Hepatitis B virus carrier state, with negative surface antigen serology, and non-detectable viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B virus [HBV] infection is found worldwide. Acute HBV commonly infects adults. After the resolution of the symptoms, most immunocompetent adults are able to clear the virus and become immune for life; this is identified serologically by the disappearance of the surface antigen [HBV s Ag] and the appearance of the surface antibody [anti-HBs]. In a small percentage of healthy adults, the disease might become chronic with the persistence of the HBV s Ag for more than 6 months, which might progress in the future to chronic liver disease. Herein is presented a case in which the patient after the acute stage of HBV infection, despite becoming asymptomatic and HBVsAg was no more detectable; he probably progressed to a chronic carrier of the virus