Occult hepatitis B and HIV infection. Issue 11 (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soriano, Vicente; Aguilera, Antonio; Gonzalez, Rocío; Gomez-Gallego, Felix; Barea, Luisa; Treviño, Mercedes; Corral, Octavio
• Is Part Of: European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology. Volume 31:Issue 11(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: antiretroviral drugs -- hepatitis B -- HIV -- immune deficiency -- liver -- occult B infection -- occult hepatitis B -- pre-exposure prophylaxis -- tenofovir; Digestive organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Digestive organs -- Diseases; Liver -- Diseases; Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1097/MEG.0000000000001417
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-691X

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, so-called occult B infection (OBI), is defined by the recognition of HBV-DNA in the absence of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The HBV-DNA genome in OBI is fully replication competent and produced in the liver, characteristically with low-level HBV-DNA fluctuations in the bloodstream. The OBI status remains between chronic (HBsAg +) and resolved (anti-HBs +) phases in the natural history of HBV infection. Methods: The clinical interest in OBI has increased because of its potential for overt HBV reactivation under immunosuppression as well as for HBV transmission, well established in recipients of blood transfusions and/or organ transplants. Results: Given the shared transmission routes for HIV and HBV, earlier reports claimed that OBI was more frequent in AIDS patients. By contrast, the current scenario shows that OBI is negligible in the HIV population. One explanation is that HBV immunization and recall vaccination campaigns have been very active in this group. A second and most important reason points to the wide use of antiretroviral regimens that include anti-HBV active agents, that is, tenofovir, lamivudine, and/or emtricitabine. They are recommended either as treatment for all HIV carriers or as pre-exposure prophylaxis for uninfected individuals at risk. The consequences are that HBV reactivations associated with HIV-related immunodeficiency have become very rare. Furthermore, HBV suppression with these antivirals has markedly reduced the likelihood of transmission from OBI carriers and/or acquisition by uninfected exposed individuals. Conclusion: Enthusiasm unabated, however, new tenofovir-sparing antiretroviral regimens are becoming popular and might account for a resurgence of OBI in the HIV setting.