Horizontal transmission of a hepatitis B virus surface antigen mutant

• Published in: Journal of clinical microbiology Vol. 38; no. 2; pp. 938 - 939
• Main Authors: Chen, W N, Oon, C J, Koh, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Society for Microbiology 01-02-2000
• Subjects: Adult; Disease Transmission, Infectious; Diseases in Twins; Female; Hepatitis B - transmission; Hepatitis B - virology; Hepatitis B surface antigen; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens - genetics; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis B virus - genetics; Hepatitis B virus - immunology; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Letters to the Editor; Mutation; Polymerase Chain Reaction - methods
• ISSN: 0095-1137; 1098-660X
• DOI: 10.1128/jcm.38.2.938-939.2000

The envelope protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is referred to as the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). The antigenic "a" determinant is located from residue 124 to 147 of HBsAg and is involved in eliciting antibody production. Neutralizing antibodies (anti-HBs) target the "a" determinant and generally lead to the disappearance of HBV. The coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs has been associated with mutations in the "a" determinant. Displaying altered antigenic structures, these HBsAg mutants are capable of escaping detection and vaccination. Some are infectious and are associated with liver diseases. While some may be transmitted vertically, no horizontal transmission of these HBsAg mutants has previously been described. We report the horizontal transmission of an HBsAg mutant (Asp144Ala) from an infected infant to his wild-type-HBV carrier Singaporan mother who gave birth to two identical twins in 1984. Despite vaccination at birth, both infants tested positive for HBsAg beginning at birth.