Quantification of serum HBV RNA allows differentiation of disease stages of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections

Introduction: Inactive carriers of HBV infections are distinguished from individuals with active HBV infections by serum levels of HBV DNA. HBV RNA is another surrogate marker of HBV replication which can be quantified from serum. The aim of this study was to explore whether HBV RNA levels permits a better differentiation between the various stages of HBV infection. Methods: Serum samples from 12 patients with acute and 96 with chronic HBV infection (34 inactive HBsAg carrier with HBV DNA < 4 log10 copies/ml and ALT within normal ranges, 34 HBeAg negative and 28 HBeAg positive patients with chronic active hepati…