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.