preprints.org > biology and life sciences > virology > doi: 10.20944/preprints202306.1305.v1

Preprint Case Report Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 18 June 2023 / Approved: 19 June 2023 / Online: 19 June 2023 (05:46:27 CEST)

Hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) is a well described result of immunosuppressive therapy initiation in a variety of diseases with dose and duration of treatment being the main factors determining the probability for reactivation. Such cases have been described also in Covid-19 patients treated with immunosuppressive therapies. Nevertheless, there have also been reported cases of Covid-19 infection that led to HBVr with no concurrent immunosuppressive therapy or any other described cause. In accordance with that observation, we present a patient followed for a period spanning 20 years with HBeAg negative chronic HBV infection and non-detectable HBV DNA who after a mild Covid-19 infection treated only with low dose and short duration inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), developed elevated AST and ALT as well as elevated HBV DNA levels. During the diagnostic workout other etiologies of abnormal liver biochemistries were excluded and thus the diagnosis of HBV reactivation was established and treated with entecavir. Since other causes of reactivation were excluded, and ICS dose and duration was found baring only a very low risk (<1%) for HBVr, Covid-19 infection could be considered the most probable cause of reactivation.

HBV reactivation; Covid-19; immunosuppressive therapy

Biology and Life Sciences, Virology

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