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Researchers at Guangzhou Medical University have released new data on occult HBV infection (OBI), highlighting the challenges in distinguishing between false positives and true OBI among NAT+/HBsAg- donors. The study emphasized the importance of analyzing detection patterns and investigating S gene mutations to improve infection status confirmation and donor management. The research focused on blood donors detected for HBV using individual-NAT and HBsAg enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, with a total of 336,537 blood donors being detected, and 556 (0.16%) NAT+/HBsAg- cases identified.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study detected 556 (0.16%) NAT+/HBsAg- cases among a total of 336,537 blood donors, with 297 donors undergoing confirmation of infection status.
  • Among the confirmed donors, 112 (37.71%) were confirmed by routine dHBV, 152 (51.18%) by 3-repeated dHBV, and 43 (14.48%) by multiple serial NATs.
  • The study found that 187 donors (62.96%) were confirmed HBV-infected, significantly higher than routine dHBV alone (P < 0.01).
  • The research concluded that further molecular research on S gene mutations is essential for elucidating OBI mechanisms and enhancing assay sensitivity.
  • The study identified S gene mutations related with OBI through molecular characterization and sequencing analysis.
  • The research highlighted the importance of serial NAT results in assessing temporal fluctuations in infection status.

Statistics:

  • 336,537 blood donors were detected for HBV using individual-NAT and HBsAg enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
  • 556 (0.16%) NAT+/HBsAg- cases were identified among the detected blood donors.
  • 297 donors underwent confirmation of their infection status.
  • 112 (37.71%) of the donors were confirmed by routine dHBV.
  • 152 (51.18%) of the donors were confirmed by 3-repeated dHBV.
  • 43 (14.48%) of the donors were confirmed by multiple serial NATs.
  • 187 donors (62.96%) were confirmed HBV-infected.
  • The p-value for the comparison between routine dHBV and multiple serial NATs was P < 0.01.

Sources:

  • Comprehensive evaluation of NAT+/HBsAg- blood donors: confirmation strategies, serial testing outcomes, and S gene mutations associated with occult HBV infection. BMC Infectious Diseases, 2025;25(1):1349.
  • BMC Infectious Diseases can be contacted at: Bmc, Campus, 4 Crinan St, London N1 9XW, England.
  • BioMed Central - www.biomedcentral.com/; BMC Infectious Diseases - www.biomedcentral.com/bmcinfectdis/
  • Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 31 Lu yuan Rd, Guangzhou City, Guangdong, 510095, People's Republic of China.

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