Envelope antibody HBeIgG and HBV DNA in HBeAg-seronegative young adults in Nigeria

Abstract

Study background: Anti-HBe and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA are important markers in evaluating HBV infection. Anti-HBe indicates past or current infection that persists after hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) clearance. Detecting anti-HBe helps identify cleared or chronic infections. HBV DNA measures viral replication, indicating infection activity. Studying these markers in HBeAg-seronegative young adults provides insights into infection dynamics, immune responses, and transmission risk. It informs clinical management and public health interventions for preventing HBV transmission and reducing the burden of liver disease. Aim and objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBeAg seronegativity and its association with HBV infection markers among young adults in Etsako, Edo State, Nigeria. Materials and methods: The study population consisted of HBeAg-seronegative individuals aged 18 to 30 years. A total of 400 participants (200 females and 200 males) were randomly selected from urban and rural communities using a multistage sampling technique. Anti-HBe and HBeAg were analyzed by ELISA, whereas HBV DNA was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction. Results: The prevalence of HBeAg seropositivity was 28%, whereas 72% of participants were seronegative. Among the HBeAg-seronegative participants, the frequencies of anti-HBe and HBV DNA were analyzed based on various categorical variables. The results showed no significant differences in the frequency of anti-HBe and HBV DNA based on occupation, training, or other categorical variables (P>0.05). However, there was a significantly higher proportion of males (60%) among the total number of anti-HBe-seropositive young adults compared to females (40%) (P<0.05). Additionally, a significantly higher proportion of single/unmarried individuals without children (63.3%) was observed among anti-HBe-seropositive young adults compared to those who were married (25%) and those who were single/unmarried with children (12.5%, P<0.05). Conclusion: The study findings contribute to the understanding of HBeAg seronegativity and its association with anti-HBe and HBV DNA in young adults in Etsako, Edo State, Nigeria. Further research and public health interventions are warranted to better comprehend the factors influencing HBeAg seronegativity and its association with anti-HBe and HBV DNA and its implications for HBV transmission and disease progression in this population.