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Prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus in chronic HBsAg carriers
M Rodríguez1, C A Navascues, A Martínez
1Hospital Covadonda, Oviedo, Spain.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is more frequent in chronic Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers who are intravenous drug users. HCV may cause chronic liver disease in HBsAg carriers lacking detectable Hepatitis B virus replication.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern.
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is common in individuals with chronic HBV.
- Understanding coinfection patterns is crucial for managing chronic liver disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in chronic HBsAg carriers.
- To identify risk factors associated with HCV coinfection in this population.
- To explore the role of HCV in liver disease among HBsAg carriers with low HBV replication.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 102 chronic HBsAg carriers were tested for anti-HCV antibodies.
- Subjects' clinical characteristics and risk factors were analyzed.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis D virus (HDV) replication levels were assessed (where applicable).
Main Results:
- HCV coinfection was more prevalent in HBsAg-positive intravenous drug users compared to other parenteral risk groups.
- HCV infection was observed in carriers with undetectable HBV and possibly HDV replication.
- Clinical states of the subjects varied, influencing coinfection rates.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous drug use is a significant risk factor for HCV coinfection among chronic HBsAg carriers.
- HCV may be a primary cause of chronic liver disease in HBsAg carriers with suppressed HBV replication.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the interplay between HBV and HCV in chronic liver disease pathogenesis.
Abstract:
The presence of the anti-HCV antibody was investigated in sera from 102 chronic HBsAg carriers. The subjects varied as to the characteristics of the clinical states. It was found that HCV coinfection was more common in HBsAg positive intravenous drug addicts than in other parenteral risk groups. It also appears that HCV may be the causative agent of chronic liver disease in HBsAg carriers with undetectable HBV (and possibly HDV) replication.