title: [Viral load survey from geographical areas within Argentina with high hepatitis B virus prevalence].
abstract: Several studies have demonstrated that viral load is a key factor to determine the development of HBV infection and to assess treatment options for the disease. There is a lack of studies analyzing viral load levels in chronic hepatitis B patients in Argentina and the epidemiologic information is limited. The aim of this study was to determine viral load levels and its distribution in patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B from geographical areas with high prevalence for HBV in Argentina. Fifty-one per cent of the study population had HBV DNA levels > or = 10(4) copies/ml and a median viral load of 11,910 copies/ml. The viral load was significantly higher in HBeAg seropositive patients compared with those seronegative for HBeAg (P < 0.05). Salta and Entre Ríos provinces showed low viral loads, while Chaco, Misiones and Formosa provinces had a median viral load ranging between 10(4) and 10(5) copies/ ml. This is the first study providing detailed information on viral load in chronic hepatitis B patients from Argentina. Availability of viral load levels in chronic hepatitis B enables evaluation of implementation of actions to analyze follow-up and/or treatment options for preventing disease complications, improving health care and diminishing the potential burden on the health care system.
authors: Hospital San Antonio de Gualeguay; Entre Ríos, Argentina.
authors: Beatriz
authors: B
authors: Amegeiras
authors: Jorge Enrique
authors: JE
authors: González
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Jotimliansky
authors: Carolina
authors: C
authors: Zingoni
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: Vulcano
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D019562:Viral Load; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase