Prevalence of hepatitis B and C viral markers in chronic liver disease patients: A single center experience from Yemen

Abstract 

Background and study aims

Presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) anti-core antibodies (anti-HBc) of immunoglobulin G (IgG) type in the absence of surface antigen (HBsAg) in a patient is usually indicative of a past self-limiting HBV infection. This may be associated with hepatitic C virus (HCV) co-infection that can worsen the existing status of a chronic liver disease (CLD). This study evaluates the significance of isolated HBc IgG positivity in CLD patients and also examines the presence of anti-HCV antibodies (anti-HCV Ab) in these patients.

Patients and methods

Clinical and biochemical data were collected from all the 67 cases of CLD (which were exposed to B and/or C viral infections) included in this study. Blood samples were taken from these patients and tested using the commercially available enzyme immune assay for the presence of HBsAg, anti-HBc IgG, HBeAg, anti-HBs antibodies (anti-HBsAb), anti-HBe antibodies (anti-HBeAb) anti-HCV Ab.

Results

Out of the 67 patients with CLD, anti-HBc IgG positivity in the absence of any other serological markers of HBV infection was detected in 28 patients, whereas 27 had HBV markers, either HBsAg or HBeAb alone or in combination. There was a significant association between isolated anti-HBc IgG positivity and HCV co-infection.

Conclusion

All patients with CLD should be tested for anti-HBc IgG, as it is often the only marker of HBV infection in these patients. Patients with anti-HBc IgG positivity should be monitored closely as they can further develop CLD. Co-infection with HCV should be actively investigated in such patients.