Mahmud Baghbanian1, Mehdi Halvani2, Hassan Salman Roghani1, Mohammad Hassan Lotfi3, Mohammad Frahat Yazdi4, Hassan-Ali Vahedian-Ardakani4. 1. Department of Gastroenterology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran. 2. Department of Internal Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran. 3. Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Health Faculty, Shaheed Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Daneshju Blv. Yazd, Iran. 4. Department of haematology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Occult hepatitis B infection is characterized by negative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and also detectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) -DNA, with or without hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). HBV reactivation in individuals under immunosuppressive therapy is critical, occurring in occult HBV. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of occult HBV infection among hepatitis B surface antigen negative in cancer patients before receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: Sera from 204 cancer patients who were negative for HBsAg, were tested for anti-HBc antibodies. The samples that were negative for HBsAg but positive for anti-HBc also examined for HBV-DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Of the 204 HBsAg negative blood samples, 11 (5.4%) samples were positive for anti-HBc antibodies. HBV-DNA was detected in 9/11 (81%) of anti-HBc positive samples. Occult HBV infection in hematological cancers was more than solid cancers, 4.8% and 4.3% respectively. There was no significant difference in HBc antibody positivity based on vaccination, previous blood transfusions, history of familial hepatitis or biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, total and direct bilirubin levels) (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Screening of occult HBV infection by HBsAg, HBV DNA and anti HB core antibody should be suggested as a routine investigation in cancer patients before receiving chemotherapy.
BACKGROUND:Occult hepatitis B infection is characterized by negative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and also detectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) -DNA, with or without hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). HBV reactivation in individuals under immunosuppressive therapy is critical, occurring in occult HBV. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of occult HBV infection among hepatitis B surface antigen negative in cancerpatients before receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: Sera from 204 cancerpatients who were negative for HBsAg, were tested for anti-HBc antibodies. The samples that were negative for HBsAg but positive for anti-HBc also examined for HBV-DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Of the 204 HBsAg negative blood samples, 11 (5.4%) samples were positive for anti-HBc antibodies. HBV-DNA was detected in 9/11 (81%) of anti-HBc positive samples. Occult HBV infection in hematological cancers was more than solid cancers, 4.8% and 4.3% respectively. There was no significant difference in HBc antibody positivity based on vaccination, previous blood transfusions, history of familial hepatitis or biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, total and direct bilirubin levels) (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Screening of occult HBV infection by HBsAg, HBV DNA and anti HB core antibody should be suggested as a routine investigation in cancerpatients before receiving chemotherapy.