Hepatitis B surface antigen circulating immune complexes (HBsAg-CICs) in patients with bleeding disorders

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant concern in patients requiring frequent blood transfusions.
• Multi-transfused patients, particularly those with bleeding disorders, are at higher risk of HBV exposure.
• Previous studies indicate a high prevalence of HBV markers in these patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) in multi-transfused patients with bleeding disorders.
• To identify the presence and significance of Hepatitis B virus-related circulating immune complexes (HBsAg-CICs) in these patients.

Main Methods:

• Serological screening for HBsAg and anti-HBs in 67 multi-transfused patients with bleeding disorders.
• Utilized a polyethylene glycol trypsinization assay to detect HBsAg-specific circulating immune complexes (HBsAg-CICs).
• Employed an anticomplementary assay to detect general circulating immune complexes.

Main Results:

• Approximately 90% of patients tested positive for either anti-HBs (85%) or HBsAg (45%).
• HBsAg-CICs were detected in 3 out of 57 HBsAg-negative hemophiliacs who possessed anti-HBs.
• Circulating immune complexes were detected in 48% of the total patient cohort (32 out of 67).

Conclusions:

• A high prevalence of HBV markers is observed in multi-transfused patients with bleeding disorders.
• The presence of HBsAg-CICs might be a marker during the conversion phase of Hepatitis B virus infection.
• Circulating immune complexes are frequently found in this patient group, suggesting ongoing immune activity related to HBV.