Abstract
We have found a defective form of hepatitis B in an anti-HBe positive chronic HBsAg carrier with liver cancer (HCC). Viral deletions were identified in the preS coding region using PCR and sequencing. The presence of deleted HBV forms was observed in serum, PBMC, and liver tissue. To conclude, rearrangements and deletions in the preS gene would potentially lead to an impairment in viral clearance without affecting viral penetration in liver cells, possibly accounting for chronic HBV infection.
Publication types
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Case Reports
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / microbiology
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Carrier State
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DNA, Viral / genetics
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DNA, Viral / isolation & purification
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Defective Viruses / genetics*
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Defective Viruses / isolation & purification
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Gene Rearrangement*
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Genes, Viral*
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Hepatitis B / microbiology*
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Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / analysis
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Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / genetics*
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Hepatitis B virus / genetics*
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Hepatitis B virus / isolation & purification
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Humans
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Liver / microbiology
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Liver Neoplasms / microbiology
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Male
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Open Reading Frames
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Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Protein Precursors / genetics*
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Viral Envelope Proteins / genetics*
Substances
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DNA, Viral
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Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
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Protein Precursors
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Viral Envelope Proteins
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presurface protein 1, hepatitis B surface antigen
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presurface protein 2, hepatitis B surface antigen