Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatitis B

Diagnosis of Hepatitis B

There are three standard blood tests for HBV :

• HbsAG (Hepatitis B surface antigen): When this test is positive or reactive, you are infected with HBV and can pass it on to others. Persistence for six months after acute infection indicates progression to chronic HBV. 

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  Anti-HBc(antibody to Hepatitis B core antigen): When you test positive, it means either you are currently infected with HBV or have been infected at some point in the past. 

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• Anti-HBs ( antibody to HbsAg): When this test is positive, it means that you are immune to Hepatitis B either as a result of having had the disease or from having been given the vaccine. 

Antibody to different components of HBV are interpreted as follows

· Anti-HBs + : Indicates individual has been vaccinated, has received immune globulin, is immune, or is an infant who has received antibodies from its mother. 

· Anti-HBc+: Indicates past or present infection and lasts indefinitely. Also may be detected in someone who has received immune globulin or an infant who has received antibodies from its mother. 

· Ig M anti-HBc+: Indicates recent infection with HBV, usually within 4-6 months. 

· HBeAg+: Indicates active viral replication and high infectivity. 

Treatment of Hepatitis B

While there is no treatment for acute Hepatitis B, adefovir dipivoxil, alpha interferon, lamivudine, and entecavir are four drugs licensed for the treatment of persons with chronic Hepatitis B. 

About 35 per cent of patients treated with injections of interferon for 4-6 months will have a long-term response. Interferon therapy often results in a number of side-effects including flu-like symptoms, fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, and hair thinning. Because interferon may depress the bone marrow, blood tests are needed to monitor white blood cells and platelets. 

The response to oral lamivudine, given for at least one year, may be somewhat lower . Lamivudine is very well tolerated but viral resistance to the treatment may occur. Liver enzymes are monitored during treatment with both drugs. 

Patients with chronic Hepatitis B should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. 

Hepatitis B
Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatitis B
Outcome from Hepatitis B
Preventing HBV Infection
Things not to do for Hepatitis B