What does a high hepatitis B surface antigen mean?

A positive HBsAg test result means that you are infected and can spread the hepatitis B virus to others through your blood. anti-HBs or HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antibody) – A “positive” or “reactive” anti-HBs (or HBsAb) test result indicates that a person is protected against the hepatitis B virus.

What is the normal range of hepatitis B viral load?

HBV: Hepatitis B virus. # Normal values: ALT: Males: 10-40 U/L; Females: 7 – 35 U/L; AST: Males: 15 – 40 U/L; Females: 13 – 35 U/L. HBeAg-positive patients had significantly higher ALT levels (mean 170.3 ± 391 IU/L) compared to HBeAg-negative patients (mean 53.9 ± 169.4 IU/L), p < 0.0001 (Table 2).

Which is the usual marker for detection of hepatitis?

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is the hallmark of HBV infection and is the first serological marker to appear in acute hepatitis B, and persistence of HBsAg for more than 6 months suggests chronic HBV infection.

What does positive HBeAg mean?

In HBV carriers and patients with chronic hepatitis B, positive HBeAg results usually indicate presence of active HBV replication and high infectivity. A negative HBeAg result indicates very minimal or no HBV replication. Positive anti-HBe results usually indicate inactivity of the virus and low infectivity.

What is the difference between hepatitis B surface antibody and antigen?

The basic blood test for hepatitis B consists of three screening tests: a hepatitis B surface antigen test, which determines whether a person currently has the infection; a hepatitis B core antibody test, which determines whether a person has ever been infected; and a hepatitis B surface antibody test, which determines …

What is the most common way to get hepatitis B?

You may get hepatitis B if you have unprotected sex with someone who is infected. The virus can pass to you if the person’s blood, saliva, semen or vaginal secretions enter your body. Sharing of needles. HBV easily spreads through needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood.

Can hepatitis B viral load be reduced?

EASL guidelines say non-cirrhotic, HBeAg-negative patients who have had at least three years of antiviral treatment, undetectable viral load and no signs of liver damage can stop treatment, as long as there is frequent follow-up monitoring.

Is hepatitis B curable 2020?

Infants and children are more likely to develop a chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis B infection. A vaccine can prevent hepatitis B, but there’s no cure if you have the condition. If you’re infected, taking certain precautions can help prevent spreading the virus to others.

Will I always test positive for hepatitis B?

Most adults who acquire HBV clear the virus within a few months, and their hepatitis B surface antigen test result will be negative after that time. Some people remain infected and continue to test positive for hepatitis B surface antigen.

Can HBsAg and HBsAb be positive?

Both in vitro simulation and in vivo animal models demonstrated that HBsAg antigen and HBsAb of the same serotypes could not coexist, but HBsAg antigen and HBsAb of different serotype could coexist. HBsAg/HBsAb double positive hepatitis B virus infection could be due to infection of viruses of different serotypes.

What is the treatment of HBsAg positive?

Antiviral medications. Several antiviral medications — including entecavir (Baraclude), tenofovir (Viread), lamivudine (Epivir), adefovir (Hepsera) and telbivudine (Tyzeka) — can help fight the virus and slow its ability to damage your liver. These drugs are taken by mouth.