A critical review of diagnostic and prognostic markers of chronic hepatitis B infection

Abstract

Abstract A major worldwide health concern, chronic hepatitis B necessitates precise prognostic and diagnostic indicators for clinical guidance. This article highlights the clinical importance and current issues of the major markers used in both the detection and prognosis of chronic hepatitis B. An important indicator of an ongoing and persistent infection is the hepatitis B surface antigen. Hepatitis B virus DNA quantification monitoring aids in assessing viral load and hepatic cancer risk. While limited evidence of liver damage is provided by alanine aminotransferase levels, the hepatitis B core antibody verifies acute infection. Seroconversion to the hepatitis B e antibody is linked to a lower risk of disease development, and the hepatitis B e antigen status is a critical prognostic factor. Treatment choices are guided by a biopsy of the liver or minimally invasive liver fibrosis detection. Genotypes of the hepatitis B virus and host variables influence the prognosis by adding to the disease’s variability. Noninvasive techniques to evaluate the severity of the disease are provided by serum markers of fibrosis, such as the fibrosis score based on four criteria and the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index. The requirement for indicators that distinguish between distinct viral phases and increase specificity in evaluating liver damage is one of the challenges facing chronic hepatitis B research. Even though it is quite difficult to find reliable biomarkers for resistance especially when it comes to hepatocellular cancer risk estimation, there are advanced methods, which include imaging and omics that can help in improving the accuracy of the diagnostics and prognosis. Interventions early point that improve patient outcomes are made possible using diagnostics and prognostics as they are quite effective in managing the complicated landscape of chronic hepatitis B. Key in addressing these challenges today and improving the diagnostic and prognostic markers in the future, particularly those that would support the development of successful treatment plans for people living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV), are scientific research, technological advances and collaborations.