High prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection in Taiwanese intravenous drug users
Journal
Journal of Medical Virology
Journal Volume
79
Journal Issue
11
Pages
1674-1678
Date Issued
2007
Author(s)
Abstract
The epidemiology and impact of occult HBV infection in intravenous drug users remain largely unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of occult HBV infection among intravenous drug users in Taiwan. Molecular assays were used to determine the level of serum HBV DNA and the genotype in 304 intravenous drug users negative for both HBsAg and anti-HCV. Of 304 intravenous drug users, 125 (41.1%) were positive for serum HBV DNA. The genotype distribution of HBV was as follows: B, 55 (44%); C, 29 (23%); and mixed B and C infections, 41 (33%). The mean and median serum HBV DNA levels in 125 intravenous drug users with occult HBV infection were 4.0 ± 0.6 and 4.0 log10 copies/ml, respectively. The mean serum HBV DNA level in carriers with mixed genotype B and C infections was significantly higher than those infected with HBV genotype B or genotype C alone (mean, 4.2 ± 0.6 log10 vs. 3.9 ± 0.5 log10, and 3.9 ± 0.7 log10 copies/ml, P = 0.01 and 0.05, respectively). The amino acid sequence determination of HBV surface gene in 20 intravenous drug users with occult HBV infection selected at random showed no mutation of amino acid at codon 145. In conclusion, the prevalence of occult HBV infection and mixed HBV genotype infections are not uncommon in intravenous drug users residing in an HBV endemic areas. In addition, intravenous drug users with occult mixed genotype B and C infections have significantly higher viral loads than those with occult infection of single HBV genotype. ? 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
SDGs
Other Subjects
hepatitis B surface antigen; hepatitis C antibody; adult; aged; amino acid sequence; article; genotype; hepatitis B; hepatitis C; human; intravenous drug abuse; major clinical study; male; mixed infection; prevalence; Taiwan; virus load; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus
Publisher
Wiley-Liss Inc.
Type
journal article