Molecular Prevalence and Liver Enzymes Profile in Occult Hepatitis B Infection among Blood Donors
Abstract
Background: Occult hepatitis B infection (OHBI), defined as positive seroreactivity for HBV DNA and negative seroreactivity for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), poses a challenge due to its hidden and asymptomatic nature. This study aimed to investigate the molecular rate of OHBI in blood donors and to assess the accompanying liver function profile.
Methods: Blood specimens from 200 HBsAg-negative blood donors were tested by a rapid chromatographic assay (Micro-point combo kit, USA) for HBV serological markers (HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb) and detection of HBV DNA by nested PCR.
Results: Of the 200 HBsAg-negative donors, 160 (80%) were seronegative for any hepatitis B serologic marker. Conversely, 5 (2.5%) HBsAb+, 4 (2%) HBcAb+, 11 (5.5%) HBsAb+HBcAb+, 20 (10%) HBcAb+HBeAb+ were positive. Of significance, 4 (2%) donors had evidence of HBV DNA, corresponding to a 2% OHBI prevalence in this population. Moreover, OHBI-positive donors presented higher levels of liver enzymes indicative of potential liver injury. OHBI was detected in 2% of blood donors, showing the risk of HBV transmissibility by blood transfusion from those who are seemingly negative for HBsAg. In addition, the high liver enzymes in OHBI-positive donors may signify a link with the outcome of chronic HBV infection.
Conclusions: Our data suggest the need to develop a sensitive screening strategy to identify OHBI among blood donors in order to reduce HBV transmission. It also highlights the importance of monitoring liver function tests in OHBI-positive individuals to prevent possible liver-related complications sequelae.
Keywords:
Blood donors, Blood transfusion, Liver function, Occult hepatitis B infectionFull Text:
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.62940/als.v13i1.3587
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