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Infectiousness of HBsAg carriers in Malaysia
1Department of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Universiti Kebangsaan Malayasia, Kuala Lumpur.
Abstract:
HBV-DNA were analysed in 330 HBsAg-positive carriers in Malaysia by dot-blot hybridization and polymerase chain reaction. Seventy-three (22.12%) were positive for the virus. Of these, 65 (89%) were males and 8 (11%) were females. Statistically, there was no significant difference (P = 0.13). No significant decline in HBV-DNA with age in the Malay and Chinese males was observed (P = 0.2). Prevalence of HBV-DNA was higher in the Chinese carriers than in the Malay carriers for most age groups in both sexes. Sixty-one HBV-DNA-positive carriers were also positive for HBeAg. However, three individuals were positive only for anti-HBe, one was positive for both HBeAg and anti-HBe, and eight were negative for both HBeAg and anti-HBe. Fifty-seven were positive for HBeAg but negative for HBV-DNA. No relation was observed between raised alanine aminotransaminase and aspartate aminotransaminase levels and the presence of HBV-DNA (P = 0.4).
Insights
Hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV-DNA) was detected in 22.12% of HBsAg-positive carriers in Malaysia. Prevalence varied by ethnicity, with Chinese carriers showing higher HBV-DNA positivity than Malay carriers.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health concern.
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive carriers represent a reservoir for HBV transmission.
- Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of HBV DNA in carrier populations is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV-DNA) in HBsAg-positive carriers in Malaysia.
- To investigate demographic and ethnic variations in HBV-DNA prevalence.
- To explore the relationship between HBV-DNA, HBeAg status, and liver enzyme levels.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of HBV-DNA in 330 HBsAg-positive carriers using dot-blot hybridization and polymerase chain reaction.
- Assessment of Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and antibody (anti-HBe) status.
- Correlation of HBV-DNA presence with age, sex, ethnicity, and liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST).
Main Results:
- HBV-DNA was detected in 22.12% (73/330) of carriers.
- Prevalence was higher in Chinese carriers compared to Malay carriers across most age groups.
- No significant association was found between HBV-DNA presence and elevated ALT/AST levels.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of HBsAg-positive carriers in Malaysia harbor detectable HBV-DNA.
- Ethnic background influences HBV-DNA prevalence, suggesting potential genetic or environmental factors.
- The presence of HBV-DNA is not directly correlated with elevated liver enzymes in this carrier cohort.