Hepatitis B Profile

Hepatitis B Profile Blood Test is used to screen or diagnose acute or chronic Hepatitis B infection. It also helps to evaluate and monitor the treatment.

What is Hepatitis B Infection?

Hepatitis B infection is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This is one type among the other types of viral hepatitis. This infection can spread from one person to another through contact with infected blood and body fluids. Common symptoms of this infection are dark urine, fatigue, fever, abdominal discomfort, weakness, loss of appetite, yellowing of eyes, joint and muscle pain. Symptoms usually appear about one to four months after the occurrence of infection.

Normally in most of the cases, this infection does not last for a long time. Your immune system fights it off within a few months. Chronic HBV infection can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis. Various stages of hepatitis B infection are:

• Acute infection: Individuals with signs and symptoms with a positive HBV test.
• Chronic Infection: Individuals with infection more than 6 months with a positive HBV test may or may not with signs and symptoms of liver damage.
• Carrier state: Individuals with persistent infection but no sign of liver inflammation
• Resolved or inactive infection: No infection, and signs and symptoms of liver damage.
• Reactivation: Recurrence of HBV infection with liver damage in a person who was a carrier or who had a resolved, inactive infection.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a partially double-stranded DNA virus that causes Hepatitis B infection. It belongs to the Hepadnavirus family. HBV contains an outer envelope and an inner core. The outer envelope contains a surface protein called the hepatitis B surface antigen or (HBsAg). The inner core is a protein shell known as the hepatitis B core antigen or (HBcAg). This antigen is consist of hepatitis B virus DNA and enzymes needed for the multiplication of the HBV.

Hepatitis B Surface Antibodies are the antibodies produced by the immune system to fight the hepatitis B Surface Antigens. Hepatitis B Core Antibodies are the antibodies produced by the immune system to fight the hepatitis B Core Antigens. Antibodies are the protective proteins produced by the immune system and also known as immunoglobulins. Antibodies are produced when any foreign substance or virus or bacteria enters into the body. These foreign substances are known as antigens. Antibodies recognize and attach to the antigens in order to remove them from the body. There are five (5) subtypes of antibodies and they are IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, IgE.

The HBV enters the liver cell of the individuals and is transported into the nucleus of the liver cell. Once it reaches inside the nucleus, the viral DNA is released and replication starts. The virus starts multiplying in the liver cells and this leads to severe infection.

Why this test is performed?

This test is performed to screen or diagnose the presence of Hepatitis B infection. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if he suspects a Hepatitis B infection or if you experience any signs and symptoms of Hepatitis B infection. This test may also be recommended to individuals with severe liver disease due to the risk of developing this infection. You may be advised to perform this test if you come in contact with a person with Hepatitis B infection or if in case of a direct contact with infected blood. This test is also recommended in individuals who need chemotherapy or who take medicines that suppress your immune system when you are being treated for Hepatitis B infection.

Pathology Parameters:

Hep B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (Anti -HBs), Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Anti- HBc) IgM, Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Anti- HBc) Total, Hepatitis B Envelope Antigen (HBeAg), and Hepatitis Be Antibody (Anti-HBe).

The test results may be different depending on gender, age, health conditions, and other factors.