Validation of quantitative hepatitis B virus DNA and hepatitis B e antigen titers in patients of chronic hepatitis B virus infection on entecavir therapy at tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: The management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is complex due to its natural history, which includes fluctuating viral replication and associated hepatic dysfunction. Aims and Objectives: The study was conducted to evaluate quantitative hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) titers in patients of chronic HBV infection on entecavir and to find the rate of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive patients among clinically suspected cases of hepatitis. The objective of the study was to find the rate of HBeAg-positive patients in HBsAg-positive cases on entecavir and to correlate the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with status of HBeAg and HBV DNA level in HBsAg-positive cases on entecavir. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 87,600 patients from MG hospital, affiliated with RVRS Medical college in Bhilwara, Rajasthan. Screening of HBsAg was performed using rapid card test method, HBeAg was done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and HBV DNA was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Aspartate aminotransferase and ALT were also measured. Results: Blood samples from 87,600 individuals who had a clinical suspicion of having hepatitis B were used in the study. A total of 3650 people (4.1%) had positive HBsAg tests. Of the 3650 (4.1%), 312 (8.54%) experienced a chronic illness. 109 (312) showed positive HBeAg, 102 (312) had elevated ALT enzyme levels, and 117 (312) had positive HBV DNA among the 312 people with CHB. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of our study indicate a low prevalence of CHB virus infection.

Keywords

• hepatitis b surface antigen; chronic hepatitis; hepatitis b virus dna; entecavir; hepatitis b e antigen