Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
07:25
Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice
Published on: September 25, 2019
Defining virologic relapse in chronic hepatitis B.
Kyung Hee Kim1, Dong Hyun Sinn, Won Kyoung Yun
1Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710, Korea.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|February 15, 2011
Summary
Defining virologic relapse (VR) in chronic hepatitis B is crucial. Reappearance of HBV DNA is universal, but a 4-week waiting period may harm high-risk patients and is ineffective for low-level increases.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Virologic relapse (VR) definitions vary in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) management.
- Current definitions include reappearance of HBV DNA or a >1 log increase over 4 weeks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of two distinct definitions of virologic relapse (VR).
- To assess the clinical implications of different VR criteria in CHB patients discontinuing therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 45 HBeAg-positive CHB patients who achieved virologic response and stopped therapy.
- Monitoring for VR, HBeAg reversion, and biochemical flare post-therapy discontinuation.
Main Results:
- All patients (100%) showed HBV DNA reappearance (≥12 IU/ml).
- A >1 log increase in HBV DNA over 4 weeks was observed in 80% of assessable patients.
- Biochemical flare and HBeAg reversion were noted in 40% and 31% of patients, respectively, associated with peak off-therapy HBV DNA levels.
Conclusions:
- HBV DNA reappearance is a universal marker of VR with sensitive assays.
- The 4-week confirmation period for VR may delay necessary interventions in high-risk patients.
- Standardized VR definitions are needed for optimal CHB management and re-therapy decisions.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
01:26Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
01:30Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...