SEROLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS OF HBV INFECTION AND ITS CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS AMONG PATIENTS OF ASSIUT GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important health problem and the major cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Egypt, and especially in Upper Egypt. Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus among Assiut Governorate patients. Patients and method: Our study focused on screened of all patients by ELISA tests for blood-borne viral infections. Seropositive patients were inquired about the exposure to possible risk associations for acquiring these infections. Biochemical, HBV markers by ELIZA, DNA-PCR, were done to classify patients to groups (Low viremia, High viremia, and occult). Results: We examined 1085 patients for HBsAg at Assiut Governorate, Egypt. Out of the 1085 population tested for HBs-Ag, 623 (57.5%) were males, whereas 462 (42.5%) were females. A total of 165 out 1085 were seropositive for HBsAg (15.2%). The highest seropositive of HBsAg were recorded in 106 males (17.1%) compared to 59 females (12.8%). HBsAg seropositive decreased with grassing age, The highest seroprevalence of HBsAg recorded in age ranged between 21-30 years 62 (37.5%). All patients were divided into four groups according to HBV-DNA. Seroprevalence of HBsAg increased with group 2 (Low titer of HBV-DNA 2000 IU/ml -14.5%). HBV was common in rural versus urban community areas (78.2% versus 21.8 % respectively). We did not find abnormal levels of biochemical indicators of liver and kidney functions in HBV infected patients. Conclusion: Screening of HBV infection to monitor liver disease progression in HBV carriers by using molecular, biochemical and serological markers, stated that effective treatment can be initiated early before the development of advanced liver diseases.