Serologic Test interpretation for Hepatitis B

Question 1

What does the presence of HBsAg in a serologic test for Hepatitis B indicate?

a. Ongoing acute disease
b. Ongoing chronic disease
c. Immunity or cure
d. A and b

Answer 1

d. A n b

Question 2

If a person tests positive for Anti-HBsAg, what does this suggest about their Hepatitis B status?

a. They have an ongoing active disease.
b. They are immune or already cured.
c. They are a carrier of the virus.
d. None of the above

Answer 2

b. They are immune or already cured.

Question 3

Which antibody is typically present during a new Hepatitis B infection, especially in mild cases?

A) IgA anti-HBcAg
B) IgM anti-HBcAg
C) IgG anti-HBcAg
D) IgE anti-HBcAg

Answer 3

B) IgM anti-HBcAg

Question 4

Which antibody is associated with an old Hepatitis B infection?

A) IgA anti-HBcAg
B) IgM anti-HBcAg
C) IgG anti-HBcAg
D) IgE anti-HBcAg

Answer 4

C) IgG anti-HBcAg

Question 5

Where can the core antigen (HBcAg) be detected in the body?

Answer 5

• The core antigen (HBcAg) cannot be detected in the serum; it is only found in intact cells, viral agents, and liver tissues, typically through a biopsy.

Question 6

What does the presence of HBeAg indicate in a person with hepatitis B?

A) High level of infectivity (high viral load)
B) Low level of infectivity (low viral load)
C) No viral load
D) Neutral impact on infectivity

Answer 6

A) High level of infectivity (high viral load)

Question 7

What does the presence of Anti-HBeAg indicate in a person with hepatitis B?

A) High level of infectivity (high viral load)
B) Low level of infectivity (low viral load)
C) No viral load
D) Immunity to hepatitis B

Answer 7

B) Low level of infectivity (low viral load)

Question 8

In viral serology, why is antigen detection the first test conducted before the appearance of antibodies?

A) The antigen of the viral agent is the one responsible for stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies.
B) Antigen is typically easier to detect than antibodies in body fluids.
C) Antibodies are not produced in response to viral infections.
D) It’s a traditional medical practice to test for antigens first.

Answer 8

A) The antigen of the viral agent is the one responsible for stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies.

Question 9

What is the primary reason for conducting antigen detection before antibody appearance in viral serology?

A) Antigen is detected first in the body fluid.
B) Antibodies are always produced before antigens.
C) Antigen testing is less expensive.
D) Antigen testing is more accurate than antibody testing.

Answer 9

A) Antigen is detected first in the body fluid.

Question 10

Is it possible to detect the antibody?

A) Yes, for example in Anti-HBcAg
B) No, antibodies cannot be detected
C) Yes, but only in blood tests
D) Yes, but only in urine tests

Answer 10

A) Yes, for example in Anti-HBcAg

Question 11

In the context of late diagnosis, when is serum antibody testing typically done, and what is the risk associated with it?

A) Serum antibody testing is performed when the patient is asymptomatic. The antigen can be therefore missed out.
B) Serum antibody testing is performed when the patient is asymptomatic. This approach ensures accurate detection of the antigen.
C) Serum antibody testing is performed when the patient is symptomatic. The antigen can be accurately detected in this case.
D) Serum antibody testing is only done in severe cases, regardless of symptoms.

Answer 11

A) Serum antibody testing is performed when the patient is asymptomatic. The antigen can be therefore missed out.