Hepatitis B serologic markers among individuals with hepatitis B surface antigen seropositivity in Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis B Viral DNA load determination in our environment is still difficult to attain for general diagnostic 
and treatment purposes. Available serologic markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are complex in 
interpretation. We determined the pattern of HBV serologic markers in HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) 
seropositive patients between June 2011 and March 2015. HBsAg seropositive patients were screened for 
other HBV serologic markers namely, antibody to HBsAg (HBsAb), HBV e antigen (HBeAg), antibody to 
HBeAg (HbeAb) and antibody to HBV core antigen (HBcAb). Liver enzymes (AST, and ALT), age, sex and 
complaints of subjects were also documented. Sixty-three HBsAg seropositive patients consisting of 65.1% 
males and 34.9% females with age ranging from 15 to 80 years were enrolled. Majority (70%) was between 
20-40 years old. All patients with HBsAg seropositivity were sero-negative for HBsAb. HBeAg seropositivity 
was seen in 4.7% (n=3/63). Among the 8% (n= 5/63) which were seropositive for HBeAb, 2 of them were also 
HBeAg seropositive. HBcAb seropositivity was 95.2% (n=60/63). Serum transaminase enzymes level was 
normal in 80% of patients. Commonest complaint (over 80%) was upper abdominal pain. We conclude that 
in absence of Hepatitis B Viral DNA load determination, understanding of serological markers of HBV is 
important in the management of patients with chronic HBV infection.