Detection of Hepatitis B Virus in Cerumen Samples of Chronic Carriers

Aim: The aim of the present study is to investigate the presence of HBV in the cerumen of HBV-infected patients and to discuss the role of cerumen in the transmission of HBV infection.

Material: The present study was performed on 23 cerumen samples collected without bleeding (which might alter the results) from HBV-positive patients.

Method: Cerumen samples were homogenized in saline. The patients' serum samples were examined for HBV serological markers. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), anti-hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe), anti-hepatitis B core antigen (total anti-HBc and anti-HBc immunoglobulin M), were detected with ELISA method.

Results: All patients were positive for HbsAg and anti-HBc. Nine subjects were positive for HbeAg. Hepatitis B virus was detected in seven cerumen samples. There was good correlation between serum HbeAg and cerumen HBV.

Conclusion: HBV in cerumen is most likely to be detected when serum HBV markers levels are high. Our results are in concordance with the literature. Thus, the presence of HBV in cerumen raises questions related to public health. All standard infection control precautions must be applied during otological examination.