"Anti-HBc alone" in human immunodeficiency virus-positive and immuno-suppressed lymphoma patients.
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.
Koo
Yu Xuan
YX
Tan
Daniel S W
DS
Tan
Iain B H
IB
Quek
Richard
R
Tao
Miriam
M
Lim
Soon Thye
ST
D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000276:immunology*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*
D000906:Antibodies; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens