL patients undergoing RCHOP-like therapy.

Clinical significance of laboratory detection of HBV markers in serum

Clinical significance of laboratory detection of HBV markers in serum

Characterization of a Hepatitis B virus strain in southwestern Paraná, Brazil, presenting mutations previously associated with anti-HBs Resistance

The present study investigated if hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants circulate in the southwestern region of the State of Paraná, Brazil, by analyzing samples from children who received immunoprophylaxis but were born to HBV carrier mothers. Samples from 25 children were screened for HBV serum markers and for HBV DNA by PCR. Only one sample was positive for HBsAg, anti-HBs and HBV DNA, although the child had been vaccinated. Analysis of the S gene sequence of this sample showed the presence of a proline at position 105, a serine at position 114, three threonines at positions 115, 116 and 140, and a glutamine at position 129. The presence of these amino acids, except for serine at position 114, has been related to monoclonal or polyclonal therapy with anti-HBs after liver transplantation, whereas the presence of threonine at position 116 has been described in immunized children from Singapore. This finding demonstrates the possible circulation of HBV strains resistant to hepatitis B immunoprophylaxis in southwestern Paraná, Brazil. The genotype of the sample was identified as genotype D, which is frequently found in the region studied. Since 36% of the children had received incomplete or no immunoprophylaxis, more extensive follow-up of children born to HBsAg-positive mothers is needed.

The Presence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in the Ova of Pregnant Women and Its Relationship with Intra-Uterine Infection by Hepatitis B Virus

Vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been proposed to play an important role in mother-to-child transmission, although the extent to which vertical transmission via oocytes contributes to neonatal HBV infection remains unknown. Ovarian biopsies were collected during caesarean sections in 68 clinically asymptomatic pregnant women who were carriers of HBV. The presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the ova of pregnant women was determined by immunohistochemistry. Serum markers of HBV infection in pregnant women and their neonates were analysed. It was found that, of 68 women, the ova were positive for HBsAg in only one woman and her neonate was negative for any serum HBV markers 3 days after birth. Of 68 neonates, one was positive for serum HBV markers 3 days after birth and his mother's ova were negative for HBsAg. These findings indicate that vertical transmission via oocytes may not be the major route of HBV intra-uterine infection.

Clinical course ofde novohepatitis B infection after pediatric liver transplantation

The characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in vaccinated children who acquire de novo HBV infections after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explore HBV mutants in pediatric OLT recipients with de novo HBV infections. In all, 50 recipients underwent OLT between December 1997 and October 2005, and they were regularly checked for HBV serum markers from November 2005 to April 2009. Before OLT, all were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative and under the coverage of the universal infant HBV vaccination program. Those who became HBsAg-positive after OLT were diagnosed with de novo HBV infection. HBV viral loads and full-length genome sequencing were determined when the diagnosis of de novo HBV infection was established. Nine patients (9/50, 18%) acquired de novo HBV infections after OLT. None had graft loss or fulminant hepatitis. Five cleared HBsAg, and 4 of the 5 even recovered with antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) formation. The other 4 were persistently HBsAg-positive. Mutations in the major S gene (681 base pairs) were discovered in 8 (88.9%) of the de novo HBV-infected children. Six of them harbored mutations within the "a" determinant region (codons 124-147), whereas the other 2 had mutations outside this region. These 2 cleared HBsAg and recovered with anti-HBs formation. HBV DNA levels were not different between those who cleared HBsAg and those who did not. In conclusion, surface mutants are frequent among pediatric liver transplant recipients with de novo HBV infections, but their clinical relevance requires further study.

