Isothermal amplification for rapid and sensitive detection of hepatitis B virus: what we know so far? and way forward.

Abstract

Introduction: Despite vaccine availability, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) remains a major global health threat, especially in areas with low vaccination coverage and poor healthcare. Around 250 million people are chronically infected. Achieving the World Health Organisation's (WHO) 2030 eradication goal is difficult, particularly due to diagnostic challenges in low-resource settings. While HBsAg detection is standard, low antigen levels and mutations hinder its reliability. Though molecular methods for HBV DNA offer high specificity, their cost and complexity limit use in under-resourced areas. Isothermal amplification emerges as a promising alternative, offering a more affordable, effective, and simplified approach to HBV detection, potentially improving access to timely diagnosis and care.

Areas covered: This review evaluates the efficacy of various isothermal techniques to give insights into their benefits and limits, guiding researchers and clinicians in selecting the most effective assays for HBV molecular diagnostics.

Expert opinion: Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) and Polymerase Spiral Reaction (PSR) are the most promising isothermal assays for HBV detection in field settings. RPA is faster (∼20 min), works at low temperatures (37-42 °C), and uses stable lyophilized reagents, while PSR is simple, can be clubbed with visual detection, making both ideal for a low-resource setup.