慢性乙型肝炎病毒感染者家族隐匿性乙型肝炎病毒感染的调查

目的 了解慢性HBV感染者家族隐匿性HBV感染的发生率及其与HBV标志物、年龄和性别等的关系.方法 ELISA方法检测慢性HBV感染者家族成员的HBV血清学标志物,套式PCR法检测136例HBsAg阴性家族成员的血清HBV DNA,并将隐匿性HBV感染者和HBsAg、HBV DNA均阴性者分别作为试验组和对照组进行HBV标志物、年龄、性别和生物化学检测结果的比较.两组均数比较采用t检验.率的比较采用χ~2检验或Fisher确切概率法检验.结果 在52个慢性HBV感染者家族中共检测到92例HBsAg阳性者和136例HBsAg阴性者,其中15例为隐匿性HBV感染者,慢性HBV感染者家族HBsAg阳性率和隐匿性HBV感染的发生率分别为40.4%和11.0%,15例隐匿性HBV感染者中有7例抗-HBc阳性(χ~2=5.341,P=0.02),但隐匿性HBV感染的存在与年龄、性别等无关.结论 HBV感染存在家庭聚集现象,且在其家族中存在隐匿性HBV感染,并在抗-HBc阳性者中发生率较高.     

Role of occult hepatitis B virus in chronic hepatitis C patients with flare of liver enzymes

Background

Occult HBV infection is defined by detection of HBV DNA in the serum or liver tissue of patients who test negative for HBsAg. The prevalence of occult HBV is higher in hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive patients than HCV negative patients and may have an impact on their clinical outcome. In this study, we evaluated the role of occult hepatitis B virus infection in chronic hepatitis C patients with ALT flare.

Methods

Sixty HBsAg negative patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their ALT level: 30 patients with normal or slightly high ALT and 30 patients with ALT flare (≥ 5 times normal values). Patients in both groups were examined for the detection of anti-HBs, anti-HBc IgM, and anti-HBc IgG. HBV DNA was detected using semi-nested PCR technique.

Results

In patients with normal or slightly high ALT, HBV DNA was detected in 4 (13.3%) patients, while in those with ALT flare, HBV DNA was detected in 19 (63.3%) patients (p < 0.001). No association was found between the presence of HBV DNA and various serology markers of HBV infection.

Conclusion

Presence of occult hepatitis B, with its added deleterious effect, must always be considered in chronic hepatitis C patients especially those with flare in liver enzymes; HBsAg should not be used alone for the diagnosis of HBV infection.     

Molecular investigation of occult hepatitis B virus infection in a reference center in Northern Brazil

The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence of occult HBV infection in a reference center for the Northern Brazil from 2005 to 2015 and to identify mutations associated with occult hepatitis B. Molecular analysis was performed on 110 serum samples in which anti-HBc was the only positive serological marker. Regions of the HBV genome were amplified by polymerase chain reaction to detect HBV DNA. A prevalence of 4.1% (793/18,889) for anti-HBc alone was identified. Molecular analysis revealed a prevalence of occult HBV infection of 0.04%. HBV DNA detected were identified in individuals who underwent hemodialysis, infected with the hepatitis C virus and from area of high endemicity for HBV. Direct DNA nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis identified that genotypes A and D and mutations E164D, I195M, P217L and P120S were associated with occult HBV infection in the S gene. This study contributed with epidemiological and molecular information on Northern Brazil samples with a suggestive profile of occult HBV infection in addition to reinforcing the importance of molecular diagnosis in this type of infection.     

乙型肝炎患者血清前S1抗原和HBV DNA与肝功能的关系探讨

目的探讨乙型肝炎病毒前S1抗原(PreS1)及HBV-M和HBV DNA与肝功能检测间的关系。方法对576例血清标本进行PreS1及HBV-M和HBV DNA及丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)同步检测。结果PreS1、HBV DNA阳性率分别为72.05%和61.81%,两者符合率达74.65%;在HBsAg(-)和正常对照组PreS1、HBV DNA均为阴性;在HBsAg、HBeAg与HBsAg、抗-HBe、抗-HBc和HBsAg、抗-HBc三种阳性模式组中,PreS1阳性率(87.25%、55.71%、68.21%)、HBV DNA阳性率(94.02%、29.29%、45.66%)在各组中相互比较差异均有显著性(P均<0.005);PreS1与HBV DNA阳性符合率为92.03%、53.57%、68.21%,差异有显著性(P<0.05);PreS1阳性组和PreS1阴性组ALT、AST异常率相比,差异有显著性(P<0.05)。结论PreS1主要存在于HbsAg阳性携带者中,且与HBeAg、HBV DNA关系密切,是反映HBV复制及传染性的又一血清学指标,同时PreS1阳性还与肝功能损害有关。PreS1联合HBV-M及HBV DNA和肝功能同步检测具有重要的临床意义。     

Significance of IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen in a Greek population with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc) may indicate an active immune response to persistent infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). We studied 186 Greek HBsAg carriers for IgM anti-HBc and attempted to correlate it with other HBV and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) markers. Overall, IgM anti-HBc was detected more frequently than HBV DNA in this population (50% vs 34, p less than 0.001); this was also true for the 149 of the 186 HBsAg carriers with antibody to hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe) (48% vs 22%, p less than 0.001). The opposite was found in the carriers positive for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg): HBV DNA was observed in 93% and IgM anti-HBc in 64% of the cases (p less than 0.05). The detection of these markers was independent of sex. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were significantly more elevated in patients with positive tests for IgM anti-HBc and HBV DNA than in patients positive only for HBV DNA (p less than 0.001) irrespective of their HBeAg or anti-HBe status. Moreover, the detection of elevated ALT was independent of the intensity of the HBV DNA hybridization signal. Antibodies to hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg) were only found in 4 (2.4%) of 167 patients tested.     

Hepatitis B vaccination alone is not adequate for the categorizing of adult subjects with isolated anti-HBc

Abstract To evaluate the meaning of isolated antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), 88 Chinese subjects with isolated anti-HBc received rescreening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers. Eighty (90.9%) of them were still positive for this antibody and 29 were also found to be positive for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs). The remaining 51 subjects (58.0%) were positive for anti-HBc alone; 50 of them received a four-dose schedule of hepatitis B (HB) vaccine. After the initial dose, only one vaccinee disclosed an amnestic anti-HBs response, that is, anti-HBs titre > 1000 miu/mL. Forty-five vaccinees completed the vaccination schedule and 44 (97.8%) had anti-HBs response. The anti-HBs responses in 25 of these vaccinees were compared with 25 age- and sex-matched normal susceptible vaccinees. The anti-HBs response rates in both groups were the same (96 vs 96%). However, the geometric mean titre was significantly lower in the vaccinees with isolated anti-HBc (512 mIU/mL vs 4688 mIU/mL, P < 0.001). Prevaccinated sera were available in 49 vaccinees with isolated anti-HBc for detection of antibody to hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe) and HBV DNA; 37 (75.5%) of them had one or two of these markers. As we regarded the rescreening of HBV markers, response to hepatitis B vaccination and presence or absence of anti-HBe and/or HBV DNA together for categorizing the 88 subjects with isolated anti-HBc, at least three-quarters of them had past infection of HBV. The subjects with false positive anti-HBc test were a minor group. We concluded that the presence or absence of amnestic anti-HBs response to HB vaccination is not a reliable indicator for categorizing subjects with isolated anti-HBc. Rescreening of HBV markers, with addition of anti-HBe and HBV DNA, may be helpful in determining the necessity of HB vaccination.     

Significance of hepatitis B viremia levels determined by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay in patients with hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B virus infection

OBJECTIVES: In hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the clinical relevance of low viremia levels remains unclear. We evaluated the clinical significance of a single baseline serum HBV DNA measurement by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in this setting. METHODS: In total, 196 patients with HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection (62 inactive carriers, 134 with chronic hepatitis B) were studied. ALT activity was normal at baseline in 25/134 HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients (18.7%), whereas it remained normal throughout follow-up in all inactive carriers. RESULTS: HBV DNA was <30,000 copies/ml in 14 (10.5%) and <100,000 copies/ml in 17 (12.9%) HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients, whereas it was <30,000 copies/ml in all inactive carriers (undetectable in 14). In particular, HBV DNA levels were <100,000 copies/ml in eight (32%) and <30,000 copies/ml in five (20%) of the 25 patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B and normal baseline ALT values. HBV DNA levels with a cut-off at 30,000 or 100,000 copies/ml could correctly classify 92.9% or 91.3% of patients with HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection, whereas ALT or IgM anti-HBc (IgM class antibody to HBV core antigen) index > 0.200 could correctly classify only 87.2% and 82.1% of patients, respectively. A combined HBV DNA and IgM anti-HBc index performed better by correctly classifying 94.4% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Serum HBV DNA levels evaluated by sensitive quantitative PCR assays can be used for differentiation between HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B and inactive hepatitis B surface antigen carrier state, but the cut-off level should be set at approximately 30,000 copies/ml and certainly lower than the recently suggested level of 100,000 copies/ml.     

