A review on mechanism and clinical implication of occult hepatitis B virus infection / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

ABSTRACT

The level of viral DNA in patients with occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is very low, and it is difficult to detect the conventional serum marker-HBsAg. OBI brought challenges to the clinical diagnosis and treatment and blood transfusion safety. The mechanism involved in OBI and the clinical implication are getting more and more attention. OBI has a complex mechanism that may involve host factors, the virus itself, and other viral or nonviral factors. OBI has the risk of HBV transmission. HBV can be reactivated and the liver disease can be aggravated in patients with OBI.