1. Hepatitis B Virus Christian A. García Sepúlveda MD PhD
Laboratorio de Biología Molecular
Facultad de Medicina
Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí

2. Hepatitis B Virus Introduction
250 million people infected worldwide.
In areas of Africa and East Asia, 50% of the population may be seropositive, 5-15% may be chronically infected (carriers).
Carriers are 200x more likely than non-carriers to develop primary hepatocellular carcinoma.
300,000 cases per year in the US; 4,000 fatalities.
70-90% of maternal-neonatal infections result in chronic infection.
³8% - High: Early childhood infection, lifetime risk of infection 60%
2-7% - Intermediate: Infection at all ages, lifetime risk of infection 20%-60%
<2% - Low: Infection as adult, lifetime risk of infection <20%

3. Hepatitis B Virus Taxonomy
Hepadnavirus family has primate (HBV) as well as Rodent (WHV) and avian (DHBV) representatives.
HBV and WHV have 80% homology (nt)
HBV and DHBV have 40% homology (nt)
Hepadnavirus must have existed before the speciation of birds and mammals.
DHBV possesses the smallest genome of known animal viruses (3021 bp).

4. Hepatitis B Virus Taxonomy
Baltimore Classification: Group VII for dsDNA-RT integrating viruses.
Enveloped virion containing partial double-stranded circular DNA genome
Replication occurs through an RNA intermediate
Virus encodes and carries a reverse transcriptase
Virus encodes several antigenically and clinically predictive important proteins

5. Hepatitis B Virus Morphology
Virion also referred to as Dane particle.
42 nm enveloped virus.
Expresses surface antigens (HBsAg).
Core antigen (HbcAg) located in the center (nucleocapsid).
Minor core component e antigen (HBeAg) antigenically distinct from HBcAg.
22 nm spheres and filaments are not infectious, outnumber the actual virions (subviral).
25 nm
22 nm
100 – 700 nm
HBsAg = 4 phenotypes : adw, adr, ayw and ayr
HBcAg = inner core protein (a single serotype)
HBeAg = secreted protein; function unknown

6. Hepatitis B Virus Morphology
Outer plasma membrane derived from host cell (envelope)
Surface antigens embedded in envelope are glycoproteins.
Three sizes (L, M & S) glycoproteins.
Icosahedral core assures stability (HBcAg)

7. Hepatitis B Virus Morphology
Three Surface Glycoproteins:
The small protein (SHBs) is encoded by the S region.
% of Surface GP.
Large protein (LHBs) encoded by
pre-S1, pre-S2, and S region.
- 1-2% of Surface GP.
Middle protein (MHBs) encoded by
the pre-S2 and S regions.
- 5-15% of Surface GP.
The SHBs is the most common form of these proteins.

8. Hepatitis B Virus Genome
“Dane particles” enclose a single circular, incomplete double stranded DNA genome.
Regulatory and structural sequences for viral transcription included.
Extensive overlap of genes.
HBV genome adopts two forms: rc-DNA and cccDNA
In the virion, the genome exists as rcDNA (transcriptionally useless but great at saving information).
In the hepatocyte, the genome exists as cccDNA
which is transcriptionally active and serves as a reference to replicate more rcDNA.
rcDNA
cccDNA

9. Hepatitis B Virus Genome
rcDNA
Relaxed circular DNA
Partially double-stranded
L strand or (-)DNA strand is complete and has a short 5’ terminal redundancy covalently coupled to a protein (polymerase).
S strand or (+)DNA strand is incomplete, only 2/3 of the L strand, 5’ end has RNA primer and the length of the 3’ end is variable.
3’ end of L strand overlaps 5’ end of S strand.
rcDNA
cccDNA

10. Hepatitis B Virus Genome
cccDNA
Covalently Closed Circular DNA
After cell entry (+)DNA strand is completed.
5’ RNA oligo is removed from the (+)DNA.
Pol and 3’ short terminal redundant sequences are removed from (-)DNA.
Two strands are covalently ligated by host repair enzymes.
Strands are stabilized with host cell nucleosomes and might be supercoiled.
Remains as a plasmid within hepatocytes.
Used as a replication/transcription template.
rcDNA
cccDNA

11. Hepatitis B Virus Genome
The partially double-stranded relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) indicated with thick black line.
P covalently linked to the 5´ end of the (-)DNA.
RNA primer (zigzag line) at the 5´ end of (+)DNA.
The dashed line symbolizes the heterogeneous lengths of the (+)-strands.
DR1 and DR2 are the direct repeats.
The outer circle symbolizes the terminally redundant pgRNA with ε close to the 5´ end, and the poly-A tail at the 3´ end.
The precore mRNAis nearly identical, except it starts slightly upstream.
The relative positions of the open reading frames for core (C), P, preS/S, and X are shown inside.

12. Hepatitis B Virus Genome
The partially double-stranded relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) indicated with thick black line.
P covalently linked to the 5´ end of the (-)DNA.
RNA primer (zigzag line) at the 5´ end of (+)DNA.
The dashed line symbolizes the heterogeneous lengths of the (+)-strands.
DR1 and DR2 are the direct repeats.
The outer circle symbolizes the terminally redundant pgRNA with ε close to the 5´ end, and the poly-A tail at the 3´ end.
The precore mRNAis nearly identical, except it starts slightly upstream.
The relative positions of the open reading frames for core (C), P, preS/S, and X are shown inside.

13. Hepatitis B Virus Genome
The partially double-stranded relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) indicated with thick black line.
P covalently linked to the 5´ end of the (-)DNA.
RNA primer (zigzag line) at the 5´ end of (+)DNA.
The dashed line symbolizes the heterogeneous lengths of the (+)-strands.
DR1 and DR2 are the direct repeats.
The outer circle symbolizes the terminally redundant pgRNA with ε close to the 5´ end, and the poly-A tail at the 3´ end.
The precore mRNAis nearly identical, except it starts slightly upstream.
The relative positions of the open reading frames for core (C), P, preS/S, and X are shown inside.

14. Hepatitis B Virus Genome
The partially double-stranded relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) indicated with thick black line.
P covalently linked to the 5´ end of the (-)DNA.
RNA primer (zigzag line) at the 5´ end of (+)DNA.
The dashed line symbolizes the heterogeneous lengths of the (+)-strands.
DR1 and DR2 are the direct repeats.
The outer circle symbolizes the terminally redundant pgRNA with ε close to the 5´ end, and the poly-A tail at the 3´ end.
The precore mRNAis nearly identical, except it starts slightly upstream.
The relative positions of the open reading frames for core (C), P, preS/S, and X are shown inside.

15. Hepatitis B Virus Genome
The partially double-stranded relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) indicated with thick black line.
P covalently linked to the 5´ end of the (-)DNA.
RNA primer (zigzag line) at the 5´ end of (+)DNA.
The dashed line symbolizes the heterogeneous lengths of the (+)-strands.
DR1 and DR2 are the direct repeats.
The outer circle symbolizes the terminally redundant pgRNA with ε close to the 5´ end, and the poly-A tail at the 3´ end.
The precore mRNAis nearly identical, except it starts slightly upstream.
The relative positions of the open reading frames for core (C), P, preS/S, and X are shown inside.

16. Hepatitis B Virus Genome
The partially double-stranded relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) indicated with thick black line.
P covalently linked to the 5´ end of the (-)DNA.
RNA primer (zigzag line) at the 5´ end of (+)DNA.
The dashed line symbolizes the heterogeneous lengths of the (+)-strands.
DR1 and DR2 are the direct repeats.
The outer circle symbolizes the terminally redundant pgRNA with ε close to the 5´ end, and the poly-A tail at the 3´ end.
The precore mRNAis nearly identical, except it starts slightly upstream.
The relative positions of the open reading frames for core (C), P, preS/S, and X are shown inside.

17. Hepatitis B Virus Genome
The partially double-stranded relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) indicated with thick black line.
P covalently linked to the 5´ end of the (-)DNA.
RNA primer (zigzag line) at the 5´ end of (+)DNA.
The dashed line symbolizes the heterogeneous lengths of the (+)-strands.
DR1 and DR2 are the direct repeats.
The outer circle symbolizes the terminally redundant pgRNA with ε close to the 5´ end, and the poly-A tail at the 3´ end.
The precore mRNAis nearly identical, except it starts slightly upstream.
The relative positions of the open reading frames for core (C), P, preS/S, and X are shown inside.

18. Hepatitis B Virus Genome
The partially double-stranded relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) indicated with thick black line.
P covalently linked to the 5´ end of the (-)DNA.
RNA primer (zigzag line) at the 5´ end of (+)DNA.
The dashed line symbolizes the heterogeneous lengths of the (+)-strands.
DR1 and DR2 are the direct repeats.
The outer circle symbolizes the terminally redundant pgRNA with ε close to the 5´ end, and the poly-A tail at the 3´ end.
The precore mRNAis nearly identical, except it starts slightly upstream.
The relative positions of the open reading frames for core (C), P, preS/S, and X are shown inside.

19. Hepatitis B Virus Open Reading Frames (ORFs)
There are 4 open reading frames in the same strand (+)DNA
S – the surface antigen
Three different polypeptides produced from three different alternative translation ATGs.
C - the core protein
And its minor (preC) component
P - the polymerase
Has a Terminal Protein (TP) domain.
X – the viral transcription transactivator.
Conserved in all mammals (but not avian) hepadnaviruses.
Though not essential in transfected cells, it is required for infection in vivo.

20. Hepatitis B Virus Open Reading Frames (ORFs)
HBV Genome has an inner (+)DNA strand that is almost circular and has varying lengths.
(+)DNA strand has a DR2 and DR1 cassette at the 5’ end.

21. Hepatitis B Virus Open Reading Frames (ORFs)
An outer (-)DNA strand is full length and close to 3.5 kb long.
It also has a DR1 at the 5’ end and a DR2 at the 3’ end.
(-)DNA DR1 and DR2 complement (+)DNA DR1 and DR2.
It is covalently associated to a Terminal Protein Domain of the Polymerase.

22. Hepatitis B Virus Open Reading Frames (ORFs)
Most of the HBV genome is dedicated to encoding the Polymerase (ORF P).
Surface antigen (S) is encoded as a single mRNA transcript which includes:
- pre-S1
- pre-S2 and
- ORF S
Alternate start codons lead to their translation.
Core protein and minor component ara encoded by first ORF (ORF C).
Last ORF codes for X protein (ORF X).

23. Hepatitis B Virus Open Reading Frames (ORFs)
Each ORF is transcribed into seperate mRNAs.
Each mRNA is translated to produce the different proteins.

24. Hepatitis B Virus Life Cycle

25. Hepatitis B Virus Replication
Replication of the hepadnaviral genome can broadly be divided into three phases:
(1) Infectious virions contain a partially double-stranded circular but not covalently closed DNA genome of about 3.2 kb in length (relaxed circular, or rcDNA) inside their inner icosahedric core.

26. Hepatitis B Virus Replication
(2) Upon infection, the RC-DNA is converted, inside the host cell nucleus, into a plasmid-like covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA).

27. Hepatitis B Virus Replication
(3) Genomic and subgenomic RNAs are transcribed by cellular RNA polymerase II from cccDNA.

28. Hepatitis B Virus Replication
- Pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) selectively packaged into progeny capsids and is reverse transcribed by the P protein into new rcDNA genomes.

29. Hepatitis B Virus Replication
- Matured rcDNA containing-but not immature RNA containing nucleocapsids can be used for intracellular cccDNA amplification, or be enveloped and released from the cell as progeny virions.

30. Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes
First DNA sequence for HBV publshed in 1979 by Galibert et al.
Genotypes are defined as a group of nt sequences that exhibit ≥ 92% homology and diverge from other sequences by ≥ 8%.
Genotypes geographical distribution
A & D relatively ubiquitous.
D rare in N Europe & Americas.
G is least known, posibly ubiquitous.
B & C are predominanty Asian
E Subsaharan Africa
F South/Central America
H Central America and Southern US
Phylogenetic tree of HBV genotypes and subtypes.

31. Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes
First DNA sequence for HBV publshed in 1979 by Galibert et al.
Genotypes are defined as a group of nt sequences that exhibit ≥ 92% homology and diverge from other sequences by ≥ 8%.
New World Genotypes F & H are on
same phylogenetic branch as the WM Non-human Primate WM sequences…
Indictaes a zoonotic transmission of these genotypes to humans of Central and South America.
Phylogenetic tree of HBV genotypes and subtypes.

32. Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes
Characteristics of HBV genotypes and subtypes
Main serotypes in bold bp aminoacids

33. Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes and Clinical Outcome
A genotypes may lead to more Chronic Hepatitis than D genotypes in some countries.
A genotypes also easier to clear.
C genotypes progress more rapidly to cirrhosis and hepatocelular carcinoma.
F genotypes (Amazonian basin) linked to fulminant hepatitis in HDV coinfected Hosa.
G genotypes associated with increased liver fibrosis in HIV patients.
Genotypes A & B have higher chance of becoming HBeAg negative than Genotypes C & D.
In the Japanese population, Genotype B and C respond better to interferon treatment in contrast to Genotype A patients.

34. Hepatitis B Virus Emergence of Viral Mutants
Mutations can arise in any part of the

35. Hepatitis B Virus Serologic Course (Acute Infection w/recovery)
HBsAg
Can be detected in high levels in serum during acute or chronic HBV infection.
The presence of HBsAg indicates that the person is infectious.
The body normally produces antibodies to HBsAg as part of the normal immune response to infection.
HBsAg is the antigen used to make hepatitis B vaccine.

36. Hepatitis B Virus Serologic Course (Acute Infection w/recovery)
Anti-HBs
The presence of anti-HBs is generally interpreted as indicating recovery and immunity from HBV infection.
Anti-HBs also develops in a person who has been successfully vaccinated against hepatitis B.
HBsAg is the antigen used to make hepatitis B vaccine.

37. Hepatitis B Virus Serologic Course (Acute Infection w/recovery)
Total anti-HBc
Total hepatitis B core antibody.
Appears at the onset of symptoms in acute hepatitis B and persists for life.
The presence of anti-HBc indicates previous or ongoing infection with HBV in an undefined time frame.

38. Hepatitis B Virus Serologic Course (Acute Infection w/recovery)
IgM anti-HBc
IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen.
Positivity indicates recent infection with HBV (≤6 months). Its presence indicates acute infection.

39. Hepatitis B Virus Serologic Course (Acute Infection w/recovery)

40. Hepatitis B Virus Serologic Course (Acute Infection w/recovery)

41. Hepatitis B Virus Serologic Course (Acute Infection w/recovery)

42. Hepatitis B Virus Serologic Course (Acute Infection w/recovery)

43. Hepatitis B Virus Serologic Course (Acute Infection w/recovery)

44. Hepatitis B Virus Serologic Course (Acute Infection w/recovery)

45. Hepatitis B Virus HBV Testing
Testing recommended for:
- pregnant women
- infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers
- household contacts and sex partners of HBV-infected persons
- healthcare workers, laboratory personel
- persons infected with HIV
Serologic testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is the primary way to identify persons with chronic infection with HBV infection (CDC, Sep 2008).

46. Hepatitis B Virus HBV Testing (Chronic HBV Infection)

47. Hepatitis B Virus HBV Testing (Chronic HBV Infection)

48. Hepatitis B Virus HBV Testing (Chronic HBV Infection)

49. Hepatitis B Virus HBV Testing (ELISA)
Advantages
96 tests format
Objective results
Automatable
Appreciable sensitivity & Specificity
Narrower detection window
Disadvantages
Demands skill sets
Decade old method
Detection capability surpassed by newer methods
Sero-conversion detection panels

50. Hepatitis B Virus HBV Testing (Rapid Tests)
Rapid Assay
Observed Sensitivity (%), 95% CI *
Thermo stability (C)
Overall Ease of Use
Run Time (Minutes)
OraSure(OraQuick)
100,
Up to 30 5 20
AT FIRST (FIRST VUE)
100,
4-30 4 10
ALFA (Instant View)
15-30
Axiom (axiom HCV)
98,
2-30
Core (Core HCV)
4- 30 3 15
MedMira (MiraWell)
100**, 2
Biokit (Biorapid)
84,
2-25C/RT
N/A

51. Hepatitis B Virus HBV Testing (Rapid Tests)
Kit Insert Data
Biorapid HCV
Biorapid HBsAg
Sensitivity
.994 ( )
(N=176)
“able to detect HBsAg concentrations of 5IU/ml or higher”
Specificity
.987 ( )
(N=472)
“>98% in studies with blood donors’ samples”
Storage Temp.
2-25C
2-8C
Testing Temp.
“Room Temp.”
Sample Types
S, P, WB
S, P
Volume Needed
25µl
125µl

