Hepatitis B e Antigen Negative Chronic Hepatitis in Indian Patients : A Reality

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Hepatitis B e antigen negative chronic hepatitis (e(-) CHB) with detectable HBV DNA is observed in Asia.
• The prevalence and clinical correlation of e(-) CHB in India were previously unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of e(-) CHB in Indian patients with chronic liver disease.
• To correlate the presence of e(-) CHB with clinical status and disease severity.

Main Methods:

• Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive patients were identified using ELISA.
• Liver function tests, HBeAg/anti-HBe antibody studies, and qualitative HBV DNA detection via PCR were performed.

Main Results:

• Out of 2064 samples, 429 (20.78%) were HBsAg positive; 74 (17.2%) of these had detectable HBV DNA.
• 8.3% of HBeAg negative patients (32/384) were viraemic with evidence of chronic liver disease.
• Three HBeAg positive cases (0.84%) lacked detectable HBV DNA.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of e(-) CHB in India is 8.3% among HBV-infected patients.
• Detectable HBV DNA in e(-) CHB patients suggests they may benefit from antiviral therapy.
• Further population studies are needed to understand the natural course and treatment response of e(-) CHB.