Anti-HBc alone＂ in human immunodeficiency virus-positive and immuno-suppressed lymphoma patients

• Published in: World journal of gastroenterology : WJG 2009-08, Vol.15 (30), p.3834-3835
• Main Authors: Koo, Yu Xuan, Tan, Daniel S W, Tan, Iain B H, Quek, Richard, Tao, Miriam, Lim, Soon Thye
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antibodies - blood; Antibodies - immunology; HBc; Hepatitis B - blood; Hepatitis B - diagnosis; Hepatitis B - immunology; Hepatitis B Core Antigens - blood; Hepatitis B Core Antigens - immunology; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens - blood; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens - immunology; Hepatitis B virus - genetics; Hepatitis B virus - immunology; HIV Infections - immunology; HIV Seropositivity - immunology; Humans; Letters To The Editor; Lymphoma - blood; Lymphoma - immunology; 乙型肝炎病毒; 乙型肝炎表面抗原; 人类免疫缺陷病毒; 免疫反应; 淋巴瘤
• ISSN: 1007-9327; 2219-2840
• DOI: 10.3748/wjg.15.3834

Hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection is endemic in various parts of the world. A proportion of patients have resolved prior exposure to HBV, as evidenced by the clearance of circulating hepatitis B surface antigen and the appearance of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen （anti-HBc）, which could produce protective antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen （anti-HBs）. With time, anti-HBs in some patients may become negative. Such patients are described as having occult HBV infection or ＂anti-HBc alone＂. In the context of immunodeficient patients, such as HIV patients or lymphoma patients undergoing immunosuppressive immunotherapy, the lack of protective anti-HBs may increase the risk of hepatitis B reactivation. Serum HBV DNA testing may be necessary in ＂anti-HBc alone＂ patients, to detect patients at a high risk of developing HBV infection allowing appropriate prophylactic management.