Laboratory Effect of HBV Infection in Kidney Transplant Recipients and Donors

Background. Viral infections are the most common cause of opportunistic infections after kidney transplantation. Among hepatotropic viruses that induce kidney graft failure and rejection, hepatitis B virus (HBV) has an important and critical role. Extrahepatic HBV-related disorders increase morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant recipients. Objective. To analyze the molecular prevalence of HBV infection in kidney transplant recipients and donors before and after transplantation. Patients and Methods. This cross-sectional study included 273 serum samples collected between 2005 and 2008 in 96 kidney transplant recipients and 59 donors. Detection of HBV DNA was via amplification of the S gene fragment of HBV genome using a qualitative simple polymerase chain reaction assay. Also analyzed were statistical relationships between HBV infection and laboratory and clinical demographic data in all kidney transplant donors and recipients. Results. The HBV genome was detected in 102 of 273 serum samples. Molecular HBV infection was demonstrated in 2 of 13 serum samples (15.4%) from recipients tested before transplantation. HBV DNA was detected in 42 of 96 patients (43.7%) after kidney transplantation. The HBV genome was demonstrated in 21 of 59 donors (35.6%). Significant relationships were observed between HBV infections and hematologic and biochemical indices after kidney transplantation. Conclusion. Detection of a high molecular prevalence of HBV infection in kidney recipients enforces the importance of HBV infection in clinical outcome.