原发性肝癌患者血清HBV标志物和HBV DNA测定的临床意义

目的观察原发性肝癌患者血清HBV标志物模式及HBV DNA水平。方法采用化学发光法检测151例PHC、132例慢性乙型肝炎和140例乙型肝炎肝硬化患者血清乙型肝炎病毒标记物;采用聚合酶链反应检测血清HBV DNA水平。结果在151例原发性肝癌患者中,HBV感染率达97.4%（147/151）,HBV DNA阳性率为74.8%（113/151）,平均水平为5.6±1.1 lgcopies/ml;HBsAg（＋）、HBeAb（＋）、HBcAb（＋）90例（59.6%）,其血清HBVDNA检出率为76.7%,平均水平为5.1±0.9lgcopies/ml;HBsAg（＋）、HBeAg（＋）、HBcAb（＋）38例（25.2%）,血清HBVDNA检出率100.0%,平均水平为6.4±0.9 lgcopies/ml。结论 PHC患者HBV感染率高,HBV与PHC发生有十分密切的关系。随着慢性乙型肝炎和乙型肝炎肝硬化病情的进展,血清HBeAg自发性发生血清学转换和HBV DNA载量下降,要警防原发性肝癌的发生。     

Replication of hepatitis B virus in adult carriers in an endemic area

We have examined serological markers of replicative and nonreplicative infection in 124 adult, black South African carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV), in whom this infection is predominantly acquired in early childhood. The mean age of the group was 36 years. Antibody to hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe) was present in the serum of 93.5% of these carriers. Only 25.8% of the carriers were positive for HBV DNA in serum, and in the majority of these only trace amounts were detectable. IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc) was negative in 54% of the carriers, and only 26% had IgM anti-HBc in high titer. A significantly greater proportion of carriers who were positive for anti-HBe were positive for IgM anti-HBc (43.1%) than were positive for HBV DNA (24.5%). Serum aminotransferases were less than twofold elevated in 90.3% of the carriers. Only one carrier has thus far developed hepatocellular carcinoma. These results suggest that there is an inexorable progression to predominantly nonreplicative infection in the majority of southern African adult, black carriers, an occurrence that may take several decades. In areas endemic for HBV infection, antiviral agents effective against replicative HBV will have to be administered in childhood.     

散发性成人急性乙型肝炎病原学随访研究

目的 观察分析成人急性乙型肝炎(AHB)病原学特点,探讨急性HBV感染肝损伤及病毒清除的机制.方法 以120例成人AHB患者为研究对象.采取病区及门诊随访方法,收集患者流行病学资料和住院期间及出院后历次复诊时的系列血清标本,ELISA法检测血清HBV标志物,实时荧光定量PCR法检测HBV DNA和HBV基因型,动态观察AHB病原学变化规律.计数资料采用非参数秩和检验,组间均数比较采用t检验,两个样本率的比较采用Pearsonχ2检验.结果 就诊时48.33%的患者HBV DNA阳性,平均为9.84×104拷贝/mL,平均12.5 d降到检测限以下.HBVDNA阳性组血ALT中位数为1600 U/L,阴性组为1490 U/L(z=0.678,P=0.498);HBV DNA≤1×104拷贝/mL组血ALT为(2058±123)U/L,>1×104拷贝/mL组为(1393±139)U/L,差异有统计学意义(t=2.17,P-0.049).40份HBV DNA阳性标本中,HBV B基因型占52.5%,C基因型占42.5%,B、C混合型占5.0%.初诊时血清HBV标志物呈现8种模式,以HBsAg、HBeAg、抗-HBc、抗-HBc IgM阳性和HBsAg、抗-HBe、抗-HBc、抗-HBe IgM阳性2种模式最多见,分别占38.3%和30.0%.前瞻性动态监测28例AHB患者HBV标志物,HBsAg阴转率为100.0%,平均阴转时间中位数为3周;观察52周抗-HBs累计阳转率为85.7%;HBeAg阴转率为100.0%,其中53.6%的患者就诊时血清HBeAg已转阴,其余患者于发病4周内阴转,在52周的观察期内抗-HBe阳转率为82.1%;血清抗-HBc(总抗体)始终为阳性,39.3%患者抗-HBc IgM在观测期阴转.结论 快速HBV的清除和病毒标志物的血清转换,构成了AHB与慢性乙型肝炎的显著差异.     

Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Hemodialysis Patients With Isolated Hepatitis B Core Antibody: A Multicenter Study

Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is characterized by presence of HBV infection with undetectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Occult HBV infection harbors potential risk of HBV transmission through hemodialysis (HD). The aim of this study was to assess the occult HBV infection in hemodialysis patients with isolated hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). A total of 289 HD patients from five dialysis units in Tehran, Iran, were included in this study. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), anti-HBc, Hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were tested in all subjects. The presence of HBV-DNA was determined quantitatively in plasma samples of HD patients with isolated anti-HBc (HBsAg negative, anti-HBs negative and anti-HBc positive) by real-time PCR using the artus HBV RG PCR kit on the Rotor-Gene 3000 real-time thermal cycler. Of 289 patients enrolled in this study, 18 subjects (6.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.5%–8.9%) had isolated anti-HBc. HBV-DNA was detectable in 9 of 18 patients (50%, 95% CI, 27%–73%) who had isolated anti-HBc. Plasma HBV-DNA load was less than 50 IU/ml in all of these patients. Our study showed that detection of isolated anti-HBc could reflect unrecognized occult HBV infection in HD patients. The majority of these infections are associated with low viral loads.     

Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and its relation with anti-HBc

AIM:To investigate the relationship between serumsoluble interleukin-2 receptor(sIL-2R)level and anti-HBcin patients with chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection.METHODS:Sera from 100 patients with chronic HBVinfection and 30 healthy controls were included in thisstudy.The patients were divided into group A[HBsAg( ),HBeAg( )and anti-HBc( ),n=50]and group B[HBsAg( ),HBeAg( )and anti-HBc(-),n=50].sIL-2R levelswere determined using ELISA.HBV DNA and alanineaminotransferase(ALT)were also detected.RESULTS:Serum sIL-2R levels were significantly higherin patients with chronic HBV infection than in healthycontrols.Moreover,serum sIL-2R levels were significantlyhigher in patients with HBsAg( ),HBeAg( )and anti-HBc( )(976.56±213.51×10~3 U/L)than in patients withHBsAg( ),HBeAg( )and anti-HBc(-)(393.41±189.54×10~3 U/L,P<0.01).A significant relationship was foundbetween serum sIL-2R and ALT levels(P<0.01)inpatients with chronic HBV infection,but there was nocorrelation between sIL-2R and HBV DNA levels.Theanti-HBc status was significantly related to the age ofpatients(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The high sIL-2R level is related topositive anti-HBc in chronic hepatitis B patients.Positiveanti-HBc may be related to T-lymphocyte activation andnegative anti-HBc may imply immune tolerance in thesepatients.     

Is anti-HBc IgM a useful clinical test in patients with HBsAg-positive chronic hepatitis or primary hepatocellular carcinoma?

