Positive hepatitis B virus core antibody in HIV infection—false positive or evidence of previous infection?. Issue 2 (1st September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pallawela, S. N. S.; Sonnex, C.; Mabayoje, D.; Bloch, E.; Chaytor, S.; Johnson, M. A.; Carne, C.; Webster, D. P.
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical virology. Volume 87:Issue 2(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 208
• Page End: 212
• Publication Date: 2014-09-01
• Subjects: Virology -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24048
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-6615

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="jmv24048-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <p>Isolated HBV core antibody (anti‐HBc) is defined as the presence of anti‐HBc with a negative HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV surface antibody (anti‐HBs <10 IU/l). In patients infected with HIV with isolated anti‐HBc, the aim was to determine: <list list-type="order"><list-item id="jmv24048-li-0001"><p>The prevalence of isolated positive anti‐HBc;</p></list-item><list-item id="jmv24048-li-0002"><p>The most effective method of identifying which patients have had previous <italic>Hepatitis B Virus</italic> (HBV) infection;</p></list-item><list-item id="jmv24048-li-0003"><p>The prevalence of false positive anti‐HBc.</p></list-item></list></p> <p>HBV serology results were identified from 539 patients infected with HIV sampled between January 2010 and December 2012. In those with an isolated anti‐HBc and negative anti‐HBe, a second anti‐HBc test was carried out using a different assay. Samples were also screened for HBV DNA. The anti‐retroviral regimens at time of screening were documented. 101/539 had an isolated anti‐HBc. Of these, 32 (32%) had a positive anti‐HBe (including 1 equivocal) and 69(68%) were anti‐HBe negative. Of those negative for anti‐HBe, 32 were tested for both DNA and a second anti‐HBc. Of these 26 (81%) were on cART at time of HBV testing, with 25 (78%) on ART with anti‐HBV activity. The prevalence of isolated anti‐HBc was 19%. Only 32% were also anti‐HBe positive, whereas 97% of those anti‐HBe negative were positive on a second anti‐HBc assay suggesting lack of utility of anti‐HBe in resolving serological quandaries. One subject (3%) had a false positive anti‐HBc. There was no evidence of chronic HBV but 78% patients were on HBV‐suppressive combination anti‐retroviral therapy. <bold><italic>J. Med. Virol. 87:208–212, 2015</italic>.</bold> © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p> </sec> </abstract>