Hepatotropic Viruses

Question 1

List the serological markers of HBV and their indications

Answer 1

HBV DNA - measures viral load and indicates ongoing viral replication

Correlates with infectivity and virulence I.e risk of causing a major liver disease

HBeAg -measures the risk of transmission of the infection

HBsAg - hallmark of active infection
Major tool.for screening chronic hepatitis b infection >/=6 months

Anti HBs
Antibody to Hbs
Marker of immunity to HBs
Only detectable marker of successful immunisation

Anti HBc
Antibody to core antigen
Marker of prior exposure
IgM Anti HBc shows recent infection