Changes of serum HBV-DNA in the early phase of hepatitis B virus infection

Comparison between those evolving into HBs antigen carriers and those clearing HBs antigen after acute hepatitis B virus infection in adulthood

Abstract

Serum HBV-DNA was assayed serially in the early phase of acute hepatitis B virus infection, and its changing patterns were compared between those who became HBsAg carriers and those who cleared HBsAg after acute hepatitis. Maximal values of serum total bilirubin and GPT levels were also compared between the two groups.
Serunm HBV-DNA was detected only immediately before the peak of serum GPT in two cases who cleared HBsAg. In two cases who became HBsAg carriers, serum HBV-DNA was positive before elevation of serum GPT, declined concurrently with the period of serum GPT elevation, and reelevated after acute hepatitis subsided. The transient decline of serum HBV-DNA was considered to be the result of eliminating reaction of the host to the virus.
The peak levels of serum GPT and total bilirubin was obviously lower in the cases who became HBsAg carriers than the cases who cleared HBsAg.