Correlation between serum quantitative HBsAg and HBV DNA levels in chronic hepatitis B patients

Abstract

Background/Aim. Quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg) has become increasingly widespread in the last few years in both diagnostic and therapeutic protocols for chronic HBV infection. Numerous studies have proposed it as a surrogate marker for covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Our study aimed to examine the correlation between qHBsAg and DNA HBV viremia in untreated patients. Methods. The study included 112 untreated patients diagnosed with chronic HBV infection. Demographic and other data from medical records and laboratory analyses taken as part of routine chronic HBV infection diagnosis with the determination of qHBsAg and DNA HBV viremia were recorded for all patients. Results. The average age of the patients included in the study was 48.27 ? 15.14 years. Males (58%) were more represented than females (42%). qHBsAg levels have a high-intensity positive correlation with DNA HBV viremia. The concentration of qHBsAg, DNA HBV viremia, and the concentrations of ALT and AST show statistically significantly higher values in HBeAg positive than in HBeAg negative patients. Conclusion. Our study showed that qHBsAg has a high-intensity positive correlation with DNA HBV viremia. The use of qHBsAg is important for determining the phase of chronic HBV infection, assessment of the success and length of treatment, as well as for safe discontinuation of antiviral therapy with lower risk of relapse.