BACKGROUND _ AIMS: Serologic profiles after @entity1956 surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance in @entity6194 ( @entity6194 ) have not been well-studied. METHODS: We employed a highly sensitive HBsAg (hs-HBsAg) assay (lower detection limit 0.5 mIU/ml), 100 times more sensitive than conventional HBsAg measurements. @entity6194 @entity1 achieving HBsAg seroclearance defined by conventional assays were followed up for serum hs-HBsAg, @entity97 DNA and antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) levels at 0 months, 6-12 months and 3-5 years after HBsAg seroclearance. Factors associated with hs-HBsAg detectability were determined. RESULTS: One hundred and nine @entity1 were recruited; 94 (86.2%) were followed up to years 3-5; and 25 @entity1 (22.9%) were on nucleoside analogue therapy for a median duration of 6.0 (range 1.5-12.7) years before HBsAg seroclearance. Detectable hs-HBsAg was noted in 88 (80.7%), 60 (55.0%) and 20 (21.3%) @entity1 at 0 months, 6-12 months and 3-5 years respectively. At years 3-5, genotype B @entity1 , when compared to genotype C @entity1 , had a higher anti-HBs positive rate (63.2% and 41.1% respectively, P = 0.036). Serum anti-HBs positivity, when compared to persistent anti-HBs negativity, was associated with a lower rate of hs-HBsAg detection (7.4% and 40% respectively, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed anti-HBs negativity at years 3-5 to be independently associated with persistently positive hs-HBsAg (P = 0.007, odds ratio 7.1, 95% confidence interval 1.7-29.3). CONCLUSION: Serum hs-HBsAg could detect HBsAg presence in a substantial proportion of @entity6194 after HBsAg seroclearance defined by conventional assays, especially among anti-HBs negative individuals. Serum hs-HBsAg could potentially assist differentiating HBsAg-negative @entity6194 from individuals with only past @entity97 exposure without carrier state.

Longitudinal profiles of highly sensitive XXXX surface antigen levels: re-evaluation of HBsAg seroclearance.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity97 :: ('10407', 'Species') :: ['HBV'] @entity6194 :: ('MESH:D019694', 'Disease') :: ['chronic hepatitis B', 'CHB'] @entity1956 :: ('MESH:D006509', 'Disease') :: ['hepatitis B']
@entity1956 :: (MESH:D006509,Disease) :: ['hepatitis B']
