Low prevalence of occult HBV infection among HIV-infected patients in Southern Spain.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of occult HBV infection in HIV-positive patients in a centre in Southern Spain. METHODS: The HBV serological markers were investigated in all the patients and the presence of HBV-DNA was tested by PCR in patients with isolated anti-HBc. RESULTS: An isolated anti-HBc pattern was detected in 144/520 (27.7%) patients. HBV-DNA was detected in one of these patients (0.7%). CONCLUSIONS: In Southern Spain, there is a low prevalence of occult HBV infection among HIV-infected patients, despite increasing immigration from endemic countries.