Hepatitis B virus seromarkers as an unmet need for screening among patients in North India

A BSTRACT Background: Chronic Hepatitis B is a global public health concern with significant morbidity and mortality. Identification of serological markers is essential for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning. Objectives: To determine the distribution of HBV seromarkers (HBsAb, HBcAb, HBeAg, anti-HBe, HBcIgM) among HBsAg-positive individuals, and assess co-infection with HIV, HCV, and HDV. Methods: A total of 19,607 patients were screened for HBsAg at RIMS, Ranchi. Of these, 481 were HBsAg-positive, and 351 had further seromarker profiling using Chemiluminescence Immunoassay. Co-infection with HIV, HCV, and HDV was also evaluated. Results: Among 351 HBsAg-positive patients, 80.05% were asymptomatic and 98.29% had chronic infection. HBeAg was positive in 23.36%, anti-HBe in 66.66%. HIV co-infection was seen in 6.26% of cases, predominantly in the 31–40 age group. Conclusion: The majority of HBV cases were chronic and asymptomatic, with a notable percentage co-infected with HIV. Routine screening for HBV seromarkers is recommended to guide treatment and control transmission.