| Theme |
Hepatitis B Update 2004 |
| Title |
Occult HBV Infection After Acute Self-limited Hepatitis B |
| Author |
Nobukazu Yuki |
Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka National Hospital |
| Author |
Takayuki Nagaoka |
SRL Inc. |
| Author |
Masao Omura |
SRL Inc. |
| Author |
Michio Kato |
Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka National Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
The long-term virologic impact of acute self-limited hepatitis B is unknown. Fourteen patients were recalled at a median of 4.2 years (1.8-9.5 years) after the onset. All showed serologic recovery with serum HBsAg clearance. Anti-HBs had developed in twelve patients. Three patients had low levels of circulating HBV DNA up to 8.9 years after the onset. When nine patients underwent liver biopsies at a median of 7.2 years, both HBV DNA surface and X regions were found in the liver of all patients examined. Moreover, all patients tested positive for cccHBV DNA. Liver fibrosis and mild inflammation persisted in eight patients. In conclusion, occult HBV infection persists in the liver and is accompanied by abnormal liver histology for a decade after recovery from acute hepatitis B. The livers and blood products from such individuals can transmit HBV to recipients after liver transplantation and blood transfusion. |