Although HBV DNA is frequently found in the liver of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, the clinical implication of this finding is uncertain.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) may persist in hepatocytes even after apparent clearance from circulation. How frequently is HBV DNA found in the liver tissue of patients without detectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood? In a previous Italian study, investigators found that about one third of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection had detectable HBV DNA in the liver (Journal Watch Infectious Diseases Sep 1 1999). Now, the same group has examined this issue in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.
Liver specimens from 101 HBsAg-negative patients were subjected to DNA extraction and nested PCR for four different genomic regions of HBV. Forty-two patients had positive tests for two or more viral genomic regions, which the inv…
Reviewing Author
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)