Factors associated with response to lamivudine: retrospective study of 233 patients with chronic hepatitis B

To identify factors associated with response to lamivudine in chronic hepatitis B patients. Clinical data of 233 chronic hepatitis B patients treated with lamivudine 100mg daily (91 patients were switched to Adefovir 10mg daily or Adefovir 10mg in combination with lamivudine 100mg daily) were retrospective. HBV DNA level and serum HBV markers were detected by polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Kaplan-Meier, long-rank, t test were conducted to evaluate the data. (1) The rates of HBV DNA loss, ALT normalization, viral breakthrough(VB), HBeAg loss and seroconversion were 63.4% , 83.8%, 30.9%, 30.9%, and 14.3%, respectively, in HBeAg(+) patients; and these were 84.6%, 81.3%, 14.3%, respectively in HBeAg(-) patients.(2) The rates of HBV DNA loss, HBeAg loss, HBeAg seroconversion, viral breakthrough (VB) were 55% and 66.7% (P more than 0.05), 55.0%, and 66.7% (P less than 0.05), 17.5% and 33.3% (P less than 0.05), 50% and 34.3% (P less than 0.05) in HBeAg(+) patients with baseline ALT less than 2.5 ULN and HBeAg(+) patients with baseline ALT is more than or equal to 2.5 ULN, respectively. (3) For HBeAg(+) patients, viral breakthrough rate was significantly lower in patients with baseline HBV DNA less than 10(6) copies/ml than that in patients with baseline HBV DNA more than 10(6) copies/ml patients (23.4% VS 46.3%, P less than 0.05) among HBeAg(+) patients. (4) The rate of HBV DNA loss, HBeAg loss, HBeAg seroconversion and viral breakthrough for the patients with IVR at week 24 were 76.3%, 72.3%, 40.8% and 28.9% compared to 47.6% (P less than 0.01), 46% (P less than 0.01), 12.7% (P less than 0.01) and 47.6% (P less than 0.05) for those without IVR. (4) For the 44 patients with viral breakthrough, 32 were switched to Adefovir monotherapy or adefovir in combination with lamivudine therapy, and 12 continued to receive lamivudine monotherapy. HBV DNA loss, HBeAg seroconversion were 40.6%, 21.9% for those switch/add group compare to 16.7%, 16.7% for the lamivudine monotherapy group. There were no significant differences in the background factors (sex, diagnosis, antiviral period, pre-tx ALT, pre-tx HBV DNA) between these two groups. Both the baseline ALT and HBV DNA are associated with the efficacy of lamivudine in chronic hepatitis B patients. Patients with baseline ALT is more than or equal to 2.5*ULN and (or) HBV DNA level of less than 1*10(6) copies/ml have better efficacy and lower rate of breakthrough rate. IVR at week 24 is an important predictive factor of a favorable response to lamivudine therapy. For the patients with viral breakthrough, those switched to/added on Adefovir have a favorable result.

Occult hepatitis B virus infection in hepatitis B vaccinated children in Taiwan

Presence of occult HBV infection in HBV vaccinated children remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of occult HBV infection among HBV vaccinated children in Taiwan. Forty-six HBsAg negative sera from vaccinated children were enrolled randomly. HBV serum markers were detected by ELISA, and the titers of HBV DNA were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Pre-S, S and pre-core/core genes were amplified by nested PCR and analyzed. Anti-HBs was detected in 23 (50%) children, and the positivity decreased according to age. Five (10.9%) children were classified into occult HBV infection by positivity of nested PCR in at least two regions; they had a low titer (mean titer 1.60x10(4)copies/ml). Sequence analyses of S gene showed occult isolates were variants; no G145R but C139S vaccine escape mutant was found. Variation and deletion were found in pre-S region; pre-S deletion was more frequent in 3' terminus of pre-S1 which leads to loss of immune epitopes and function sites. This pilot study indicates that the prevalence of occult HBV infection is 10.9% in HBV vaccinated children. Since this is a small study, a study of a large population is needed to confirm the findings herein.

Occult hepatitis B virus infection in chronic viral hepatitis patients with non-A to E hepatitis virus infection

To observe the status of occult hepatitis B virus infection in chronic viral hepatitis patients with non-A to E hepatitis virus infection and explore the diagnostic value of fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) technique for occult hepatitis B virus infection. The amount of HBV-DNA in serum and liver tissue from 57 patients with non-A to E hepatitis virus infection who were diagnosed as chronic viral hepatitis by Menghini method liver biopsy were detected by using FQ-PCR technique, then the relation between the viral load of HBV DNA in liver tissue and hepatic inflammatory activity were analyzed. Thirteen (22.81%), 22 (38.60%) patients were positive for HBV DNA in serum and liver tissue, respectively. The positive rate and the level of HBV DNA quantity in liver tissue were significantly higher than those in serum; HBV DNA was found positive in both serum and liver tissue in 13 cases, negative in both serum and liver tissue in 35, positive in liver tissue but negative in serum in 9, and in none of the cases HBV DNA was positive in serum but negative in liver tissue (P < 0.01). The logarithmic value of HBV DNA from 13 patients in liver tissue and in serum was respectively: (6.62 +/- 1.21) copies/g vs.(4.03 +/- 1.06) copies/ml, P < 0.01. The hepatic lesions of all HBV DNA positive patients were active pathologic changes, but the level of HBV DNA in liver tissue was not significantly correlated with the grade of hepatic inflammation activity (P > 0.05). Occult HBV infection is the etiology of part of the chronic viral hepatitis patients with non-A-E hepatitis virus infection. Missed diagnosis will occur if diagnosis of hepatitis B is only based on detection of serum HBV markers. It is useful for improvement of the diagnostic level of HBV infection via detection of HBV DNA quantitatively in serum especially in liver tissue of chronic viral hepatitis patients with non-A-E hepatitis virus infection by using FQ-PCR technique. The chronic viral hepatitis patients with occult HBV infection should be also given effective anti-viral therapy.

Replication and infectivity of hepatitis B virus in HBV-related glomerulonephritis

To examine the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in renal tissues from patients with HBV-related glomerulonephritis. Renal tissue biopsies taken from patients with HBV-related glomerulonephritis and two control groups were prepared for immunocytochemical detection of HBsAg and HBcAg. HBV cccDNA was examined using a nested PCR. Of the 63 HBV-related glomerulonephritis patients studied, HBsAg was present in the renal tissues of 48 (76.2%) and HBcAg in the renal tissues of 27 (42.9%). The HBsAg and HBcAg positive rates in HBV-related glomerulonephritis patients were higher than those of the 20 patients with non-HBV-related glomerulonephritis (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference when the HBV-related glomerulonephritis patients were compared with 12 patients with renal tuberculosis, renal atrophy, renal calculus, and renal tumor with positive serum HBV markers. In patients with HBV-related glomerulonephritis, there was no significant difference in HBsAg and HBcAg positive rates in renal tissue between patients with and without serum hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). By nested PCR, two of five patients with HBV-related glomerulonephritis were positive for HBV cccDNA. The location and replication of HBV in renal tissue make the kidney a potential reservoir for HBV. HBV cccDNA may be key in the search for anti-HBV drugs.

Detection of hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B core antigen, and hepatitis B virus DNA in parotid tissues

To examine the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in parotid tissues from patients with positive serum HBV markers. HBsAg and HBcAg were examined in parotid biopsy tissues from patients with suspected parotid tumor and positive serum HBV markers by immunocytochemistry, and HBV DNA was detected in parotid tissues by PCR. Among the 22 patients with a parotid tumor, only one was pathologically confirmed as a neoplasm; all others were benign. HBsAg and HBcAg were present in parotid cells with positive rates of 45.5% (10/22) and 40.9% (9/22), respectively, with an overall positive rate of 54.5% (12/22). Of the 22 cases with serum markers of HBV infection, seven (31.8%) had both HBsAg and HBcAg in the parotid cells. HBV DNA was present in seven of the 12 samples in which hepatitis B antigen was detected (58.3%). HBV in saliva might originate from the infected salivary glands and the infectious saliva could transmit HBV.