HBsAg-negative mono-infection with hepatitis B virus genotype G

[Guest guest]

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2893.2010.01397.x/abstract

HBsAg-negative mono-infection with hepatitis B virus genotype G

H. L. Zaaijer1,2, H. J. Boot3, P. van Swieten4, M. H. G. M. Koppelman5, H. T. M.

Cuypers4

Article first published online: 29 NOV 2010

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2010.01397.x

© 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Issue

Journal of Viral Hepatitis

Volume 18, Issue 11, pages 815–819, November 2011

Summary.  Infection with a genotype G strain of hepatitis B virus (HBV-G)

often occurs as a co-infection with HBV genotype A. In mono-infection with

HBV-G, the production of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBe antigen and

anti-HBe seems diminished, hampering the serological diagnosis of HBV-G

mono-infection. To corroborate this notion, we studied in detail a series of

samples of a blood donor with transient HBV-G infection. In this donor, during

the temporary presence of HBV DNA and the seroconversion to HBcore antibodies

(anti-HBc), no HBsAg or hepatitis B e antigen was detected. During follow-up, no

anti-HBe appeared. Multiple resistance mutations to lamivudine were present,

demonstrating primary infection with a resistant HBV strain. Cloning and

sequencing indicated that no other HBV genotype but genotype G was present. Like

other HBV-G isolates, the DNA sequence of the HBsAg a-determinant showed no

mutations that could explain the failure to detect HBsAg. Our findings

demonstrate that HBV genotype G mono-infection occurs and that routine serology

is unsuitable for its detection.

[Guest guest]

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2893.2010.01397.x/abstract

HBsAg-negative mono-infection with hepatitis B virus genotype G

H. L. Zaaijer1,2, H. J. Boot3, P. van Swieten4, M. H. G. M. Koppelman5, H. T. M.

Cuypers4

Article first published online: 29 NOV 2010

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2010.01397.x

© 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Issue

Journal of Viral Hepatitis

Volume 18, Issue 11, pages 815–819, November 2011

Summary.  Infection with a genotype G strain of hepatitis B virus (HBV-G)

often occurs as a co-infection with HBV genotype A. In mono-infection with

HBV-G, the production of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBe antigen and

anti-HBe seems diminished, hampering the serological diagnosis of HBV-G

mono-infection. To corroborate this notion, we studied in detail a series of

samples of a blood donor with transient HBV-G infection. In this donor, during

the temporary presence of HBV DNA and the seroconversion to HBcore antibodies

(anti-HBc), no HBsAg or hepatitis B e antigen was detected. During follow-up, no

anti-HBe appeared. Multiple resistance mutations to lamivudine were present,

demonstrating primary infection with a resistant HBV strain. Cloning and

sequencing indicated that no other HBV genotype but genotype G was present. Like

other HBV-G isolates, the DNA sequence of the HBsAg a-determinant showed no

mutations that could explain the failure to detect HBsAg. Our findings

demonstrate that HBV genotype G mono-infection occurs and that routine serology

is unsuitable for its detection.