Mutation in the S gene a determinant of the hepatitis B virus associated with concomitant HBsAg and anti‐HBs in a population in Northeastern Brazil

• Published in: Journal of medical virology 2017-03, Vol.89 (3), p.458-462
• Main Authors: de Campos Albuquerque, Ingrid, Sousa, Marinilde Teles, Santos, Max Diego Cruz, Nunes, Jomar Diogo Costa, Moraes, Maria Josélia Diniz, Gomes‐Gouvêa, Michele Soares, Pinho, João Renato Rebelo, Carrilho, Flair José, Fonseca, Lena Maria Barros, de Sousa Paiva Ferreira, Adalgisa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; antibody; Brazil - epidemiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; DNA, Viral - blood; Female; HBsAg; hepatitis B; Hepatitis B - diagnosis; Hepatitis B - epidemiology; Hepatitis B - virology; Hepatitis B Antibodies - blood; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens - blood; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens - genetics; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis B virus - genetics; Hepatitis B virus - immunology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mutation; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Viral Load; Virology
• ISSN: 0146-6615; 1096-9071
• DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24653

Mutations in the a determinant of S gene may develop co‐existence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to HBsAg (anti‐HBs) in the serum of infected hepatitis B virus (HBV) individuals. Mutations in this region may change the antigenicity of HBsAg, which in turn, lead to escape of neutralizing action of anti‐HBs antibodies. This study identified individuals with concomitant HBsAg and anti‐HBs serological markers in individuals of Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil. Samples from a population‐based study were evaluated for HBsAg, anti‐HBs, and anti‐HBc, and those that tested positive for simultaneous HBsAg and anti‐HBs were submitted to HBV DNA quantification and S gene characterization by Sanger sequencing. Mutations were investigated in the a determinant located in major hydrophilic region (MHR) of the S gene. Among 3,984 samples analyzed, 92 (2.3%) were positive for HBsAg and three had the atypical HBsAg and anti‐HBs‐positive profile (3.26%). The frequency of HBsAg and anti‐HBs co‐existence was similar to previous studies. Only one individual harbored mutation in the S gene a determinant associated with this profile. Little is known about this phenomenon; however, studies as ours may contribute for future enlightenment of this important issue. J. Med. Virol. 89:458–462, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.