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Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
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Hepatitis B virus core and core-related antigen quantitation in Chinese patients with chronic genotype B and C

Akinori Rokuhara1, Xiaohong Sun, Eiji Tanaka

  • 1Department of Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
|October 26, 2005
PubMed

Insights

New Hepatitis B virus (HBV) assays measuring HBcrAg and HBcAg are clinically useful for quantifying HBV DNA in Chinese patients with chronic HBV genotypes B and C. These assays aid in analyzing infection status.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health concern.
  • Accurate measurement of HBV viral load is crucial for patient management.
  • Existing methods for HBV quantitation have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and assess the clinical utility of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core-related antigen (HBcrAg) and HBV core antigen (HBcAg) assays.
  • To evaluate these assays for measuring serum HBV load in Chinese patients with chronic HBV genotypes B and C.

Main Methods:

  • Serum HBcrAg and HBcAg were measured using chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay.
  • HBV DNA levels were quantified via sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.
  • Data were analyzed for HBV genotypes B and C, including the HBcrAg/HBcAg ratio in relation to HBeAg status.

Main Results:

  • Significant positive correlations were observed between HBcrAg/HBcAg concentrations and HBV DNA levels in both HBV/B and HBV/C genotypes (P < 0.001).
  • Established cut-off values for positive HBcAg and HBcrAg assays were determined.
  • The HBcrAg/HBcAg ratio was significantly higher in patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positivity.

Conclusions:

  • HBcrAg and HBcAg assays demonstrate clinical utility for viral quantitation in chronic Hepatitis B genotypes B and C.
  • These assays, particularly in combination, offer a valuable tool for analyzing the clinical status of HBV infection.
Abstract

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