A STUDY OF HEPATITIS B POSITIVITY DETECTED BY MOLECULAR METHODS AND ITS CORRELATION WITH LABORATORY FINDINGS AMONG HEPATITIS B POSITIVE PATIENTS IN A SELECTED HOSPITAL OF UJJAIN, MADHYA PRADESH

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global public health challenge due to its potential for chronic infection and severe hepatic complications. Molecular diagnostic methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) offer high sensitivity and specificity for detecting HBV DNA and estimating viral load. Correlating HBV positivity with routine laboratory findings can enhance clinical interpretation and guide patient management. Objective: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B positivity using molecular methods and assess its correlation with laboratory parameters among hepatitis B positive patients in a selected hospital of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 120 patients who tested positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at [Hospital Name], Ujjain. HBV DNA detection and quantification were performed by real-time PCR. Laboratory parameters including liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin), platelet count, and prothrombin time were collected and analyzed. Statistical correlation between viral load and laboratory markers was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 120 HBsAg positive patients, 92 (76.7%) demonstrated detectable HBV DNA by molecular methods. Elevated ALT and AST levels were noted in patients with high viral load. Significant positive correlation was observed between HBV DNA levels and ALT (r = 0.64, p < 0.001) and AST (r = 0.58, p < 0.001). Platelet count showed an inverse correlation with HBV DNA levels (r = –0.42, p = 0.002). No significant correlation was detected between HBV DNA levels and total bilirubin or ALP. Conclusion: Molecular detection of HBV DNA demonstrated a high positivity rate among HBsAg positive patients. Significant correlations between viral load and key liver enzymes suggest that elevated liver enzymes reflect active viral replication. Integration of molecular diagnostics with routine laboratory findings enhances clinical assessment and decision-making in HBV management.