Effect of SARS-CoV-2 coinfection was not apparent on the dynamics of chronic hepatitis B infection

Virology. 2021 Jan 15:553:131-134. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.11.012. Epub 2020 Nov 28.

Abstract

In patients coinfected with SARS-CoV-2 and HBV, liver injury was common. However, the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and HBV coinfection remained unknown. Sixty-seven COVID-19 patients from the previous cohort were enrolled and classified into 2 groups (7 with HBsAg+ and 60 with HBsAg-). The association of HBV- and SARS-CoV-2-related markers were analyzed. During the acute course of SARS-CoV-2 infection, markers of HBV replication did not extensively fluctuate during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Coinfection with HBV did not extend the viral shedding cycle or incubation periods of SARS-CoV-2. Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the dynamics of chronic HBV infection seemed not apparent. SARS-CoV-2 infection would not be the source of HBV reactivation in these individuals.

Keywords: COVID-19; Chronic hepatitis B; HBV; Liver injury; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • COVID-19 / virology*
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • Coinfection / drug therapy
  • Coinfection / virology*
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / virology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Virus Activation
  • Virus Shedding