| Abstract: | In this cross-sectional study, 207 hepatitis B surface antigen
(HBsAg)-negative kidney transplant recipients were evaluated based on
demographic and epidemiological data and on the levels of serological markers of
hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus infection and liver enzymes.
Patients with HBV or human immunodeficiency virus infection were excluded. Sera
were analysed for the presence of HBV-DNA. HBV-DNA was detected in two patients
(1%), indicating occult hepatitis B (OHB) infection (the HBV-DNA loads were 3.1
and 3.5 IU/mL in these patients). The results of the liver function tests were
normal and no serological markers indicative of HBV infection were detected. The
prevalence of OHB infection was low among kidney transplant recipients, most
likely due to the low HBsAg endemicity in the general population of the study
area. |
