Evaluation of hepatitis B viremia and corresponding antibodies among infected patients attending Abuja Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

In most under-developed and developing countries, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B relied mainly on detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological biomarkers. The reliability of these markers in comparison with HBV DNA viral load is required to review their diagnostic value. Thus, this study investigated the serological and HBV viral load profile of persons with hepatitis B attending the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Nigeria. Attributes of hepatitis B-infected participants (February-May, 2018) were assessed. They included hepatitis B antigens (HBsAg, HBeAg), antibodies (HBsAb, HBcAb, HBeAb) and HBV DNA, using rapid immunichromatigraphical and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), respectively. Structured questionnaires were used to collate participants biodata. Out of 53 participants, 30 were male and 23 were female. 90.6% (48/53) were positive for HBsAg, 28.3% (15/53) were positive for HBsAb, 60.4% (32/53) were positive for HBcAb, 17.0% (9/53) were positive for HBeAg, while HBeAb was detected in 58.5% (31/53). HBV DNA was significantly associated with HBcAb (χ²=28.622, P=0.000), HBeAg (χ²=11.820, P=0.008), and HBeAb (χ²=16.440, P=0.001). The on-site point of care serological test has significant impact in diagnosis and monitoring Hepatitis B when compared to qPCR.