HBV DNA Detection by Taqman RT PCR (Qualitative)

HBV test is done for detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum of patients. 
Is useful to detect mutant HBV which are negative for hepatitis B surface antigen

• The HBV DNA RT PCR test can provide information about the hepatitis B infection.
• When doctors prescribe daily antiviral pills (tenofovir or entecavir), they test your HBV DNA to see if the drug is working to reduce your viral load.
• Antivirals work by interfering with viral DNA, preventing the virus from reproducing effectively. Doctors quantify your viral load to ensure that the antiviral is effective.
• Hepatitis B is tested on all pregnant women. Clinical guidelines suggest antiviral therapy during the third trimester of pregnancy for pregnant women with high viral loads (greater than 200,000 IU/mL) to reduce the risk of infecting their newborns.
• HBV DNA PCR assay is valuable in the:
  • Early diagnosis of HBV infection. HBV DNA can be detected 21 days before the appearance of HbsAg
  • Indicators of chronic hepatitis
  • Demonstrate viral replication in patients with mutant HBV
  • Re-emergence of HBV DNA in serum (after it had become non-detectable) following treatment is suggestive of drug resistance

Presence of HBV DNA in serum by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Hepatitis B virus or HBV-DNA the viral load of the hepatitis B virus in serum is measured by DNA. The outcome is measured in international units per milliliter (IU/mL), with one unit representing about 6 viral particles per milliliter of blood.

Quantification of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA is important in the treatment of chronic HBV diseases. HBV, on the other hand, is a DNA virus with a high level of genetic variance, and drug-resistant mutants have emerged as a result of antiviral drug use.

HBV test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

 Diagnosis of acute or chronic hepatitis B is based on serologic markers and molecular assays. Combination of serologic markers such as HbsAg or anti-HBc IgM (Hepatitis core IgM antibody) along with other parameters such as HbeAg are generally employed to screen for acute or chronic infections, convalescence etc. HBV DNA PCR assay is valuable in: 
- Early diagnosis of HBV infection. HBV DNA can be detected 21 days prior to appearance of HbsAg
- Indicator of chronic hepatitis
- Demonstrate viral replication in patients with mutant HBV
Re-emergence of HBV DNA in serum (after it had become non-detectable) following treatment is suggestive of drug resistance

People with the following symptoms should do the HBV DNA Detection by TaqMan RT PCR test:

1. Pain in the abdomen
2. The darker color of urine than usual
3. Weakness and getting tired easily
4. Fever
5. Pain in the joints
6. Loss of appetite
7. Jaundice
8. Nausea or Vomiting

In the "immune tolerant" stage, children and adults can have viral loads in the millions.

Most children and adolescents who screen positive for the hepatitis B "e" antigen (HBeAg) have high viral loads, but doctors rarely treat patients at this stage. Their viral loads begin to decrease and liver enzymes (ALT/AST) normalize once their immune systems eliminate HBeAg and produce "e" antibodies (HBeAb).

Adults in the "inactive" stage have untraceable or low viral loads and no indications of liver damage.

Adults with normal ALT (SGPT) levels, which generally indicate that there is no current liver inflammatory condition, and unidentifiable or viral loads less than 2,000 IU/mL are usually not treated. However, it is critical to check with your doctor to ensure that there is no indication of advanced liver disease. This stage could last a lifetime, a few decades, or not at all.

People who are in the "active" stage, have elevated viral loads, and show signs of liver damage, require treatment.

These could be people who are HBeAg positive but cannot seroconvert, lose HBeAg, and regain the antibody without significant liver damage. There could be a trend of SGPT/ALT elevation that fluctuates over time without a sufficient immune reaction to seroconvert. This can be risky, causing liver damage, so regular monitoring is essential.

HBV DNA PCR quantitative is a laboratory test that uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to measure the amount of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in a blood sample. The test provides a quantitative measurement of the viral load, which is useful for monitoring disease progression and determining the effectiveness of antiviral therapy.

The turnaround time for TaqMan RT PCR for HBV DNA detection varies depending on the laboratory performing the test, but results can typically be obtained within a few days.

Several factors can affect the results of TaqMan RT PCR for HBV DNA detection, including the quality of the blood sample, the timing of the sample collection, and the presence of inhibitors or contaminants in the sample.

The first marker to appear in the serum of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). It can be detected as early as 1-4 weeks after exposure to the virus and can remain detectable for several months, even after the acute infection has resolved. Therefore, the presence of HBsAg is an important diagnostic marker for acute and chronic HBV infection

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