The Korean Journal of Medicine

The Korean Association of Internal Medicine (대한내과학회)
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Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: Innocent Bystander or Not?

만성 C형 간염에서 B형 간염 바이러스의 잠재감염: 단순 방관자 아니면 어떤 역할?

  • Lee, June Sung (Department of Internal Medicine, Inje Univerisity Ilsanpaik Hospital)
  • 이준성 (인제대학교 일산백병원 내과)
  • Published : 2012.12.01
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Abstract

Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is defined as the presence of HBV DNA in the liver (with or without detectable HBV DNA in serum) for individuals testing HBV surface antigen negative. Until recently, the clinical implication of occult HBV infection was unclear. Several studies suggest a high prevalence of occult HBV infection among patients with chronic liver disease. Occult HBV infection is a complex entity comprising many conditions and situations that may be widely different from the biological point of view and clinical consequences. Data regarding natural course and therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients with occult HBV are limited and based on small case numbers. These considerations imply the need for a critical re-evaluation of this field to define better strategies to diagnose and treat this infection.

Keywords

References

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