Reactivation of occult hepatitis B virus infection in a renal transplant recipient

We report a case of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in a renal transplant recipient. Reactivation manifested as an occult infection with detectable HBV-DNA and negativity for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The anti-HBs antibody titre was above the protective threshold and continued to rise, to 951.36 mIU/ml, after HBV reactivation. Sequencing revealed multiple vaccine- and diagnostic-escape mutations in the major hydrophilic region of HBsAg. This case demonstrates both reactivation of an HBV escape mutant in a vaccinated patient and host immunity after virus mutation.

Automated summary

We present a case of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in a renal transplant recipient. Reactivation occurred as an occult infection with detectable HBV-DNA but negative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The anti-HBs antibody titre rose above the protective threshold and continued to increase after HBV reactivation. Sequencing revealed multiple vaccine- and diagnostic-escape mutations in the major hydrophilic region of HBsAg. This case illustrates the reactivation of an HBV escape mutant in a vaccinated patient and the host immunity after virus mutation.