Dynamic comparison between Daan real-time PCR and Cobas TaqMan for quantification of HBV DNA levels in patients with CHB

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels are crucial for managing chronic hepatitis B (CHB). It was unclear whether Daan real-time polymerase chain reaction test (Daan test) or COBAS TaqMan HBV DNA Test (Cobas TaqMan) was superior in measuring different HBV DNA levels in clinical specimens. Methods: We enrolled 67 treatment-naive, HBV surface antigen-positive CHB patients (high baseline viral levels) who received either lamivudine/adefovir or entecavir. Serum samples were tested at baseline and treatment week 24 using the Daan test and Cobas TaqMan. Results: In the 67-baseline samples, the HBV DNA levels with the Cobas TaqMan (7.90 +/- 0.73 log(10) IU/mL) were significantly greater than those of the Daan test (7.11 +/- 0.44 log(10) IU/mL; P < 0.001). Of the 67 24-week samples (low viral levels), the Cobas TaqMan detected 59 (88.1%; 8 undetected); the Daan test detected 33 (49.3%; 34 undetected; P < 0.001). The Cobas TaqMan detected HBV DNA in 26 of 34 samples undetectable by the Daan test (range, 1.4-3.7 log(10) IU/mL) or 38% of samples (26/67). The reductions in viral load after 24 weeks of oral antiviral treatment in the 33 samples that were positive for both the Daan test and the Cobas TaqMan test were significantly different (3.59 +/- 1.11 log(10) IU/mL versus 4.87 +/- 1.58 log(10) IU/mL, respectively; P = 0.001). Spearman correlation analysis showed positive correlation between results from two tests (r(p) = 0.602, P<0.001). The HBV genotypes and the anti-viral treatment did not affect the measurements of the HBV DNA by the Daan assay and the Cobas Taqman assay. Conclusion: The Cobas Taqman was more sensitive at low viral loads than the Daan test and the change from complete to partial virological response could affect clinical decisions. The Cobas Taqman may be more appropriate for detection of HBV DNA levels.