Correlation between hepatitis B surface antigen titers and HBV DNA levels

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype D is prevalent globally.
• Hepatitis B e antigen-negative (HBeAg -ve) infection represents a distinct phase of chronic HBV.
• Understanding the relationship between viral markers is crucial for disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between serum Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) titers and HBV DNA levels.
• To evaluate HBsAg as a potential predictor of HBV DNA load in HBeAg -ve HBV genotype D patients.

Main Methods:

• Study included 106 treatment-naïve patients with HBeAg -ve HBV genotype D infection.
• Patients were categorized into inactive carrier (IC) and active hepatitis (AH) states.
• HBV DNA quantified by real-time PCR; HBsAg titers measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay.

Main Results:

• Median HBsAg titers were significantly lower in the IC group (3.09 log10 IU/mL) compared to the AH group (3.68 log10 IU/mL).
• A cutoff HBsAg titer of 3.79 log10 IU/mL was suggested to differentiate between IC and AH states.
• Significant positive correlations were observed between HBsAg titers and HBV DNA levels across all patient groups.

Conclusions:

• Serum HBsAg titers demonstrate a correlation with HBV DNA levels in HBeAg -ve HBV genotype D patients.
• HBsAg levels can serve as a useful clinical predictor for serum HBV DNA levels in this patient cohort.
• These findings support the integration of HBsAg titer measurement into routine clinical practice for managing HBV infection.