Double hepatitis B virus infection in a patient with HIV/hepatitis C virus coinfection and 'anti-HBc alone' as serological pattern

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2005 Sep;24(9):623-7. doi: 10.1007/s10096-005-0010-1.

Abstract

Reported here is a case of double hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in an HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patient with antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen as the only serological marker (anti-HBc alone). Two different HBV genotypes were identified in this patient. A search of the medical literature indicated this report is the first to describe a multiple silent HBV infection in an HIV/HCV-coinfected-patient. The elevated incidence of the anti-HBc alone pattern in HIV-positive patients and the increasing number of silent HBV infections detected in those patients demonstrate the need to carefully examine HIV-positive patients for occult HBV infection. In addition, it appears necessary to thoroughly study such patients in order to evaluate the impact of mixed HBV infection and triple HIV/HCV/HBV infection on morbidity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • DNA, Viral / blood
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Genotype
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Hepatitis B / complications*
  • Hepatitis B / immunology
  • Hepatitis B / virology
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / blood
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens / isolation & purification
  • Hepatitis B virus / genetics
  • Hepatitis B virus / isolation & purification
  • Hepatitis C / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens