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World J Hepatol. Dec 27, 2014; 6(12): 860-869
Published online Dec 27, 2014. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v6.i12.860
Published online Dec 27, 2014. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v6.i12.860
Occult hepatitis B virus infection
Min-Sun Kwak, Department of Internal Medicine, Healthcare Research Institute, Gangnam Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 135-984, South Korea
Yoon Jun Kim, Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, South Korea
Author contributions: Kwak MS and Kim YJ designed, performed the research and wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Yoon Jun Kim, MD, PhD, Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehang-no, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-744, South Korea. yoonjun@snu.ac.kr
Telephone: +82-2-20723081 Fax: +82-2-7436701
Received: August 13, 2014
Revised: September 23, 2014
Accepted: October 28, 2014
Published online: December 27, 2014
Revised: September 23, 2014
Accepted: October 28, 2014
Published online: December 27, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is defined by the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA without detectable hepatitis B surface antigen. The prevalence of OBI varies according to the different endemicity of HBV infection, cohort characteristics, and detection methods. Increasing research on OBI has been conducted with respect to the following: (1) transmission through transfusion, organ transplantation, or hemodialysis; (2) reactivation in an immunosuppression state; (3) contribution to the progression of chronic liver disease; and (4) increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. Further studies are needed to establish its clinical significance and management.