Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Anti-HBC) Total, Serum

Anti-HBc test is used to detect the Total Hepatitis B core antibodies (Both IgM & IgG) in HBV infected persons. HBC IgM is the first serological marker of recent (Acute) HBV infection. After the appearance of HBs Ag, Anti-HBC is detectable. It is the only serological marker detectable in the window period. Total Anti-HBc levels are present in serum even years after exposure to Hepatitis. Anti-HBc is found in acute and chronic Hepatitis B patients and indicates past resolved infections. HBc Ab Positve results should be correlated with other findings (hepatitis B virus serologic markers, liver enzymes, clinical signs and symptoms, etc.). In case of HBS Ag-Negative, AntiHBC-Negative, Anti-HBs-Negative, the person susceptible to infection. In case of HBsAg-Negative, AntiHBC-Positive, Anti-HBs-Positive, person immune due to natural infection. In case of HBsAg-Negative, AntiHBC-Negative, Anti-HBs-Positive, Immune due to hepatitis B vaccination. In case of HBsAg-positive, Anti-HBc-positive, IgM Anti-HBc-Positive, Anti-HBs negative Acutely infected. In case of HBsAg positive, Anti-HBc positive, IgM Anti-HBc negative, Anti-HBs negative Chronically infected HBsAg negative, anti-HBc positive anti-HBs negative Interpretation unclear; four possibilities Interpretation unclear; four possibilities: 1. Resolved infection (most common) 2. False-positive anti-HBc, thus susceptible 3. ôLow levelö chronic infection 4. Resolving acute infection

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.