Establishment of an analysis model based on measurement of hepatitis B viral infection serum markers

BACKGROUND: Using serum markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, we aimed to develop a quantitative model that explains the complicated immune response to this infection. METHODS: Serum samples from HBV-infected patients were randomly selected and divided into groups based on HBV-DNA positivity or negativity. Quantitative markers of HBV were measured. Formulae for Antibody index (IAb) [(anti-HBs * 1/anti-HBe + anti-HBs * 1/anti-HBc + 1/anti-HBc * 1/anti-HBe)(0.5)] and Antigen index (IAg) [(HBsAg * HBeAg)(0.5)] were introduced. RESULTS: IAg values were statistically higher (p < 0.05) in the HBV-DNA-positive group than in the -negative group, but no statistically significant difference in IAb values was observed. When IAb values were > 50, IAg values were mostly < 250; when IAg values were > 250, IAb values were mostly < 50. CONCLUSION: IAb and IAg values can efficiently reflect the status of immune response to HBV and may be suitable for assessment of the infection process and the possible outcome of infection.