Immunocompromised patients with HBsAg a determinant mutants: comparison of HBsAg diagnostic assays

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is considered the best marker for the diagnosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Mutations of the s gene involving amino acid substitutions within the a determinant could affect the sensitivity of diagnostic tests. In the present study, HBsAg mutants were detected in 3 immunocompromised patients, previously found to be HBsAg negative and anti-HBs positive. All patients had high levels of HBV-DNA, whereas HBsAg tests gave discordant results. Immunosuppression can cause viral reactivation of occult HBV infection in these patients and favour the selection of HBsAg a determinant mutants.