[Occult hepatitis B infection].
Occult (silent, inapparent) hepatitis B infection is defined as the presence of HBV-DNA where hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) is absent, outside of acute hepatitis window period. HBV-DNA positivity alone can be detected not only in cryptogenic hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, recovered HBV infections and hepatitis C virus infections, but also in seronegative populations without symptomatic liver diseases. The mechanism, clinical outcome and risk of transmission of occult hepatitis B is not yet clearly defined. Occult hepatitis B can be diagnosed by using sensitive nucleic acid tests. In this review article, the importance of occult hepatitis B infection has been discussed with a focus on pathogenesis, clinical significance and diagnostic laboratory methods.
Ergünay
Koray
K
Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakültesi, Mikrobiyoloji ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji Anabilim Dali, Ankara.
D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence
D004279:DNA, Viral; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens