# The status of occult HBV infection in a high endemic region: risk of community HBV transmission and reactivation

## TL;DR

This study found that occult hepatitis B virus infection is present in a high-risk region of Uganda, highlighting a hidden risk for transmission and liver cancer.

## Contribution

The study provides new prevalence data on occult HBV infection in a high endemic region of Uganda.

## Key findings

- OBI was detected in 5.43% of HBsAg-negative participants.
- Most OBI cases were in individuals 30 years old or younger and had normal liver enzyme levels.
- The average viral load among OBI cases was 194.4 IU/mL.

## Abstract

Occult hepatitis B virus (OBI) infection, characterized by the presence of HBV DNA in the absence of detectable HBsAg in the blood, is considered a potential hidden pathway for HBV transmission and reactivation, which can lead to liver cancer. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of OBI in a region of Uganda with high HBV endemicity, in order to help explain variations in HBV distribution within the country.

Among the 387 participants who tested negative for HBsAg, the majority were women (240 individuals, 62.0%), married (242 individuals, 62.5%), and aged 30 years or older (207 individuals, 53.5%). The OBI was detected in 21 participants (5.43%). Most of those with OBI were 30 years old or younger (13 individuals, 61.9%), male (12 individuals, 57.1%), had normal liver enzyme levels, and showed an average viral load of 194.4 IU/mL with a standard deviation (SD) of ± 122.05.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-025-07337-6.