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Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
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Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA

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Hepatitis B and C viruses in the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma; a study in Greece using third-generation

H E Kuper1, A Tzonou, E Kaklamani

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Cancer Causes & Control : CCC
|March 10, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are significant causes of liver cancer (HCC). In Greece, HBV was linked to 58% of HCC cases, HCV to 12%, and dual infections to 3%.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health concern.
  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are primary etiological agents for HCC worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific roles of HBV and HCV in the development of HCC.
  • To quantify the contribution of HBV and HCV infections to HCC incidence in Athens, Greece.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 333 HCC patients and 2 control groups (272 metastatic liver cancer patients, 360 hospitalized for other conditions) in Athens.
  • Blood samples and questionnaire data were collected between 1995 and 1998.
  • Sera were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) using enzyme immunoassays.

Main Results:

  • High odds ratios were observed for HBV (48.8) and HCV (23.2) in HCC cases compared to controls.
  • Concurrent HBV and HCV infection showed an odds ratio of 46.2.
  • HBV accounted for 58% of HCC cases, HCV for 12%, and dual infection for 3% in this population.

Conclusions:

  • Both HBV and HCV are critical contributors to HCC etiology in the studied population.
  • The data suggest a strong association between these viral infections and liver cancer development.
  • While interaction is not definitively proven, the findings highlight the significant public health impact of HBV and HCV in HCC.
Abstract

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