DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2023.v11i12.026

Pages: 2159-2166

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global health challenge, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is known to play a crucial role in the immune response and pathogenesis of HBV infection. However, its correlation with HBV serological profiles and disease progression is not well established. This study aimed at investigating the levels of IL-6 and ALT among HBV-infected individuals in Abakaliki, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 HBV-infected individuals attending health facilities in Abakaliki. Participants were screened using HBV panel tests and IL-6 levels were determined using fluorescence immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed to determine the prevalence of various HBV status and the distribution of IL-6 levels among these groups. The most common HBV status was inactive infection (50%), followed by inactive chronic infection (26%). IL-6 levels varied significantly across infection status. Individuals with inactive infection mostly had IL-6 levels between 11–500 pg/ml, indicating moderate severity. Individuals with inactive sepsis and inactive chronic sepsis had IL-6 levels exceeding 1000 pg/ml, suggestive of systemic inflammation or cytokine storm. A clear association was observed between elevated IL-6 levels and disease severity. IL-6 levels were found to correlate strongly with HBV infection status, especially in cases involving sepsis and chronic active infection. These findings support the role of IL-6 as a potential biomarker for monitoring disease severity and immune activity in HBV-infected individuals. Routine IL-6 assessment alongside HBV serological profiling may enhance patient management and early detection of complications.