Abstract
Introduction: Hepatitis B is a disease with its various complications if left untreated. Various studies have been conducted to explore the relationship between virological markers and stage of the disease. This study attempted to observe the pattern of virological markers (Hepatitis E antigen, Hepatitis B virus DNA) in Hepatitis B surface antigen positive asymptomatic patients.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional was conducted in liver center of Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi in 2016 and 349 patients who were HBsAg positive but asymptomatic were selected. Patients, with chronic hepatitis B but on current treatment were included while patients with acute hepatitis were excluded. Data about age, gender, HBeAg positive or negative and HBV DNA positive or negative was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences and a descriptive analysis was performed whereas Pearson’s Chi-square test was applied at 5% level of significance to compare proportions of virological markers based on gender.
Results: Among 349 patients, 254 (73%) were males and 94 (27%) were females. HBeAg was found in 67(23.5%) patients while 218 (76.5%) were negative. The gender wise distribution of HBeAg among the females was 26.3% (20) and, among the males, it was 22.5% (49). HBV DNA was presented in 211 (65.9%) while 109 (34%) were negative for HBV DNA. Among the females, 59 (69.4%) were HBV DNA positive, as 152 (65.4%) males were positive.
Conclusion: HBV DNA was presented in more than half of the population. Virological markers (HBeAg, HBV DNA) existed almost in equal proportion among males and females.