Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on HBV-Infected Patients

Abstract

Background: Hepatic manifestations of COVID-19 are prevalent in individuals infected with viral hepatitis type B (HBV). Objectives: The current study aims to determine the extent of the HBV reactivation depending on the immune impact on patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Materials and Methods: One hundred forty-one hospitalized cases were divided into patients infected with HBV with/without SARS-CoV-2 diagnosed by automatic fluorescent immunoassay system COVID-19 Ab (IgM/IgG). Next, HBV reactivation was assessed using hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBcAb (IgM), HBeAg, and HBeAb ELISA test. Results: The results showed significant differences in HBV reactivation patients with SARS-CoV-2 at P < 0.05. Out of 141 HBV patients, 115 (1, 80, and 34) had positive COVID-19 in IgM, IgG, and IgM with IgG, respectively. The results of reactivation test showed 34.07% of patients have HBV reactivation. Conclusions: The HBV reactivation patients had been recorded in acute and chronic cases of HBV patients, where no severe cases were recorded compared with the advanced cases of the disease who received immunosuppressive therapy and biological treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the special care of persons exposed to infection with SARS-CoV-2 to patients infected with viral hepatitis, in particular, advanced cases of the disease and their stages of treatment as it leads to liver dysfunction and life-threatening complications.