Serological profile and interpretation of different hepatitis B virus marker

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are a global public health problem. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In virus-infected liver cells, HBsAg is produced in excess and secreted into the blood, where it serves as a marker for active infection and infectivity. Currently, recombinant HBsAg is used for HBV vaccination, and the development of antibody to HBsAg is typically associated with protective immunity. The likelihood of developing CHB is related to the age at which infection is acquired; the risk being lowest in adults and >90% in neonates whose mothers are hepatitis B e antigen positive. During hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, Different markers of hepatitis B virus are detectable in blood. Presence of this markers in serum carry importance in diagnosing the stage of illness. Most common marker of clinical significance is: HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBe, Anti-HBcIgM, Anti HBc (total). This marker can be easily detected by different serological methods eg, ICT, ELISA, CMIA, MEIA. We have studied the records of this serological parameters, advised earlier by the physicians of BIHS General Hospital. Last year, about 1,364 patients were tested for hepatitis B serological markers: hepatitis B surface antigen and its antibody (anti-HBs); hepatitis B e-antigen and its antibody (anti-HBe); and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) in BIHS General Hospital.