Prevalence of HBV DNA in anti-HBe+ chronic HBV carriers in Babol, 2002

Background and Objective: One of the most important mutations, which occur in hepatitis B virus, is precore mutant. This mutation is associated with highly productive infection in anti-HBe+ chronic HBV carriers. These chronic HBV carriers are predisposed to developing active hepatitis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV DNA in chronic anti-HBe+ HBV carriers in Babol. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with anti-HBe+ chronic HBV carriers in Babol during 2002. In all cases, HBV DNA was assayed by PCR. Prevalence of HBV DNA is males, females and different age groups were compared with X² test. Findings: Of 257 cases of anti-HBe+ (Mean age±SD, 32.3±11.2 years), HBV DNA was positive in 222 (86.4%) cases. HBV DNA was positive in 136 (87.2%) of 156 males and 86 (85.15%) of 101 female cases (P=0.7). There was no significant difference in prevalence of HBV DNA between age groups (P=0.07). Conclusion: These research show that the high prevalence of HBV precore mutants in this region. Follow up of these individuals are necessary