Do hepatitis B virus carriers develop atopic diseases?

Abstract

The prevalence of allergic disorders, such as asthma, hay fever, and atopic dermatitis, has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Although the important inherited component in these diseases is well established, the role of environmental factors in relation to allergic disorders has become increasingly topical in the last decade. Immunologic data show that different infections can either promote atopy (as in respiratory syncytial virus infections) or inhibit it (as in measles, hepatitis A, and tuberculosis). Although there are 400 million hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers around the world, and asymptomatic HBV carriers with a high level of virus replication are characterized by Th2-type immune reactions, the relationship between HBV carriers and atopic disorders has not been studied.

Atopic dermatitis is inversely associated with hepatitis B antigen positivity: a population‐based cohort study

“…However, children in the immune tolerant phase of a chronic HBV infection may have an increased tendency for AD because of skewing to a Th2‐type immune response. This supposition supports previous studies reporting a positive association between AD and chronic HBV infection, performed in children or young adults …”

“…This supposition supports previous studies reporting a positive association between AD and chronic HBV infection, performed in children or young adults. [4][5][6] Atopic dermatitis and HBsAg…”

“…Kocabas asserted that the Th2 response, including allergic diseases, may develop in HBV carriers. Kocabas suggested this hypothesis because HBV carriers showed Th1 insufficiency and decreased levels of interleukin‐12 and interferon‐γ. Cakir et al …”

The Inverse Association Between the Presence of Antibody to Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Atopy in Young Adults

“…In contrast, a deficiency of the Th1 response to HBV and decreased levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ have been demonstrated in both HBV carriers and the chronic liver disease patients with HBV20, 21). Thus, the tendency to atopy might be increased for HBV carriers or for patients with chronic hepatitis B22). Due to this reason, the individuals with HBsAg were not included in the present study to keep any potential confounding to a minimum.…”

Atopy in Patients with Bronchiectasis: More than Coincidence

“…The prevalence of HBV infection is relatively higher in countries where bronchiectasis is common. Th-1 response in chronic HBV carriers is insufficient; as a result, the Th-2 response may develop, and an increased tendency to develop atopy and allergic diseases (Kocabas 2001). Deficiency of Th1 response to HBV with decreased levels of IL-12 and interferon-γ is demonstrated in chronic HBV infection (Naumov and Rossol 1997;Ji et al 2001).…”