Detection of Hepatitis B Virus DNA in Tear of the patients with Hepatitis Surface Antigen Positive in Serum by Polymerase Chain Reaction

ABSTRACT

In order to examine a possibility of hepatitis B virus(HBV) transmission via tears, detection of HBV DNA in tear was esamined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 39 patients with HBsAg positive in serum. The detection of HBV DNA in tears was compared that in serums. The patients were divided into group I (n=21, serum HBsAg+HBeAg-) and group II (n=18, serum HBsAg+/HBeAg+). The total detection rates of HBV DNA in tears and serums were 76.9% and 92.3%, respectively. In detail, detection rates of HBV DNA in tears were 71.4% (group I) and 83.3% (group II) and those in serums were 85.7% (group I)and 100% (group II). There was no statisticlly significant difference in detection rate between group I and group II (p>0.05). However, mean values for serum aminotransferase activities in group II were higher than those in group I (p<0.05). The titer of HBsAg or HBeAg did not influence on the detection rate of HBV DNA. With these results, it was found that HBV DNA would be easily detected in tear of patients with HBV infection and HBV could be transmitted via ophthalmic instruments touched with ocular surface. Therefore, history taking concerning hepatitis B, screening test for hepatitis B, chemical or physical sterilization of ophthalmic instruments, and vaccination for workers in ophthalmologic department would be important in prophylactic aspects.