Detection and molecular characterisation of a diagnosis escape variant associated with occult hepatitis B virus in Brazil.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Many studies have identified mutations in the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as important factors limiting the ability of commercial serological assays to detect this viral antigen. However, an association between mutations in the HBsAg gene and the occurrence of occult HBV infection (OBI) in patients has not been established.

Objectives

To detect hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in patients with anti-HBc as a unique serological marker, a previously published, cost-effective TaqMan-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test with minor groove binding probes was adapted for use in this study. The current study also aimed to investigate HBsAg mutations and genotypes of HBV in OBI at the Viral Hepatitis Ambulatory Clinic in Rio de Janeiro to determine any po

SUBMITTER: Almeida RW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5452485 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature