Occult Hepatitis B Infection in Kidney Transplant Patients

Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is still a topic of debate worldwide. It defined as the presence virus (HBV) DNA in serum and/or liver from HBsAg-negative subjects. OBI may lead to development cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. continues present several unique challenges organ transplantation despite availability an effective vaccine prevent HBV introduction oral therapy treat infection. reactivation following can occur even recipients with absent surface antigen remains important cause morbidity mortality. Concerning complications, screening by highly sensitive molecular means should be implemented for both transplant donors especially endemic areas HBV. In era potent antivirals evolving knowledge, HBsAg (+) renal candidates monitored successfully treated. Kidney organs anti-HBc–positive considered after weighing risk-benefit ratio. All receive vaccination if they are not immune facilitate receipt donor anti-HBc seropositivity.