Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of inactive carriers of hepatitis B virus: A descriptive cross-sectional study in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Backgrounds: This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of inactive HBV chronic carriers at the gastroenterology department of the university teaching hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo. Materials & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2014 by employing a prospective data collection method. It was a census of all cases meeting the eligibility criteria. All patients with chronic viral hepatitis B (VHB) and ≥15 years of age and presenting the following signs were included in this study: positive result on hepatitis B surface antigen test for at least 6 months, normal levels of alanine amino-transferase for at least one year, positive anti-HBe antibodies, negative HBeAg, and viral DNA < 20,000 IU/mL. Findings: The mean age of patients was 35 years, and the mean duration of HBsAg carriage was 6 years. The physical examination was normal in all participants. Ultrasound exam was normal in 150 (92.6%) participants and showed a fatty liver in 12 (7.4%) participants. Overall 4.4% of participants developed severe fibrosis, and no patient developed cirrhosis. The main indications for drug treatment included the existence of a family history of hepatocellular carcinoma (36.7%), the presence of active hepatitis (33.3%), and the progression of the fibrosis (30%). Conclusion: This study confirms the importance of close follow up of HBV-infected patients to dramatically reduce the risk of developing complications such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma.