Hepatitis B Envelope Antigen (HbeAg ), Serum

The presence of HBe Ag indicates that the virus is replicating and the infected person has high levels of HBV. HBeAg is a secreted product of the nucleocapsid gene of HBV that is found in serum during acute and chronic hepatitis B. HBeAg levels can be used to monitor the progress of hepatitis B viral infection. HBeAg is first detectable in the early phase of hepatitis B viral infection, after the appearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The titers of both HBs Ag and Hbe Ag antigens rise rapidly during the period of viral replication in acute infection. The presence of HBeAg correlates with increased numbers of infectious virus (Dane particles), the occurrence of core particles in the nucleus of the hepatocyte, and the presence of hepatitis B virus specific DNA and DNA polymerase in serum. HBeAg may persist together with HBsAg in chronic hepatitis B viral infection. However, a subset of chronic hepatitis B patients have no detectable HBeAg in serum, but are positive for antibody to HBeAg (anti-HBe); these patients may also be positive for serum hepatitis B virus DNA. In acute infection, during recovery period the HBeAg levels decrease and later become undetectable in the serum and the Hepatitis B envelope antibody (Anti-HBe) appears. Anti-HBe remains detectable for many years after recovery from acute HBV infection. Hbe Ag positive results usually indicate presence of active HBV replication and high infectivity in HBV carriers and Chronic hepatitis individuals. A negative HBe Ag result indicates no Viral replication. Anti-Hbe positive results indicate inactivity of the virus and low infectivity.

1. What are the different types of Hepatitis infection?

Hepatitis A virus, Hepatitis E virus, Hepatitis B surface Antigen, Hepatitis C Virus. These diseases caused by different types of viruses. Hepatitis A virus is transmitted through faeco-oral route by drinking contaminated water or Food. The disesase is acute not chronic. Hepatitis B and C viral infections begin as acute, but in some persons the virus remains in the body and become chronic.

2. What is the mode of Transmission of Hepatitis B virus?

1. During Birth spread from an infected mother to child

2. Sexual transmission.

3. By Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment

4. By direct contact with the blood or open wounds of an infected person

5. Exposure to blood from needle sticks or other sharp instruments.

3. What are different types of Hepatitis markers to evaluate Hepatitis B disease condition?

HBs Ag: This is the first antigen appeared during Acute infection. It is also present in the chronic stage.

Hepatitis B core Antibody Total(Anti-HBC): HBc antibody produced by the body against Hepatitis B virus called the ”core antigen.”

A positive test means: A person is either currently infected with the Hepatitis B virus or was infected in the past.

Hepatitis B core IgM antibody(Anti-HBc IgM): It is used to detect acute infection.

Hepatitis “B e’’ Antigen: High levels of HBe Ag present in the blood during acute Hepatitis B virus infection. This test is used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

Hepatitis “B e’’ Antibody: This is Antibody produced against Hepatitis “B e’’ Antigen. The positive test indicates chronic infection.

Hepatitis B viral Load: The test is used to diagnose the prescence of Hepatitis B viral DNA in the blood. High levels of viral load is the indication of acute infection. This test is used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

4. What are the preventive measures used for Hepatitis B virus infection?

Vaccination with Hepatitis B is the best preventive measure to protect against Hepatitis B virus infection. After vaccination, antibodies are produced against virus and gives protection.