The role of quantitative hepatitis B serology in the natural history and management of chronic hepatitis B

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a serious clinical problem worldwide. Advances in molecular technology have enabled the development of sensitive assays for the detection and quantification of hepatitis B virus (HBV) nucleic acid and demonstrated a positive correlation between serum HBV DNA levels and disease progression. Assessment of specific serologic and virologic factors also plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and effective management of individuals with CHB. Recent development of quantitative assays for intrahepatic HBV replicative intermediates, as well as hepatitis B e antigen and hepatitis B surface antigen, has spurred investigation into the relationship between these factors a..