Korean J Med.  2012 Nov;83(5):619-623.

A Case of Acute Hepatitis B by Occult HBV Infection without HbsAg Seroconversion

• Jung HM
• Jun DW
• Min JY
• Doo EY
• Nam KW
• Kwon YI
• Kwon OW

Abstract

Many studies have recently reported reactivation in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative subjects with the use of biologic agents such as rituximab. However, occult hepatitis B virus infection itself has little clinical impact. We experienced a case of acute exacerbation caused by occult hepatitis B infection without HBsAg seroconversion. No mutation was found on the major hydrophilic loop of the S protein. The patient recovered from acute exacerbation after antiviral therapy. In conclusion, acute exacerbation can be induced by occult hepatitis B virus infection itself without reactivation. In such a case, antiviral therapy should be considered.

Keyword

Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; Hepatitis B; Rituximab

MeSH Terms

Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
Hepatitis
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
Hepatitis B virus
Humans
Rituximab
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens