Occult HBV infection was rare in a cohort of HIV-infected patients and was not associated with elevated transaminase levels or with symptomatic liver disease.
Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is defined as the presence of HBV DNA in the absence of detectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood. In some studies, occult HBV infection is associated with the presence of isolated antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), which is a common finding in HIV-infected patients (Clin Infect Dis 2003; 36:1602). Now, investigators have examined the prevalence and clinical significance of occult HBV infection among HIV-infected patients with isolated anti-HBc.
In a cross-sectional study of 3030 HIV-infected patients in Spain, 202 (6.7%) had isolated anti-HBc. Of these individuals, only 5 (2.4%) had occult HBV infection. The mean HBV DNA level was 66 IU/mL (range, 15–112 IU/mL). Transa…
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DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; ID Images (idimages.org); Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines; International Antiviral Society–USA (Guidelines Committee)
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHIV Medicine Association; Infectious Diseases Society of America (Board of Directors)
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; ID Images (idimages.org); Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines; International Antiviral Society–USA (Guidelines Committee)
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHIV Medicine Association; Infectious Diseases Society of America (Board of Directors)