Abstract

Odimayo M.S 1 (FMCPath), Nwadioha S.I2 (FMCPath) and Ajayi A.O 3 (FWCP)

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.