Negative correlation between viral load and HBsAg levels in chronic HBV-infected patients


Ozdil B., Cosar A. M., AKKIZ H., SANDIKÇI M. Ü., Kece C.

ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY, vol.154, no.9, pp.1451-1455, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 154 Issue: 9
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00705-009-0474-x
  • Journal Name: ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1451-1455
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The objective of this study is to reveal the relationship between viral load (as HBV DNA) and HBsAg levels. Ninety-two chronically HBV-infected patients were included in the study. The patients were divided in two different groups: the cirrhotic group (n = 32) and the non-cirrhotic group (n = 60). The correlation between study groups was also examined with regard to HBeAg status. Hepatitis B viral markers (HBsAg, HBeAg, Anti-HBs, anti-HBc and anti-HBe) and HBV viral load of the patients were measured. A significant negative correlation between HBV DNA and HBsAg levels was found in the non-cirrhotic group (p < 0.01). The anti-HBc level was higher in the non-cirrhotic group than in the cirrhotic group (p < 0.016). The viral load was significantly higher in HBeAg (+) patients in comparison with HBeAg (-) cases (p < 0.0001). The HBsAg level was low in HBeAg (+) patients, whereas it was higher in HBeAg (-) cases (p < 0.001). In conclusion, a significant negative correlation between viral load and HBsAg levels was detected in the non-cirrhotic chronically HBV-infected group. Therefore, concomitantly low HBsAg and HBV DNA levels may indicate a better prognosis compared to high HBsAg and low HBV DNA levels.