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Chronic hepatitis in HBsAg carriers with serum HBV-DNA and anti-HBe

F Bonino, F Rosina, M Rizzetto

    Gastroenterology
    |May 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Hepatitis B virus-deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV-DNA) in carriers with hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe) indicates severe liver disease and potential for cirrhosis. Detecting HBV-DNA in anti-HBe carriers may guide treatment decisions for hepatitis B.

    Area of Science:

    • Hepatology
    • Virology
    • Immunology

    Background:

    • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health concern.
    • Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion to antibody (anti-HBe) is a marker of disease remission.
    • The role of HBV-DNA in anti-HBe positive carriers requires further elucidation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To compare clinical and serologic features of HBV carriers with anti-HBe.
    • To determine the significance of HBV-DNA presence in anti-HBe positive carriers.
    • To correlate HBV markers with liver disease severity and progression.

    Main Methods:

    • Longitudinal follow-up of 118 hepatitis B surface antigen carriers.
    • Serum HBV-DNA detection using molecular hybridization.
    • Assessment of liver function tests and liver histology.
    • Immunohistochemical analysis of hepatitis B core antigen in liver biopsies.

    Main Results:

    • HBV-DNA positive anti-HBe carriers exhibited significant liver disease, with 9 developing cirrhosis.
    • HBV-DNA negative anti-HBe carriers mostly had normal liver function and minor histological damage.
    • Hepatitis B core antigen was predominantly cytoplasmic in HBV-DNA positive carriers and nuclear in HBeAg positive carriers.
    • Seroconversion to anti-HBe correlated with viral replication termination and disease remission.

    Conclusions:

    • Presence of HBV-DNA in anti-HBe carriers signifies active viral replication and is associated with severe, progressive liver disease.
    • HBV-DNA detection in anti-HBe carriers may serve as a prognostic marker and an indicator for antiviral therapy.
    • Understanding HBV-DNA status in anti-HBe carriers is crucial for patient management and treatment strategies.

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