HBV Surface Markers

Ok, so I felt like my last post (on HBIg) was fairly unclear regarding the markers of hepatitis B infection. Hopefully this clears things up.

 

The basis of hepatitis B infection (HBV) is the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). It is immunogenic, but not infectious. HBsAg is the protein in the viral envelope, and antibodies to surface antigen is what is measured for in a simple HBV test.

 

Ongoing HBV viral replication is indicated by the presence of serologic markers of the virion core. The virion core is composed of HBeAg and HBcAg. HBeAg is consistent with ongoing viral synthesis, and is generally found in areas with high viral endemicity. Strangely, when antibodies to HBeAg are present (Anti-HBe) this indicates relatively low infectivity in the individual, and may be a marker of the integrated stage of infection (Dienstag 2008).

 

HBcAg (Anti-HBc) is indicative of ongoing, chronic liver disease.

 

Lower titers of IGg anti-HBc with anti-HBs, show that infection with HBV had occurred in the past. High titers of IGg anti-HBc with low levels of anti-HBs show that viral infection has occurred, and is still present (Sherlock 1990).

 

 

References Cited

 

Dienstag, Jules L.

2008            Hepatitis B Virus Infection. New England Journal of Medicine 359(14):1486-1503.

Sherlock, S.

            1990            Hepatitis B: The Disease. Vaccine 8(Supplement):S6-S10.