Impact of immunological, hematological and biochemical markers on discordant partners of Hepatitis B infection in Enugu State, Eastern Nigeria

Globally, hepatitis B infection is a serious health problem as its morbities are difficult to handle with the commonly used antivirals. This study therefore aims to evaluate the serological, biochemical and hematological markers of Hepatitis B virus infection in a discordant partner in an attempt to aid proper diagnosis, management and control of the infection. This is a cross-sectional study consisting of 150 subjects recruited using a simple random sampling technique. HBsAg was screened using a rapid ELISA diagnostic strip and rescreened later for confirmation using Ichroma Fluorescence Immunoassay (FIA). HBV Serological markers were determined using HBV 5 panel test, hematological parameters were assessed using Mindray BC 10 automated counter, while liver enzymes were estimated using COBAS 111 analyzer. Statistical analysis was performed using Graph Pad Prism. This study demonstrated a varying percentage detection rates of HBV serological markers in both groups: Discordant and Concordant partners (HBsAg- 62%, HBsAb- 4.2%, HBeAg- 2.5%, HBeAb- 50%, HBcAb-60.8%), and Control partners(HBsAg-0%, HBsAb-23.3%, HBeAg-0%, HBeAb- 0%,and HBcAb- 6.7%). The liver enzymes showed significant mean values (P<0.001) for both ALT and AST positive partners when compared to their negative counterparts. Hematological parameters, only hemoglobulin showed a significant mean (P<0.001) on male subjects as against females, while white blood cell and platelets were not statistically significant. There is a need for hepatitis B panel test inclusion in the routine investigation for Hepatitis B viral infection which will contribute immensely in proper clinical management and control of the infection in conjunction with vaccination, while periodic assessment of liver enzymes will ensure proper management of chronic hepatitis B infections.