Detection and location of HBV in hepatitis B surface antigen seropositive donors’ corneas

Abstract

Abstract Introduction To investigate the presence and distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the corneas of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) seropositive donors in different preservation media and times. Materials and Methods Eight corneas were acquired from seven HBsAg seropositive donors. Four corneas were preserved in storage media for less than two weeks (group A), two corneas were put in glycerin for a month (group B), and two corneas were put in glycerin for a year (group C). Two corneas were acquired from two HBsAg seronegative donors and set as a control group. One was put into bottles with storage media for a week. Another was kept in glycerin for a year. Results Immunofluorescent staining was used to identify and localize HBsAg. With immunofluorescence staining, HBV surface antigens were observed in the epithelium and/or endothelium layer in three out of eight corneas of HBsAg seropositive donors. Conclusion The results show that HBsAg can be detected in the epithelium and/orendothelium layer of the cornea in HBsAg seropositive donors, regardless of preservation media or duration.