Atopic dermatitis is inversely associated with hepatitis B antigen positivity: a population-based cohort study

Background: No clear association between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and atopic dermatitis (AD) has been established. Some studies have reported that subjects with HBV had an increased risk of atopy; other studies reported an inverse association between HBV seropositivity and allergic diseases. Objective: We evaluated the association between AD and hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) positivity using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Methods: In total, 14 776 participants aged >19 years were included in the analysis. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the odds ratio of HBsAg positivity in association with AD and asthma. Results: The prevalence of HBsAg positivity was lower in individuals with AD than in those without AD (mean [SE], 0.7% [0.4] vs. 3.7% [0.2]; P < 0.001). However, HBsAg positivity was not significantly associated with asthma (3.7% [0.2] vs. 2.8% [0.8]; P < 0.001). HBsAg positivity decreased the risk of AD significantly (OR = 0.223; 95% CI = 0.069–0.72). Conclusions: This study demonstrates an inverse association between AD and HBsAg positivity using a nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional health examination and survey.