The prevalence of occult HBV infection in immunized children with HBsAg-positive parents: a hospital-based analysis

Abstract

Background and object The risk of occult HBV infection (OBI) in children whose mothers are HBV carriers has received more widespread attention, but there were few reports to focus on the children with HBsAg-positive parents. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of OBI in immunized children with HBsAg-positive parents. Methods HBV-vaccinated Chinese hospitalized children with HBsAg-positive parents were analyzed in our investigation. Eligible subjects were tested using a standard nested PCR for all HBV genes, and analyzed by direct sequencing. Results There were 327 HBsAg-negative children included in the study out of about 9800 involved HBV-vaccinated hospitalized children. The positive rate of OBI was 3.1% (10/327) in the eligible children and 14.1% (46/327) with HBV DNA detectable. No significant differences were found between one and at least two regions positive groups (p > 0.05). The proportions of HBV DNA detectable in children with HBV father-carriers and mother-carriers were similar. The risk factors for HBV DNA-positive children could be male, anti-HBs levels, and anti-HBc positive. Conclusion There are 3.1% of OBIs and 14.1% of suspected OBI in vaccinated children with HBsAg-positive parents. The potential risk of suspected OBI in children with HBsAg-positive father should not be ignored. Anti-HBc positivity may be a useful seromarker for suspected OBI screening in vaccinated children. To prevent HBV breakthrough infection, accurate and convenient method is needed to detect OBI timely and exhaustively.

Screening of Occult Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection in Working Children, Tehran, Iran

“…In Iran, among street children, HB-sAg positive, HBsAb, HBcAb, and HCV-Ab were reported to be 3%, 26.6%, 8%, and 3.5%, respectively (37). However, the findings of the current research do not support the previous research (30,31). The results are consistent with previous studies for HCV infection; however, they are completely different for HBsAg and HBsAb (36).…”

“…In Nigeria, a rate of 10% was reported for HBsAg-positive preschool children (29). In China, the OBI-positive rate was 3.1% (10/327), and the HBV-DNA rate was 14.1% (46/327) among HBV-vaccinated children with HBV-infected parents (30). In Japan, OBI (1.3%) was reported among immunized children with HBV carrier mothers (31).…”

Anti‐HBc‐nonreactive occult hepatitis B infections with HBV genotypes B and C in vaccinated immunocompetent adults

“…Isolated anti‐HBs OBI has been reported in vaccinated infants aged 6–98 months born to chronically infected mothers 10–12,14,22 . HBV DNA levels were consistently low, but often only transiently persistent beyond 1–4 years of age when follow‐up was available 11,13,23 .…”

“…In China and South East Asia, isolated anti‐HBs were reported in 6.3%–20.3% of immunocompetent blood donors with OBI 2,7–9 . Isolated anti‐HBs OBI has been also reported in immunized neonates born to HBsAg‐positive mothers and children with HBsAg‐positive parents 10–14 . When available, follow‐up of vaccinated children in these studies was relatively limited in time and often showed low and transient HBV DNA levels 11,13 .…”

“… 2 , 7 , 8 , 9 Isolated anti‐HBs OBI has been also reported in immunized neonates born to HBsAg‐positive mothers and children with HBsAg‐positive parents. 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 When available, follow‐up of vaccinated children in these studies was relatively limited in time and often showed low and transient HBV DNA levels. 11 , 13 In contrast, a Taiwanese cross‐sectional study reported HBV viraemia in fully immunized individuals aged >18 years who were negative for anti‐HBc.…”