잠재감염에 의한 HBsAg 음성 B형 간염 급성 악화 1예

• Published in: The Korean journal of medicine Vol. 83; no. 5; pp. 619 - 623
• Main Authors: 권영일, Young Il Kwon, 전대원, Dae Won Jun, 권오완, Oh Wan Kwon, 민지연, Ji Yeon Min, 정혜미, Hye Mi Jung, 두은영, Eun Young Doo, 남길우, Kil Woo Nam
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 대한내과학회 01.11.2012
• Subjects: Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; Rituximab; 내과학
• ISSN: 1738-9364; 2289-0769
• DOI: 10.3904/kjm.2012.83.5.619

Many studies have recently reported reactivation in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative subjects with the use of biologic agents such as rituximab. However, occult hepatitis B virus infection itself has little clinical impact. We experienced a case of acute exacerbation caused by occult hepatitis B infection without HBsAg seroconversion. No mutation was found on the major hydrophilic loop of the S protein. The patient recovered from acute exacerbation after antiviral therapy. In conclusion, acute exacerbation can be induced by occult hepatitis B virus infection itself without reactivation. In such a case, antiviral therapy should be considered. (Korean J Med 2012;83:619-623)