Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-DNA detection by PCR, CSF
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-DNA detection by PCR, CSF
Hepatitis B infection primarily affects the liver, often resulting in liver dysfunction. However, in some cases, the virus can lead to a neurological disorder called hepatic encephalopathy, which can occur during both acute and chronic infections. Additionally, other neurological problems such as peripheral neuropathies, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, transverse myelitis, and encephalitis may develop, particularly in individuals with concurrent infections (e.g., HIV) or autoimmune disorders (e.g., Guillain-Barré syndrome). These neurological disorders are believed to be triggered by viral replication, directly harming brain cells or indirectly affecting the immune system.
Rare HBV-associated neuromuscular disorders have also been reported after HBV antiviral therapy or vaccination.
To accurately diagnose HBV-related neurological symptoms, Lupin Diagnostics offers an HBV DNA detection test using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for faster and more sensitive detection of HBV DNA in the patient's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This test helps doctors determine if the virus is actively replicating in the brain and spine (central nervous system, CNS), facilitating the adoption of timely therapeutic measures to improve neurological recovery in patients.
What is the HBV-DNA PCR detection Test Used For?
The HBV-DNA detection test is intended to be used
To confirm the presence of HBV infection (acute or chronic) in patients having neurological symptoms
Symptoms of Hepatitis B-related Neurological Disorders
Mood swings, Depression                                      Â
Apart from liver-related symptoms, a small percentage of people with hepatitis B may also develop neurological symptoms due to nerve damage. They might typically experience
Mood swings, Depression
Confusion
Disturbed sleep
Heat intolerance
Muscle cramping or twitching
Abnormal reflex
Numbness or paralysis
Unusual burning or sharp tingling pain in hands and feet
Extreme sensitivity to touch
Trouble with balance and coordination
Dizziness or fainting on standing up
Preparation for Test
There is no need to prepare for an HBV-DNA detection test in advance. However, to conduct the test, you might be asked to consent and follow the doctor's instructions before CSF sample collection.
Interpretation of Test Results
The results of HBV DNA detection in CSF samples are interpreted as follows:
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Positive results (Detected)
This result indicates the presence of HBV DNA in the provided sample, validating active viral replication. Correlation of the results with additional HBV marker data, patient symptoms, and clinical presentation is needed to draw a clinical conclusion.
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Negative results (Not detected)
It indicates the absence of the HBV DNA in the sample, possibly due to the relatively low viral load at the time of testing. However, it may not necessarily rule out the viral infection.
FAQs
Why should I take HBV DNA Detection by PCR - CSF?
If you have symptoms related to both the nervous system and liver, your doctor will recommend HBV-DNA PCR testing of a CSF sample, along with blood investigation, to promptly diagnose and treat HBV infection. This is crucial because HBV in the central nervous system can lead to life-threatening consequences.
Is the procedure of collecting the CSF sample painful?
Your doctor will perform a procedure called lumbar puncture under local anaesthesia to collect the CSF sample. While this procedure is usually painless, rarely, it can be painful if the puncture site is inaccessible or you are suffering from osteoarthritis. To handle such situations, your doctor will assess the safety and feasibility of the procedure beforehand.
What is hepatic encephalopathy?
Hepatic encephalopathy is a serious neuropsychological condition that occurs in patients who are suffering from long-term liver disorders, often caused by either hepatitis B or C.
What can impact the results of the HBV-DNA detection test?
Factors include:
- The time gap between neurological symptoms and CSF sampling
- Lab contamination, duel etiology amongst patients with confirmed CNS infections, or viral reactivation in response to disease stress, which might result in a false positive PCR result
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