Seventy HBsAg-positive patients, including 24 with primary hepatocellular carcinoma, 34 with chronic active hepatitis, 12 with chronic persistent hepatitis and 30 asymptomatic healthy hepatitis B virus carriers were tested for anti-HBc IgM using the Corzyme-M test. Anti-HBc IgM was detected in 50% of the primary hepatocellular carcinoma patients, 26.5% of the chronic active hepatitis patients, 25% of the chronic persistent hepatitis patients, but in none of the healthy hepatitis B virus carriers. There was no correlation between the presence of anti-HBc IgM and HBeAg, hepatitis B virus DNA, ALT or alpha-fetoprotein levels in either the chronic active hepatitis or chronic persistent hepatitis patients. However, a significantly higher positive rate of anti-HBc IgM was noted in the HBeAg-positive or HBV DNA-positive primary hepatocellular carcinoma patients than in those with negative markers of viral replication, but no correlation was noted between the presence of anti-HBc IgM and serum ALT or alpha-fetoprotein levels in these primary hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Also, no differences in positivity for HBeAg, HBV DNA or levels of serum ALT were noted when patients with high titers of anti-HBc IgM were compared to those with low titers. Thus, anti-HBc IgM cannot distinguish between HBsAg-positive patients with chronic active hepatitis, chronic persistent hepatitis or primary hepatocellular carcinoma, does not correlate with serum ALT or alpha-fetoprotein levels and is only associated with markers for viral replication in primary hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Based on this, anti-HBc IgM appears to have a limited usefulness for diagnosis of either chronic hepatitis B or primary hepatocellular carcinoma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Prophylaxis of hepatitis B reactivation with immunosuppressive therapy in rheumatic diseases. Orientations for clinical practice

Reactivation of infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a potentially serious complication of immunosuppression, which can be identified and efficiently prevented. There have been an increasing number of cases of HBV reactivation in patients receiving immunosuppression in the context of rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. The recommendations in this area should be individualized taking into account two aspects: immunosuppressive regimens used (high or low risk of reactivation) and the different stages of HBV infection: chronic hepatitis B, inactive HBV carrier, occult hepatitis B infection defined by HB surface antigen (HBsAg) negative and antibody anti-HB core (anti-HBc) positive. In patients with rheumatic diseases that will start high-risk immunosuppressive drugs, we propose a universal screening with serological tests for hepatitis B (HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc). Patients with chronic hepatitis B (HBsAg positive, HBV DNA ≥ 2000 IU/ml, elevated ALT) should initiate antiviral therapy. Inactive HBV carriers (HBsAg positive, HBV DNA <2000 IU / ml, normal aminotransferases) exposed to high risk immunosuppressive therapy should undergo prophylaxis of HBV reactivation. Prophylaxis should be started 2 to 4 weeks before the beginning of immunosuppressive therapy and maintained for at least 6 to 12 months after its suspension. It is recommended to use entecavir or tenofovir as first line antiviral agents. In inactive HBsAg carriers under low-risk immunosuppressive therapy and patients with HBsAg negative/anti-HBc positive (HBV infection in the past), the strategy should be monitoring of viral reactivation with aminotransferases and HBV DNA determination in every 6 months.     

Serologic and Molecular Profile of Anti-HBc-Positive Blood Bank Donors in an Area of Low Endemicity for HBV

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leaves serological markers that indicate prior contact with the virus or an occult infection. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of HBV markers of individuals from a region of low HBV endemicity excluded from blood donation due to the presence of total anti-HBc antibodies but who tested negative for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). The profile of 244 subjects exclusively anti-total hepatitis B core (anti-total HBc) reactive was determined. Markers such as anti-HBsAg, HBeAg (HBV core antigen) and anti-HBe (antibody to hepatitis Be antigen) were determined, and HB viral DNA (HBV-DNA) was identified by PCR analysis. Overall, 85.7% of the subjects had an anti-HBs (hepatitis B surface antigen antibody) titer higher than 10 IU/L; 154 samples were negative for HBeAg and 66.5% were reactive for anti-HBe. All samples were negative for HBV-DNA (n = 241). We found a significant association between the anti-HBe and anti-HBs titers (P = 0.026). Most individuals from a low endemic area for HBV have shown anti-HBs titers that confer immunity against HBV, even though they were negative for HBV-DNA. In the light of a shortage of donated blood worldwide, we suggest that special measures should be considered that would facilitate the possible use of these rejected blood units in areas of low endemicity for HBV.     

