Transient reactivation of occult hepatitis B virus infection despite lamivudine prophylaxis in a patient treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

• DOI: 10.1007/s15010-012-0305-y
• Publication Date: 2012-08-01T08:48:51Z
• Authors: Gilda Tonziello; Marintonietta Pis...; Antonello Sica; Maria Giovanna Fe...; Caterina Sagnelli; Giuseppe Pasquale; Evangelista Sagnelli; Salvatore Guastaf...; Nicola Coppola
• Keywords: Discontinuation; Occult; Hepatitis B

A female patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma who tested positive for surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus and negative for hepatitis B core antibody experienced a reactivation of occult HBV infection 20 months after rituximab discontinuation despite lamivudine prophylaxis covering the 4 months of rituximab administration and the subsequent 12 months.