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Antibody to hepatitis-B core antigen in patients with primary hepatic carcinoma
Insights
Hepatitis B virus infection, indicated by antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), is more prevalent in primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) patients across Hong Kong, West Africa, and the US. This supports a link between chronic hepatitis B and PHC, particularly in Asian and African populations.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) is a significant global health concern.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a known risk factor for liver diseases.
- The etiological role of chronic HBV in PHC requires further investigation across diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) in patients with PHC and control groups.
- To compare anti-HBc prevalence across different geographical regions including Hong Kong, West Africa, and the United States.
- To assess the association between anti-HBc and PHC to support or refute the HBV hypothesis.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from PHC patients and healthy controls from three distinct geographical regions.
- Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) was assayed using serological methods.
- Prevalence rates of anti-HBc were calculated and compared between patient and control groups within each region.
Main Results:
- Anti-HBc prevalence was consistently higher in PHC patients compared to controls in all studied regions.
- Prevalence ranged from 70-95% in PHC patients and 20-68% in controls from Asia and Africa.
- In the US, 24% of PHC patients and 4% of controls tested positive for anti-HBc.
Conclusions:
- The findings strongly support the hypothesis that chronic hepatitis B virus infection is etiologically linked to primary hepatic carcinoma.
- This association appears particularly significant in Asian and African populations.
- While HBV is a key factor, other co-existing factors likely contribute to PHC development.
Abstract:
Antibody to hepatitis-B core antigen (anti-HBc) was assayed in the serum of patients with primary hepatic carcinoma (P.H.C.) and controls from Hong Kong, West Africa, and the United States. In each region the prevalence of anti-HBc was higher in P.H.C. patients than in controls, ranging from 70 to 95% in the patients and from 20 to 68% in the controls from Asia and Africa; 24% of P.H.C. patients and 4% of controls from the U.S. had anti-HBc. These data support the hypothesis that chronic infection with hepatitis-B virus is aetiologically related to P.H.C., especially in Asia and Africa, although other factors must also be involved.