Optimization of a real-time PCR assay for hepatitis B virus load determination in infected patients.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant health problem in the world, with around 294 million chronic carriers. Determination of viral load is crucial for the monitoring and treatment follow-up of HBV-infected pa-tients. In-house methods are economical alternatives for those settings where HBV viral load determination might not be widely available commercially. Mo-lecular diagnostic techniques need to take into account the variability of this virus. The aim of this study was the evaluation and optimization of a real-time PCR method for the determination of HBV load. After optimization, the in-house assay evaluated in this study showed acceptable sensitivity and specific-ity, allowing its use for monitoring patients in low-income settings.