De novo infection in a renal transplant recipient caused by novel mutants of hepatitis B virus despite the presence of protective anti-hepatitis B surface antibody

J Infect Dis. 2003 Apr 15;187(8):1323-6. doi: 10.1086/373902. Epub 2003 Mar 26.

Abstract

A renal transplant recipient became persistently positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) despite preexisting anti-hepatitis B surface (HBs) antibodies. The antigenicity and immunogenicity of wild-type (wt) and mutant HBs antigens (Ags) were compared. In contrast to wt HBsAg, genetic vaccination with mutant HBsAgs did not induce anti-HBs. Thus, mutations within HBsAg may enable HBV to escape immunological control.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Hepatitis Antibodies / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B / virology*
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / genetics*
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / immunology
  • Hepatitis B virus / genetics*
  • Hepatitis B virus / immunology
  • Hepatitis B virus / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Kidney
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Mice
  • Mutation

Substances

  • Hepatitis Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines