Molecular and serological characterization of occult hepatitis B among blood donors in Maputo, Mozambique.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) - characterized by the absence of detectable HBsAg in the presence of HBV DNA - represents a potential threat for blood safety.

Objectives

This study was conducted with the aim to investigate the serological and molecular characterization of occult HBV infection (OBI) among blood donors in Mozambique.

Methods

1,502 blood donors were tested for HBsAg. All HBsAg-negative individuals were tested for HBV DNA. Antibodies against HBV core, surface and HBe antigen (anti-HBc, anti-HBs, HBeAg) were measured in HBV DNA positive individuals.

Findings

1435 serum samples were HBsAg negative and 16 positive for HBV DNA, 14 confirmed to have OBI, corresponding to a frequency of 0.98%. Of the 14 OBI infections identified, 13/14 (92.8%)

SUBMITTER: Mabunda N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7523502 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature