Romero M, Madejón A, Fernández-Rodríguez C, García-Samaniego J. Clinical significance of occult hepatitis B virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2011; 17(12): 1549-1552 [PMID: 21472119 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i12.1549]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Javier García-Samaniego, MD, PhD, Hepatology Unit, Hospital Carlos III, CIBERehd, Calle Sinesio Delgado 10, 28029 Madrid, Spain. javiersamaniego@telefonica.net
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World J Gastroenterol. Mar 28, 2011; 17(12): 1549-1552 Published online Mar 28, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i12.1549
Clinical significance of occult hepatitis B virus infection
Miriam Romero, Antonio Madejón, Conrado Fernández-Rodríguez, Javier García-Samaniego
Miriam Romero, Antonio Madejón, Javier García-Samaniego, Hepatology Unit, Hospital Carlos III, CIBERehd, 28029 Madrid, Spain
Conrado Fernández-Rodríguez, Service of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Av Budapest-1, 28922 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
Author contributions: Romero M and García-Samaniego J contributed towards the conception and design of the review; Madejón A and Fernández-Rodríguez C contributed equally to the supportive work and supervision.
Supported by CIBERehd is funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Correspondence to: Javier García-Samaniego, MD, PhD, Hepatology Unit, Hospital Carlos III, CIBERehd, Calle Sinesio Delgado 10, 28029 Madrid, Spain. javiersamaniego@telefonica.net
Telephone: +34-91-4532500 Fax: +34-91-7336614
Received: August 13, 2010 Revised: December 1, 2010 Accepted: December 8, 2010 Published online: March 28, 2011
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) is defined as the presence of HBV DNA in the liver (with or without detectable HBV DNA in serum) for individuals testing HBV surface antigen negative. Until recently, the clinical effect of OBI was unclear on the progression of liver disease; on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma; and on the risk for reactivation or transmission of HBV infection. Several studies suggest a high prevalence of OBI among patients with cryptogenic chronic liver disease, but its role in the progression to cirrhosis remains unclear. Although OBI has been well documented in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients, especially among those coinfected with hepatitis C virus, further studies are needed to determine its current clinical impact in HIV setting.
