Comparative analysis of HBV and HCV infection in hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic liver disease--an autopsy based study

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common malignancies worldwide including Asian countries. Chronic viral hepatitis is implicated as an important etiological factor in carcinogenesis of liver.

Aim: To study incidence of hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses in HCC and to compare the incidences with that of chronic liver disease.

Materials and method: 40 cases each of HCC (group I) and chronic liver disease including cirrhotic liver (group II) who died of the liver disease. All cases were stained with HBsAg and HBcAb for HBV and RT-PCR for HCV RNA. Different groups were compared using student's t-paired and chi-square tests.

Results: Group I--HCC was seen in 37 cirrhotics and 3 non-cirrhotic cases. HBsAg was positive in 32 cases (80%), HBcAb in 22 cases (55%) and HCV in 23 cases (57.5%) (p<0.05). Dysplastic nodule (DN) was seen in 25 cases, HBsAg and HBcAg positivity were seen in 18 and 15 cases respectively. Group II--32 cases were cirrhotic and 8 were non-cirrhotics. HBsAg was positive in 28 (70%), HBcAb in 12 (30%) and HCV in 18 (45%) cases. DN was seen 24 cases, HBsAg and HBcAg postiviy were seen in 16 and 7 cases respectively. HBV and HCV co-infection was seen in 20 and 15 cases, and HCV with HBcAb positivity was seen in 13 and 9 cases in groups I and II respectively. Number of cells in each case showing positivity for HBcAb was also significantly higher in group I (p<0.01). Age and sex distribution did not show any distinctive differences between the two groups.

Conclusion: the study highlights a high incidence ofHBVand HCV infection in cases of chronic liver disease and HCC. HBcAb positive state appears to be an independent risk factor for HCC.