New role of quantitative detection of HBV serum markers in clinical application

LI Lian-lian; ZHANG Ling; WU Shang-wei

Abstract：Determination of HBV infection status, assessment of disease prognosis and monitoring of anti-HBV therapy are key issues for the treatment and prevention of hepatitis B. The qualitative detection of the five serum markers of HBV can not provide clinicians with sufficient support for the clinical practice of HBV infection. Although the quantitative detection of HBV DNA has significantly improved the level of laboratory diagnosis of HBV, certain limitations remain. Quantitative detection of HBV serum markers may provide a potential complementary approach for laboratory diagnosis of HBV, therefore making the HBV testing more comprehensive and effective. Clinical studies have shown that the levels of HBV serum markers are correlated well with the natural history of HBV infection and the development of liver fibrosis. During the treatment with interferons and nucleos(t)ide analogues, the changes of the levels of the serum markers can not only indicate the therapeutic efficacy, but also predict the end point of anti-HBV treatment. Together with the quantitative detection of HBV DNA, the quantitative detection of HBV serum markers may form a complete system for the clinical management of HBV infection. This review focuses on the quantitative detection of HBV serum markers, so as to have an overlook on its development and investigate its potential significance in clinical application.