Hepatitis B Serology Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is the first marker to appear in hepatitis B infection?
surface antigen (HBsAg)
HBsAg causes the production of anti-HBs.
What does the presence of HBsAg normally imply?
acute disease (present for 1-6 months)
If HBsAg is present for > 6 months, it implies chronic disease.
What does it imply if HBsAg is present for more than 6 months?
chronic disease (i.e. Infective)
Chronic disease indicates ongoing infection.
What does Anti-HBs indicate?
immunity (either exposure or immunisation)
Anti-HBs is negative in chronic disease.
What does Anti-HBc signify?
previous (or current) infection
IgM anti-HBc appears during acute or recent hepatitis B infection.
How long does IgM anti-HBc persist?
about 6 months
IgG anti-HBc persists longer.
What does the presence of IgG anti-HBc indicate?
previous infection
IgG anti-HBc remains after recovery from infection.
What is HBeAg a marker of?
HBV replication and infectivity
HBeAg results from breakdown of core antigen from infected liver cells.
What are the serology results for a person who was previously immunised for hepatitis B?
anti-HBs positive, all others negative
Indicates successful immunisation without infection.
What do the serology results indicate for someone who had hepatitis B over 6 months ago and is not a carrier?
anti-HBc positive, HBsAg negative
Indicates resolved infection without chronic carrier state.
What do the serology results indicate for someone who has had hepatitis B and is now a carrier?
anti-HBc positive, HBsAg positive
Indicates ongoing infection and chronic carrier status.
Wha indicates chronic remission of hepatitis B?
Anti-HbEag which indcates seroconversion
