Viral Hepatitis

Question 1

DNA or RNA?

1. HCV
2. HBV

Answer 1

1. RNA

2. HBV

Question 2

How to diagnose HCV?

Answer 2

HCV antibody screen
Positive suggests ongoing or resolved infection
Then do RNA PCR to determine active or cleared infection

Question 3

3 classes of HCV therapies

Answer 3

NS3/4A protease inhibitors
NS5A inhibitors
NS5B inhibitors

Question 4

HBV Surface Antigen

Answer 4

Viral protein
Marker of active infection
Acute or chronic (if seen > 6 months after exposure)

Question 5

HBV surface Ab

Answer 5

Antibody made against the surface antigen
Marker of immune response to virus (infection or vaccination)
Indicates immunity

Question 6

HBV core antibody

Answer 6

We can detect IgM or IgG

Presence suggests acute infection or a re-activation of viral replication

Question 7

HBV e Ag

Answer 7

Viral protein
Seen in active infection
Marker of viral replication and infectivity

Question 8

HBVe Ab

Answer 8

Antibody
Marker of some degree of immune control
Usually seen in recovery phase of natural infection