title: Perceived significance of isolated HBcAb in patients with HIV: a survey of practitioners.
abstract: The prevalence of the isolated hepatitis B core Ab phenotype (hepatitis B surface antigen negative [HBsAg-] hepatitis B surface antibody negative [HBsAb-], and hepatitis B core antibody positive [HBcAb+] is particularly high among human HIV-positive patients. Controversy exists regarding both the significance of this phenotype and the risk of progressive liver disease as well as the need for hepatitis B vaccination in this population. A survey of 40 HIV primary care providers (PCPs) at an urban outpatient HIV clinic was conducted in 2005 regarding these two issues and a summary of the findings are presented in this report. Seventy-eight percent thought that these patients' infection had resolved and were immune, half thought they were at risk for progressive liver disease, and 6 (15%) routinely administered hepatitis B vaccine to patients with this phenotype. The wide variety in attitudes and practices among providers in a single clinic suggests the need for further research and development of management guidelines in this group of patients.
authors.affiliation: CORE Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Neena
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Thomas-Gosain
authors.forename: Oluwatoyin M
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Adeyemi
mesh_terms: D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D010821:Physicians, Family; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines