Practical aspects of HBsAg quantification. Data presented at the seminar “Advances in blood donor screening” (Warsaw, 5–6 October 2015)

Abstract

Quantification of HBsAg is an important clinical marker of chronic hepatitis B activity. So far it is the only noninvasive indicator of cccDNA activity and severity of HBV infection of hepatocytes. A dynamic change of serum HBsAg levels, regardless of the type of administered therapy or in the natural course of chronic hepatitis B, might be predictive of HBsAg-loss which is the optimal end-point of HBV-infection. It is valid not only for current therapies but also for those in development. The most comprehensive knowledge of clinical application of HBsAg quantification has been gained during PEG-IFN therapy. This review focuses on the practical aspects of HBsAg quantification.