乙型肝炎肝硬化患者HBV血清学模式与病毒载量关系的研究

目的通过分析乙型肝炎肝硬化患者HBV血清学模式、HBVDNA、肝功能,探讨乙型肝炎肝硬化患者抗病毒治疗的临床意义。方法回顾性分析168例乙型肝炎肝硬化患者的病史、血清病毒学指标、肝功能,按不同的指标进行分组、比较。结果168例乙型肝炎肝硬化患者中以HBVDNA阳性者占绝大多数（91．0％）,其中HBeAg阴性者占81．0％;分组比较提示HBVDNA阳性组ALT、AST显著高于阴性组,ALT异常组HBVDNA载量明显高于ALT正常组（P〈0．01）;不同Child—Push分级之间HBVDNA载量无显著性差异。结论乙型肝炎肝硬化住院患者以HBVDNA阳性及HBeAg阴性者居多,HBVDNA呈较高水平复制者,肝脏炎症损害亦较重,故应及早予以抗病毒治疗。     

Occult hepatitis B virus infection in HIV-infected Lebanese patients with isolated antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen

The presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological markers have been investigated in 101 Lebanese patients (69 men, 32 women; mean age 32.7 +/- 1.7 years) infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Seven patients (6.9%) were HBsAg carriers compared with 54 patients (53.5%) who had no evidence of exposure to HBV infection. Twenty-four patients (23.8%) had anti-HBc alone as a serological marker compared with four patients who were positive for anti-HBs alone and 12 patients (11.9%) who were anti-HBc and anti-HBs-positive. Occult HBV infection (presence of HBV DNA in the absence of HBsAg) is found to be relatively high (28.7%) in HIV-infected Lebanese patients and the overwhelming majority (83.3%) of those who were positive for anti-HBc alone had a detectable HBV DNA in their serum. However, none of our HIV-positive patients with occult HBV infection had abnormal alanine aminotransferase level, which also raises the question as to whether occult HBV plays a role in the aetiology of liver disease in HIV-infected patients. Further, studies on the association between HBV DNA levels and markers of liver function in addition to data on liver biopsy would help in answering this question.     

Interferon therapy of Turkish patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The efficacy of alpha interferon therapy in Turkish individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus infection was examined. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-one patients (54 males and 7 females) were studied between 1992 and 1996. Their mean age was 33.4 years (range: 20-57). Each was treated with 4.5 million international units interferon alpha 3 times a week for 24 weeks. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and hepatitis B virus markers (HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBe, and HBV DNA) were monitored. A liver biopsy was obtained before and 6 months after the termination of interferon therapy. RESULTS: Before treatment, the serum ALT level was elevated in all 61 subjects. Six months after the termination of therapy, 23 (38%) had a normal serum ALT level. In all patients, before the start of therapy and 6 months after the termination of therapy, HBsAg was detectable. In 36 (59%), HBeAg was present and anti-HBe was not detectable in serum before the initiation of therapy. In 12 (33%), the serum was negative for HBeAg and positive for anti-HBe 6 months after the termination of therapy. HBV DNA was detectable in all serum samples before the onset of therapy and disappeared in 14 (23%) patients, and continued to be undetectable 6 months after the termination of interferon therapy. Histological improvement defined by an improvement in the Knodell score of 2 points or more was observed in 38 (62%). CONCLUSIONS: Interferon therapy eliminates serum markers of active hepatitis B virus infection (eAg and HBV DNA) and is associated with histological improvement in 30-60% of Turkish patients with chronic HBV infection. Interferon therapy did not eliminate sAg from the serum and the histologic improvement achieved was often incomplete.     

Hepatitis B virus DNA in hepatitis B surface antigen-positive blood donors: relation to the hepatitis B e system and outcome in recipients

The presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was investigated in 26 hepatitis B surface antigen-positive blood donors. Three donors (12%) were concordantly positive for HBV DNA and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and had IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). Two donors (8%) had HBV DNA without HBeAg; both were positive for antibody to HBeAg and lacked IgM anti-HBc. Twenty-one HBV DNA-negative donors had antibody to HBeAg, and all were negative for HBeAg and IgM anti-HBc. Blood units from 16 donors were transfused. A sufficient serological and clinical follow-up was available for 10 HBV-susceptible recipients. Three recipients of HBV DNA-positive blood units were infected irrespective of HBeAg status or presence of IgM anti-HBc. Six (86%) of seven recipients of HBV DNA-negative blood units developed HBV infection. Thus all hepatitis B surface antigen-positive blood donors should still be considered infectious irrespective of status with regard to HBeAg, HBV DNA, and IgM anti-HBc.