Hepatitis B virus DNA in peripheral blood leukocytes: a brief review.
Despite being essentially hepatotropic, hepatitis B virus has frequently been detected in peripheral blood leukocytes. In most cases, viral DNA has been detected by hybridisation, though, occasionally, evidence of viral RNA and virus-specific proteins has been reported. Though definitive evidence is lacking, it appears likely that the virus is able to replicate in at least a subfraction of these cells. The possible consequences with respect to the transmission and reactivation of virus infections are discussed.
Harrison
T J
TJ
Academic Department of Medicine, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London, England.
D000818:Animals; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000635:transmission; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000032:analysis*
D004279:DNA, Viral