In 7.9% of chronic infections (n=2 in the weighted analysis), the viral load was above 10 000 IU/mL, indicating the need for treatment.38 A viral load above 10 000 IU/mL is a strong risk predictor of HCC, independent of HBeAg status, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level and liver cirrhosis.39–43 The results on viral load suggest that there is a tangible proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis B in Armenia that are currently not receiving antiviral treatment or were not aware of their infection. This evidence concerns the gene GPT and hepatocellular carcinoma.