Detection of Intrahepatic HBV DNA in HBsAg-negative Liver Diseases

Korean J Hepatol > Volume 12(2); 2006 > Article

The Korean Journal of Hepatology 2006;12(2): 201-208.

Detection of Intrahepatic HBV DNA in HBsAg-negative Liver Diseases

Yun Soo Kim, M.D., Jae Young Jang, M.D.1, Soo Hoon Eun M.D.1, Young Koog Cheon, M.D.1, Young Seok Kim, M.D.1, Jong Ho Moon, M.D.1, Young Deok Cho, M.D.1, So-Young Jin, M.D.2, Chan Sup Shim, M.D.1, Boo Sung Kim, M.D.1

Department of Gastroenterology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Inchon, Institute for Digestive Research1, Department of Pathology2, College of Medicine, Soon Chun Hyang University, Seoul, Korea

ABSTRACT

Backgrounds/Aims
Occult HBV infection is characterized by the presence of HBV infection with undetectable HBsAg. This study was carried out to find out the frequency of HBV infection in HBsAg- negative patients. Methods: Fifty-six HBsAg-negative patients including 17 anti-HCV positive patients were evaluated. Patients were grouped according to their serological status; group A (anti-HBc+, anti-HBs-, n=16), B (anti-HBc+, anti-HBs+, n=26), and C (anti-HBc-, anti-HBs+/-, n=14). DNA was extracted from frozen liver biopsy specimen, and HBV DNA level was measured with real-time PCR. Results: Overall frequency of detectable intrahepatic HBV DNA was 34% (19/56). The frequency was 56% (9/16) in group A, 31% (8/26) in group B and 14% (2/14) in group C (P=0.01). Intrahepatic HBV DNA levels were as follows; 2,010±6,660 copies/mg in group A, 6,180±29,530 copies/mg in group B and 350±1,220 copies/mg in group C. The frequency of occult HBV infection was not increased in anti-HCV positive patients. Conclusions: Intrahepatic HBV DNA is frequently detected in anti-HBc positive, HBsAg-negative patients, although the concentration is low. (Korean J Hepatol 2006;12:201-208)

KeyWords: Liver; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis B s antigens; Hepatitis B antibodies; Korea