Standardization and implantation of the real time PCR for detection and quantification of hepatitis B virus

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the major cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and, monitoring HBV DNA levels in serum, plays an important role in the management of the infection. The aim of this study is to standard a sensitive and reproducible real-time PCR, based on TaqMan technology, for the detection and quantification of hepatitis B virus in serum of infected patients. Two hundred sera from chronic hepatitis B patients will be analyzed by real time PCR and comparing with Amplicor Monitor™ Test (Roche Laboratories). We also will employ different HBV genotypes to compare the performance of the real time PCR. Real time PCR will be useful for evaluating response to lamivudine, to detect pre-core mutants and to monitoring occult hepatitis B infection. Institute Adolfo Lutz is an important laboratory of public health and technological improvement is always needed. (AU)