Information on Hepatitis B Surface Antibodies
Understanding HBsAg, HBsAb, and HBcAb: Key Markers in Hepatitis B Testing
Hepatitis B, a viral infection that can lead to serious complications, is diagnosed and monitored through a series of blood tests known as the hepatitis B panel. This test checks for three distinct serological markers: HBsAg, HBsAb, and HBcAb.
HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) is a protein found on the surface of the HBV virus. Its presence in the blood indicates an active HBV infection, either acute or chronic. HBsAg is typically the first marker to appear after infection and suggests contagiousness [1][4].
On the other hand, HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antibody, also called anti-HBs) is an antibody produced by the immune system in response to the surface antigen. Its presence usually indicates immunity to HBV, either from past infection resolution or successful vaccination. HBsAb is considered protective because it neutralizes the virus and helps prevent reinfection [3][4].
HBcAb (Hepatitis B core antibody, or anti-HBc) targets the core protein of HBV and arises only from natural infection, not vaccination. It appears soon after infection and typically remains positive lifelong, serving as a marker of past or ongoing infection. Isolated HBcAb positivity may indicate occult HBV infection, resolved infection without detectable surface antibody, or a window period of acute infection [3][4].
In summary:
| Marker | Type | Indicates | Clinical Use | |---------|-------------------|---------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | HBsAg | Viral surface antigen | Active HBV infection (acute or chronic) | Diagnosing active infection, monitoring viral presence[1][4] | | HBsAb | Antibody to surface antigen | Immunity to HBV (past infection or vaccination) | Proof of immune protection, post-vaccination status[3][4] | | HBcAb | Antibody to core antigen | Past or ongoing natural infection only | Exposure to HBV, identifying occult infection, not from vaccine[3][4] |
A serological evaluation, or blood test, for these viral biomarkers can determine a person's hepatitis B status. A reactive test for HBcAb suggests a previous HBV infection. The test for hepatitis B is a simple blood test that requires one blood sample.
It is important to note that recovery from hepatitis B is possible with antiviral medication, in some cases a liver transplant may be required. The presence of HBsAb suggests successful development of a protective antibody against HBV. Anyone who has symptoms of hepatitis B or known risk factors, such as individuals born in places with a high incidence of HBV infection and those who use needles to inject drugs, may benefit from having the test.
References: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279336/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279329/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279338/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279337/
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