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Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection
Published on: November 7, 2018
Urine from chronic hepatitis B virus carriers: implications for infectivity
1Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden.
Journal of Medical Virology
|November 24, 1999
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA is frequently found in the urine of chronic carriers, suggesting urine is a potential transmission route. This finding is crucial for understanding horizontal and nosocomial spread of HBV.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Horizontal transmission of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common in hyperendemic regions, often with an unknown transmission route.
- Urine is investigated as a potential, yet unconfirmed, source of HBV infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if urine serves as a potential source for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission.
- To investigate the presence of HBV DNA in urine samples from chronic HBsAg carriers.
Main Methods:
- Serum and urine samples from 56 chronic Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers were analyzed for HBV DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Patients were categorized based on their hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and anti-HBe status.
- HBV DNA levels in urine and serum were compared using end-point titration PCR.
Main Results:
- HBV DNA was detected in 82% of serum samples and 50% of urine samples.
- Urine samples from HBeAg-positive patients showed a higher detection rate (91%) compared to anti-HBe-positive patients (24%).
- A significant female predominance was observed in positive urine samples.
Conclusions:
- The presence of HBV DNA in urine indicates active viral replication and potential infectivity.
- Urine should be considered a potential route for horizontal and nosocomial transmission of HBV, regardless of HBeAg/anti-HBe status.
- Further investigation into urine as an HBV transmission route is warranted.
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