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Significance and Management of Isolated Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Anti-HBc) in HIV and HCV: Strategies in the DAA Era

  • Co-infections and Comorbidity (S Naggie, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to summarize the prevalence and clinical implications of the isolated anti-HBc serologic profile in HIV-infected individuals. We highlight the rare but important issue of HBV reactivation in the setting of HCV therapy and describe an approach to management.

Recent Findings

The isolated anti-HBc pattern, a profile that most often indicates past exposure to HBV with waning anti-HBs immunity, is found commonly in HIV-infected individuals, particularly those with HCV. Some large cohort studies demonstrate an association with advanced liver disease, while others do not. Conversely, meta-analyses have found an association between occult HBV infection (a component of the isolated anti-HBc pattern) and advanced liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in HIV-uninfected individuals. In HIV-uninfected individuals with anti-HBc positivity, HBV reactivation has been reported in patients receiving HCV therapy. This phenomenon is likely the result of disinhibition of HBV with HCV eradication.

Summary

In HIV-infected patients, the long-term liver outcomes associated with the isolated anti-HBc pattern remain to be fully elucidated, supporting the need for large cohort studies with longitudinal follow-up. HBV reactivation during HCV DAA therapy has been well-described in HIV-uninfected cohorts and can inform algorithms for the screening and management of the isolated anti-HBc pattern in this population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. UCLA CARE Center, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 37-121 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA

    Jennifer J. Chang, Neaka Mohtashemi & Debika Bhattacharya

  2. Department of Infectious Diseases, Kaiser Permanente at Los Angeles Medical Center, 1505 N. Edgemont St., 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA

    Jennifer J. Chang

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  1. Jennifer J. Chang
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Correspondence to Debika Bhattacharya.

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Debika Bhattacharya collaborated on an NIH sponsored protocol involving Merck, BMS, Abbvie, and Sanofi.

Jennifer J. Chang and Neaka Mohtashemi declare that they have no competing interests.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Chang, J.J., Mohtashemi, N. & Bhattacharya, D. Significance and Management of Isolated Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Anti-HBc) in HIV and HCV: Strategies in the DAA Era. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 15, 172–181 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11904-018-0379-y

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