Hepatitis B Core-Related Antigen Point-of-Care Tests as a Risk Stratification Tool for Treatment Eligibility:...

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global health concern.
• Accurate and accessible diagnostic tools are crucial for effective HBV management, particularly in resource-limited settings.
• Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) is a potential marker for HBV activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a point-of-care test for hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) in adults with chronic HBV infection.
• To assess the correlation of a positive HBcrAg test with HBV viral load, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status, and liver disease markers.

Main Methods:

• A point-of-care test for HBcrAg was administered to adults with HBV in Kilifi, Kenya.
• Hepatitis B viral load, HBeAg status, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and liver stiffness (elastography) were assessed.

Main Results:

• A positive HBcrAg point-of-care test accurately identified individuals with HBV viral load >200,000 IU/mL and HBeAg positivity.
• The test results correlated significantly with higher ALT levels (P = .03), elevated APRI scores (P < .001), and increased liver stiffness (P = .03).

Conclusions:

• The point-of-care HBcrAg test is a valuable tool for identifying individuals with high HBV replication and active infection.
• This rapid test shows promise for improving HBV diagnosis and management in clinical settings, especially in endemic regions.