Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection
11:14

Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection

Published on: November 7, 2018

18.9K

Overt and occult hepatitis B virus infection among community children in Northwest China

H Su1, Z Shao1, Z Pu1

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.

Journal of Viral Hepatitis
|March 26, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, including overt and occult HBV infection (OBI), remains a concern in Chinese children despite universal vaccination. OBI may represent a distinct phase of HBV infection, necessitating strengthened immunization programs.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Universal newborn hepatitis B (HB) immunization has been implemented in China.
  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) breakthrough infections, including overt and occult HBV infection (OBI), occur in children.
  • Understanding HBV prevalence in children is crucial for control and prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of overt HBV infection and OBI in community children.
  • To compare serological and virological characteristics of OBI and HBsAg carrier children.
  • To clarify potential mechanisms related to OBI.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based HBV seroepidemiological investigation was conducted in Northwest China.
  • Included 6,706 children under 12 years of age.
  • Assessed HBsAg carrier rate, anti-HBs positivity, and OBI prevalence using nested PCR in HBsAg-negative children.

Main Results:

  • The HBsAg carrier rate was 1.60%, and the anti-HBs positive rate was 57.35%.
  • The prevalence of OBI was 1.26%, with predominant genotypes C and D.
  • OBI children and HBsAg carriers showed no significant differences in demographic, serological, or virological markers, except for viral load (higher in overt infection).

Conclusions:

  • HBV overt and occult infections are significant issues in underdeveloped regions of Northwest China.
  • Strengthened HBV neonatal immunization and catch-up programs are recommended.
  • No specific viral mutations or genotypes were identified as related to OBI, suggesting OBI might be a distinct stage of HBV infection.

Keywords:
community childrenhepatitis B virusoccult infectionovert infectionprevalence

More Related Videos

Modeling Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Non-Hepatic 293T-NE-3NRs Cells09:02

Modeling Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Non-Hepatic 293T-NE-3NRs Cells

Published on: June 5, 2020

7.9K
Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection04:11

Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection

Published on: December 15, 2023

4.9K

Related Concept Videos

Chickenpox01:20

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Yellow Fever01:18

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the yellow fever virus (YFV), a member of the Flaviviridae family. It is transmitted primarily by Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. After transmission through a mosquito bite, the virus initially replicates in skin-resident immune cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages. These cells then migrate to the lymph nodes, where viral replication increases, eventually leading to...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

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...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral 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...