Hepatitis Serology - Dena PDF

HEPATITIS SEROLOGY Dena Edwards Wadden, MN-NP Objectives  Discuss serology interpretation of Hepatitis A, B & C  Hepatitis A Serology Hepatitis A immunoglobulin M (IgM anti-HAV) antibody test: When first infected with hepatitis A, the body produces IgM anti-HAV antibodie...

HEPATITIS SEROLOGY Dena Edwards Wadden, MN-NP Objectives  Discuss serology interpretation of Hepatitis A, B & C  Hepatitis A Serology Hepatitis A immunoglobulin M (IgM anti-HAV) antibody test: When first infected with hepatitis A, the body produces IgM anti-HAV antibodies. Usually detectable from two weeks after symptoms begin to around after exposure. Ordered for a patient who is suspected of having acute hepatitis A. Hepatitis A immunoglobulin G (IgG anti-HAV) antibody test: The IgG anti-HAV antibody test detects IgG antibodies that develop later in the course of the disease. IgG antibodies are detectable in the body for life, providing protection against a future hepatitis A virus infection. The IgG anti-HAV test is used to detect past HAV infections or immunization status.  A positive result for anti-HAV IgG indicates immunity to HAV.  A positive result for HAV IgM with or without a positive HAV IgG suggests recent/acute infection with HAV.  A positive HAV IgM must be interpreted with clinical symptoms and/or exposure history.  Hepatitis B Serology  Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)  Protein found on the surface of HBV  First serum marker to be detected following initial infection.  Can sometimes take up to 100 days to show up in serum.  HBsAg seroconversion is the development of antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs); it indicates the clearance of HBsAg and the resolution of infection.  The presence of HBsAg always implies active infection, whilst persistence of HBsAg for more than six months indicates chronic infection.  Antibody to Hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs)  The antibody produced by the host in response to HBsAg (HBsAg seroconversion).  The presence of anti-HBs without HBsAg indicates two possible scenarios: either previous, cleared infection or vaccination against hepatitis B virus  To further evaluate, we look at the core antibody.  Anti-HBs remains in serum for life and indicates immunity to HBV. Hepatitis B Serology  Antibody to Hepatitis core antigen (anti-HBc), IgM & IgG  Appears at the onset of symptoms in acute hepatitis B and persists for life. The presence of anti-HBc indicates previous or ongoing infection with hepatitis B virus in an undefined time frame.  The presence of anti-HBc IgM indicates recent infection within the last six months. Over time, IgM is gradually replaced by anti- HBc IgG; therefore, anti-HBc is seen in patients with resolved infection and those with chronic infection. Hepatitis C Serology Interpretation