Molecular Analysis of HBV in Histologically Confirmed Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana https://doi.org/10.60787/NMJ-63-2-85

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of death in Africa. Viral hepatitis B is a leading cause of hepatocellular cancer in Ghana and most African countries except Egypt, where the hepatitis C virus is more prevalent. This study reviews the histopathological patterns of HCC and its association with the hepatitis B virus in our environment.

Method: Demographics and histological diagnosis were retrieved from the surgical daybook, and archival FFPE tissue samples with histopathologically confirmed HCC were used for this study. Sections (10µm) were taken from the tissues and digested to obtain DNA lysates. The DNA lysates were used in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the prevalence of HBV in the biopsies.

Result: Of the 24 confirmed cases of HCC seen in the 5-year period, there were 17 males and 7 females with M: F ratio of 2.4:1. The mean age of our patients was 39.92 ± 1.98 years with an age range of 13-85 years. 50% of the cases were moderately differentiated, while 25% were well and poorly differentiated. Out of the 24 archival HCC biopsies screened, HBV DNA PCR amplification was achieved in 11 (45.83%) after the restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR reaction. Out of the 24 archival HCC biopsies screened, HBV DNA PCR amplification was achieved in 11 (45.83%) after the restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR reaction. Eight of the 11 cases were found in males and 3 in females. Of the 11 (45.83%) samples positive for HBV DNA, 3 were above 40 years, and 8 were 40 years and younger.

Conclusion: The overall prevalence of HBV DNA in our study was 45.83%, and a greater proportion was seen in ≤ 40 years. This suggests that most of our patients are infected with HBV early in life in our environment.