52. Hepatitis B Virus HBV Testing (Rapid Tests)
Conclusions Biorapid Evaluation
Biorapid preformed poorly against panel specimens, but had no invalid results.
Also poor against clinical samples (84% sensitivity for HCV, 87.5% sensitivity for HBsAg) and had an 18% invalid rate with the HBsAg test.
Conclusion: Biorapid hepatitis rapid tests should be replaced by tests that perform better

53. Hepatitis B Virus HBV Testing (Chemiluminescence)
Advantages
Lasting luminescence
Increased sensitivity
High precision when automated
Wider detection limits
Limitations
Limited suppliers
Capital equipment

54. Hepatitis B Virus HBV Testing (NAT)
Advantages
Direct detection of viruses
Higher sensitivity than ELISA
Closure of window period of detection
Limitations
High skill sets
High TAT
Infra-structure
Sample processing step yet to be automated
Room for error
Cost of single NAT: 10X ELISA

55. Hepatitis B Virus HBV Testing (Blood Banks)
FDA recommendations for the management of donors and units based on an algorithm that permits the reentry of some donors when positive for NAT.
Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) of Hepatitis B.
Screening of donors of Whole Blood and blood components for transfusion (WB) and Source Plasma (SP) for the manufacture of injectable plasma derivatives.
Current mandatory scheme for blood banks based on HBsAg and HBcAg.
Recent introduction of FDA approved COBAS AmpliScreen HBV Test.
NAT still optional.
Centers will need to make decisions regarding donor/unit management based on test result combinations
How to intepret NAT results (optional) in the context of serological screening (mandatory).

56. Hepatitis B Virus HBV Testing (Blood Banks)
Consistent with current regulations and guidance documents:
Whole Blood/Components for transfusion is tested for
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
- Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc)
Source Plasma for further manufacture is tested for
- HBsAg
FDA’s current position regarding NAT:
If a unit tests HBV NAT negative:
- Donor/unit management is c/w current FDA requirements and recommendations for HBsAg and anti-HBc.
- Units that test NAT and serology negative used.
If a unit tests HBV NAT positive:
- Units that test NAT and /or serology positive not used.
- Donor indefinitely deferred.

57. Hepatitis B Virus HBV Testing (Blood Banks)
Algorithm for Whole Blood and Blood Components for Transfusion
Category
HBV NAT
HBsAg
Anti-HBc
Donor and Unit 1
Positive
Repeat Reactive/
neutralized
Non-Reactive
Unit Not Used, Donor Permanently Deferred 2
Repeat Reactive 3
Not neutralized 4 5
Unit Not Used, Donor Indef Deferred, May be reentered 6

58. Hepatitis B Virus HBV Testing (Blood Banks)
Algorithm for Source Plasma
Category
HBV NAT
HBsAg
Donor and Unit 1
Positive
Repeat Reactive/
Neutralized = Positive
Unit not used, Donor Permanently Deferred 2
Non Reactive
Unit not used, Donor Indefinitely Deferred,
Possible reentry 3
Not Neutralized

59. Hepatitis B Virus HBV Testing (Blood Banks)
During clinical trials of Roche’s COBAS AmpliScreen HBV NAT.
- donor follow-up studies showed that the maximum period of time that HBV DNA preceded HBsAg detection was 17 days, and anti-HBc detection was 48 days .

60. Hepatitis B Virus HBV Testing (Blood Banks)
Therefore, FDA recommends a minimum 6-month waiting period after a positive HBV NAT result with negative serology results prior to retesting.
A sample (not a donation) is collected at least 6 months after the index donation
For Whole Blood/Components for transfusion donors, sample tested for HBsAg, anti-HBc, HBV DNA by individual sample NAT
For Source Plasma donors, sample tested for HBsAg and HBV DNA by individual sample NAT.
If positive NAT obtained, donor should be permanently deferred, irrespective of serology results.
Only negative individual NAT and negative serologic test(s), collected at least 6 months after the index donation, qualifies the donor for reentry.