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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

[Follow-up of chronic hepatitis B carriers. Serological course and risk of reactivation]

L Bujanda1, M García Bengoechea, G Cilla

  • 1Servico de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Ntra. Sra. de Aránzazu, San Sebastian.

Revista Espanola De Enfermedades Digestivas
|May 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B carriers with normal GPT levels may not require frequent monitoring. However, those with abnormal GPT levels and negative DNA HBV are at high risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) infection affects millions globally.
  • Understanding serologic changes and reactivation risk is crucial for patient management.
  • Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion is a key indicator of disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate serologic changes in chronic Hepatitis B carriers.
  • To assess the risk of HBV reactivation in different carrier groups.
  • To identify factors associated with HBV reactivation.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 200 HBsAg-positive patients with >18 months follow-up.
  • Patients classified into three groups based on HBeAg/Anti-HBe status.
  • Regular monitoring included serology, HBV DNA, liver function tests (GPT), alpha-fetoprotein, and ultrasound.

Main Results:

  • HBeAg seroconversion occurred in 10% annually in HBeAg-positive patients.
  • Only 0.25% of patients lost HBsAg and developed Anti-HBs annually.
  • Reactivation was frequent (17.3%) in Anti-HBe positive, DNA.HBV negative patients with high GPT levels.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis B virus reactivation is common in HBsAg carriers who are Anti-HBe positive, DNA.HBV negative, and have elevated GPT levels.
  • These patients require careful monitoring due to their high risk of reactivation.
  • Prophylaxis for HBV infection in contacts should consider increased infectiousness during reactivation phases.
Abstract

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