A Case of S-Variant Hepatitis B Virus: An Immune System Escape Artist. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shah, Amar S.; Civelli, Valerie F.; Bali, Varun; Johnson, Royce H.; Heidari, Arash
• Is Part Of: Journal of investigative medicine high impact case reports. Volume 9(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: S-variant hepatitis B -- hepatitis B viral infection -- HBV -- preS/S mutant HBV -- immune escape HBV; Internal medicine -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Periodicals; 616.005
• DOI: 10.1177/23247096211045450
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2324-7096

Abstract

Genomic variants of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) preS/S protein are well-known to occur. Typically, immunity is gained through recovered HBV infection or by immunization. Very rarely, there are certain mutations that may enable HBV escape from the immune detection. PreS/S mutants may present with unpredictable pathobiologic, clinical, and transmittable implications. Standard laboratory testing for genomic HBV variants is not routinely performed by reference guidelines. s-variant HBV management remains challenging. Herein is a case of s-variant chronic HBV infection in a 55-year-old man. Diagnosis and treatment are described.