Pathology Discussion Forum

Hepatitis B X protein (HBx), which is not necessary for virus replication, but may act as a transcriptional trans-activator of both viral genes and a subset of host genes.
It has been implicated in the pathogenesis of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Microscopic findings Presence of hypercellular glomeruli due to leukocytic infiltration, proliferation of endothelial and mesangial cells is characteristic of post streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Immunofluorescence microscopy shows the presence of IgG, IgM and C3 deposits in the mesangium and along the basement membrane giving ‘starry sky’ appearance.