Molecular basis for persistent hepatitis B virus infection in the liver after clearance of serum hepatitis B surface antigen

摘要: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA has been detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the liver of patients with resolved chronic HBV infection and sustained clearance hepatitis surface antigen (HBsAg) from serum. However, it is unknown whether transcriptionally active at this time or if covalently closed circular (CCC) replicative intermediate can still be detected. Therefore, hepatic nucleic acid extracts seven who had cleared serum HBsAg were assessed for either reverse-transcribed RNA, an intact direct repeat region genome indicative CCC DNA. transcripts four study group, whereas was three. Evidence viral transcription replication more frequently recently HBsAg, but RNA also one patient 5 years after clearance, another subject nearly 4 resolution disease. may associated intermediates persistent have serum, suggesting that, on occasion, not a latent state undergoing low-level replication.