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Frequency of Occult Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

Waquaruddin Ahmed1, Ijaz Hayder1, Shaimuna Fareeha Sajjad1

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Pakistan Health Research Council and Research Centre, JPMC, Karachi, Pakistan.

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
|November 4, 2020
PubMed

Insights

This study found no cases of occult Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among patients with chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Further research is needed to understand occult HBV prevalence in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Occult Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is defined by the presence of HBV DNA in individuals negative for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).
  • Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health concern, often co-existing with other viral hepatitis infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of occult HBV infection in patients diagnosed with chronic HCV infection.
  • To investigate the co-infection patterns of HBV and HCV in an outpatient setting.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted over one year (May 2018-May 2019).
  • Patients with confirmed chronic HCV RNA by PCR were recruited.
  • Blood samples were tested for HBsAg; HBsAg-negative individuals were further tested for HBV DNA using real-time PCR.

Main Results:

  • A total of 217 patients with chronic HCV infection were included.
  • All 217 patients tested negative for both HBsAg and HBV DNA.
  • No instances of occult HBV infection were detected in this cohort of chronic HCV patients.

Conclusions:

  • Occult HBV infection was not detected in patients with chronic HCV infection seeking treatment in this study.
  • The findings suggest a low prevalence or absence of occult HBV in this specific patient group.
  • Further studies with larger cohorts and diverse populations are warranted to confirm these results.

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