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)
