Relationship between serum HBV DNA level and liver histology in HBV carriers with normal ALT in Guilan province, Iran

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the serum HBV DNA levels in HBeAg-negative HBV patients and look for a relationship between serum HBV DNA level and liver histology. In a cross-sectional study, 70 patients with positive serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and normal ALT for at least 6 months were enrolled. Quantification of HBV DNA was performed by real-time PCR. Liver biopsy specimens were performed for grading and staging of chronic hepatitis. Fifty-four patients (34 males, 20 females) were included. Mean + or - SD serum HBV DNA level was 282,280.46 + or - 1,474,295 copies/ml, fibrosis (0-6) 2.37 + or - 1.263, necroinflammation (0-18) 0.33 + or - 0.476, and BMI 26.65 + or - 4.9. The mean serum HBV DNA level had significant differences between grade or = 4 cases (P or = 104 copies/ml, it will be necessary to perform a liver biopsy and apply therapy accordingly.