Abstract

SULBARAN, María Zulay et al. Optimization of a real-time PCR assay for hepatitis B virus load determination in infected patients. Invest. clín [online]. 2025, vol.66, n.2, pp.166-174.  Epub June 25, 2025. ISSN 0535-5133.  https://doi.org/10.54817/ic.v66n2a04.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant health problem in the world, with around 294 million chronic carriers. Determination of viral load is crucial for the monitoring and treatment follow-up of HBV-infected patients. In-house methods are economical alternatives for those settings where HBV viral load determination might not be widely available commercially. Molecular diagnostic techniques need to take into account the variability of this virus. The aim of this study was the evaluation and optimization of a real-time PCR method for the determination of HBV load. After optimization, the in-house assay evaluated in this study showed acceptable sensitivity and specificity, allowing its use for monitoring patients in low-income settings.

Keywords : hepatitis B virus; viral load; optimization; qPCR; genotype.

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