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Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection
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The evolution of hepatitis B virus infection in children with symptomatic AIDS

C Cernescu1, F Mătuşa, C Antipa

  • 1Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania.

Revue Roumaine De Virologie (Bucharest, Romania : 1990)
|January 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

HIV-positive children exhibit significantly higher rates of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and active replication compared to HIV-negative controls. This suggests a higher risk of HBV transmission in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern, particularly in regions with high carrier rates like Romania.
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection can alter the immune system, potentially increasing susceptibility to or affecting the course of other viral infections.
  • Understanding the transmission dynamics and prevalence of HBV in children with HIV is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers in children under 5 years of age with symptomatic HIV infection.
  • To compare HBV infection rates and markers of active replication between HIV-positive children and an age-matched control group of HIV-negative children born to HBsAg carrier mothers.
  • To investigate potential routes of HBV transmission, including perinatal, nosocomial, and contact-associated, in both study groups.

Main Methods:

  • Serological testing for HBV markers (HBsAg, HBeAg) was performed on 80 HIV-positive children and 36 HIV-negative control children.
  • HBsAg quantification was used to assess viral load and active replication.
  • Epidemiological data and family investigations were utilized to infer transmission routes.

Main Results:

  • Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected in 76.25% of HIV-positive children versus 13.9% of controls (P=0.05).
  • Hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg), an indicator of active HBV replication, was found in 20% of HIV-positive children compared to 2.8% of controls (P=0.05).
  • Significantly higher HBsAg concentrations were observed in HIV-infected children, indicating greater viral activity.

Conclusions:

  • Children with symptomatic HIV infection have a substantially higher prevalence of HBV infection and markers of active viral replication.
  • The findings suggest that while HIV transmission may be primarily horizontal/nosocomial, HBV transmission in this cohort could include perinatal routes.
  • Increased vigilance and targeted interventions for HBV are warranted in children living with HIV due to their elevated risk.

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