Related Experiment Videos
Serological responses to hepatitis B virus infection in multi-transfused thalassemic children
S Gulati1, R K Marwaha, J B Dilawari
1Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection markers were analyzed in children with beta-thalassemia major. Most children showed past HBV infection with immunity, while some had active infection or passive antibody transmission.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
Background:
- Beta-thalassemia major patients often require frequent blood transfusions, increasing their risk of transfusion-transmitted infections.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a significant concern in chronically transfused populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the serological status of hepatitis B virus infection in children with beta-thalassemia major.
- To identify different patterns of HBV seromarkers and assess the prevalence of past and active infections.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 100 children diagnosed with beta-thalassemia major.
- One-time serum sample analysis for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs), and antibody to HB core antigen (anti-HBc).
- Categorization of patients based on seven distinct serological patterns.
Main Results:
- The most common pattern (49 patients) was seropositivity for both anti-HBc and anti-HBs, indicating past HBV infection with immunity.
- Active HBV infection (HBsAg and/or HBeAg positive) was detected in 10 cases (6 HBsAg positive).
- Anti-HBc positivity alone was found in 17 patients, and anti-HBs alone in 24, suggesting possible passive antibody transmission.
Conclusions:
- Children with beta-thalassemia major exhibit diverse HBV serological profiles.
- A significant proportion demonstrates evidence of past HBV infection and immunity.
- The presence of anti-HBs alone may indicate passive transfer of antibodies through blood transfusions.
Abstract:
One hundred children with beta-thalassemia major were studied prospectively. A one time analysis of serum samples was carried out for a battery of hepatitis B viral markers viz., HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc. Seven mutually different serological patterns were observed. The commonest profile seen in 49 patients was a combined seropositivity for anti-HBc and anti-HBs indicating past HBV infection with persisting immunity. Definite evidence of active HBV infection (seropositivity for HBsAg and/or HBeAg) was demonstrated in 10 cases, six of these were HBsAg positive. Anti-HBc positivity alone was detected in 17 patients. The remaining 24 children were seropositive for anti-HBs alone suggesting a possible passive transmission of anti-HBs through blood transfusion.