HBsAg quantification for identification of liver disease in chronic hepatitis B virus carriers

Background & Aims Quantification of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) has been proposed as a useful diagnostic marker for clinical staging (identification of inactive carrier state) and prognosis of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between HBsAg levels in serum and histological liver damage in patients with chronic infection. Methods HBsAg levels in serum (by Abbott Architect) were related to HBV DNA, ALT and histological score (n = 160) and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) (n = 84). Results HBsAg levels correlated with cccDNA, serum HBV DNA, ALT and high inflammation scores (P  5.0 log10 copies/ml). Conclusions HBsAg levels reflect clinical stage and liver disease, and a combined quantification of HBsAg and HBV DNA may improve clinical staging.