Status of Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Deposition in Renal Tissue among Glomerulonephritis Patients

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) related glomerulonephritis (GN) may be found in HBV seropositive as well as seronegative patients. HBV may present in the renal tissue of such patients.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess status of HBsAg deposition in renal tissue among glomerulonephritis patients.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Nephrology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period of July 2015 to June 2016. All diagnosed GN patients both HBV seropositive and seronegative aged more than 18 years of both sexes admitted in the department of Nephrology BSMMU were taken as the study population. Serological tests both HBsAg and anti-HBc (total) were done to identify the HBV seropositive and seronegative individuals by ELISA technique and Chemiluminescense Method respectively. Renal biopsy was done percutaneously through a posterior approach. Immunohistochemistry and one core were preserved in normal saline for direct immunofluorescence (DIF). Both test tubes were sent to find out histological features and presence of HBsAg in renal biopsy tissue in Pathology Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka.

Results: HBsAg antigen in renal tissue was found in 2 patients among 7 patients who were seropositive for both HBsAg and Anti-HBc antibody (total), 2 patients among 8 patients who were HBsAg seronegative but Anti-HBc (total) seropositive, 2 patients among 38 patients who were seronegative for both HBsAg and Anti-HBc (total). There were no patients in this study who was HBsAg seropositive but Anti HBc (total) seronegative. Total 11.3% (6 patients) of renal biopsy specimens were found to have HBsAg deposits which included 3 cases of Membranoproliferative GN and one of each of Membranous nephropathy, Mesangial proliferative GN and IgA nephropathy.

Conclusion: The high rate of HBsAg deposits has been found in renal tissue among GN patients.

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Microbiology, January 2022;16(1):14-18