Persistance of HBsAg and serum activities of liver enzymes among chronic carriers of hepatitis B

: Background:  Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its squeals are major global health problems. This study was conducted to evaluate HBsAg persistence, risk factors of HBV infection and changes of liver function tests among chronic HBV carriers in Kashan. Materials and Method: This descriptive study was performed in HBsAg positive blood donors who detected after blood donation since 10 years ago. They were requested to retest HBsAg. A questionnaire consisting demographic and history of risk factors of HBV infection were filled by interviewing and then blood was taken for HBsAg test. Who had HBsAg positive test HBeAg, liver function tests were measured. The results were analyzed χ2, Fisher exact and t-tests using SPSS-13 software. Results: A total of 150 HBsAg positive blood donors persistence of HBsAg in 88% and clearance was seen in 12% of cases. There was no significant statistical correlation between risk factors of HBV infection, with persistence of HBsAg. HBeAg was positive in 18.2% of HBsAg positive cases. There was no statistical correlation between ALT, AST and ALP with HBeAg. Chronic hepatitis B infection was detected in three patients. Conclusion: Considering the lower rate of clearance of HBsAg and detecting cases of chronic hepatitis periodic examination of liver function tests seems to be essential in follow up in chronic HBV carriers