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09:02
Modeling Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Non-Hepatic 293T-NE-3NRs Cells
Published on: June 5, 2020
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Short article: Hepatitis delta in patients with resolved hepatitis B virus infection
Antonio Aguilera1, Javier Rodríguez-Calviño1, Carmen de Mendoza2
1Microbiology Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario Santiago (CHUS) and University of Santiago, Santiago de Compostela.
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|June 22, 2018
Summary
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) screening is recommended only for hepatitis B surface antigen-positive (HBsAg+) individuals. A study found no detectable HDV-RNA in HBsAg-negative individuals with past HBV exposure, supporting current screening policies.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) causes severe chronic hepatitis.
- HDV replication depends on hepatitis B virus (HBV), limiting screening to HBsAg+ carriers.
- Individuals with resolved HBV and HDV antibodies are typically considered cured, but some exhibit liver damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of occult HDV infections in individuals with resolved HBV.
- To determine if HBsAg-seronegative individuals with past HBV exposure harbor active HDV infections.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing for HDV antibodies was performed on 406 individuals with markers of past HBV exposure.
- Serum HDV-RNA levels were assessed in individuals reactive for HDV antibodies.
Main Results:
- 20 out of 406 individuals (4.9%) tested positive for HDV antibodies.
- None of the HDV antibody-positive individuals had detectable serum HDV-RNA.
- Four individuals with elevated liver enzymes also showed no detectable HDV-RNA.
Conclusions:
- The study did not find evidence of HBsAg-seronegative occult HDV infections.
- Current guidelines recommending HDV screening solely in HBsAg+ individuals are supported by these findings.
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