Rate of Active Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Correlation of Hbeag and HBV DNA in Hbsag Positive Patients in Three Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Introduction and objectives: Hepatitis B along with Hepatitis C infection is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. Unlike other parts of the world, HBV prevalence and incidence is increasing day by day in Pakistan. People of KPK have very little information about HBV routes of transmission and its consequences. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of active HBV infection (viremia) and correlation of HBeAg and HBV DNA among confirmed HBsAg positive subjects of KPK and to rule out false positivity associated with Elisa abased HBsAg screening. Methodology: A total of 171 Blood samples from confirmed HBsAg positive patients were brought to Real time PCR laboratory from three districts, district Bunir, Peshawar and Kohat for confirmation of active HBV infection (viremia). Samples were screened for active HBV infection through Real Time PCR. Along with active HBV infection, among 45 patient’s samples, correlation of HBeAg and HBV DNA was also determined in HBsAg positive subjects, using Minividas, FIA technology. Results: The rate of active HBV infection in three districts, district Bunir, Kohat and Peshawar was 54%, 47%, 37% respectively. Moreover, in 45 patients that has been randomly selected for HBeAg and anti-HBe status in the blood of positive patients. Out of total 45 patients, 13 (29%) patients were HBeAg positive and remaining 32 (71%) were HBeAg negative. Active HBV infection among HBeAg positive and negative patients was 85% and 53%, respectively Conclusion: It was concluded that rate of active HBV infection was variable among the different districts of KPK population, it was higher in Bunir, followed by in Kohat and least was in Peshawar. Beside this there is strong correlation in HBeAg and active HBV infection