|
How
do I interpret Hepatitis B
serologic test results?
The
following table provides interpretations for Hepatitis
B serologic markers.
A
PDF version [PDF - 1 page]
is also available.
| Interpretation
of Hepatitis B Serologic Test Results |
| Tests |
Results |
Interpretation |
HBsAg
anti-HBc
anti-HBs |
negative
negative
negative |
Susceptible |
HBsAg
anti-HBc
anti-HBs |
negative
positive
positive |
Immune
due to natural infection |
HBsAg
anti-HBc
anti-HBs |
negative
negative
positive |
Immune
due to Hepatitis B vaccination |
HBsAg
anti-HBc
IgM anti-HBc
anti-HBs |
positive
positive
positive
negative |
Acutely
infected |
HBsAg
anti-HBc
IgM anti-HBc
anti-HBs |
positive
positive
negative
negative |
Chronically
infected |
HBsAg
anti-HBc
anti-HBs |
negative
positive
negative |
Interpretation
unclear; four possibilities:
| 1. |
Resolved
infection (most common) |
| 2. |
False-positive
anti-HBc, thus susceptible |
| 3.
|
"Low
level" chronic infection |
| 4.
|
Resolving
acute infection |
|
| Hepatitis
B surface antigen (HBsAg): A protein on
the surface of HBV; it can be detected in high levels
in serum during acute or chronic HBV infection.
The presence of HBsAg indicates that the person
is infectious. The body normally produces antibodies
to HBsAg as part of the normal immune response to
infection. HBsAg is the antigen used to make Hepatitis
B vaccine.
Hepatitis
B surface antibody (anti-HBs): The presence
of anti-HBs is generally interpreted as indicating
recovery and immunity from HBV infection. Anti-HBs
also develops in a person who has been successfully
vaccinated against Hepatitis B.
Total Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc):
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 HBV
in an undefined time frame.
IgM antibody to Hepatitis B core antigen (IgM
anti-HBc): Positivity indicates recent
infection with HBV (≤6 months). Its presence
indicates acute infection.
Adapted
from: A Comprehensive Immunization Strategy
to Eliminate Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus
Infection in the United States: Recommendations
of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Part I: Immunization of Infants, Children, and
Adolescents. MMWR 2005;54(No. RR-16).
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What
are antigens and antibodies?
An
antigen is a substance on the surface of a virus that
causes a person's immune system to recognize and respond
to it. When the body is exposed to an antigen, the body
views it as foreign material and takes steps to neutralize
the antigen by producing antibodies. An antibody is
a substance found in the blood that the body produces
in response to a virus. Antibodies protect the body
from disease by attaching to the virus and destroying
it.
What
are the common blood tests available to diagnose Hepatitis
B?
There are many different blood tests available to diagnose
Hepatitis B. They can be ordered as an individual test
or as a series of tests. Ask your health professional
to explain what he or she hopes to learn from the tests
and when you will get the results.
Page
last updated June 18, 2010.
Source:
CDC Hepatitis B FAQs (frequently asked questions) for
the Public, available at www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/B/bFAQ.htm
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