What Is Serology for HEPA-B?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, the organ responsible for filtering the blood. Viral infections known as Hep A and Hep B are the most common causes of liver infection. Blood tests can determine which type is present.
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Serology
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Serology is the study of the blood, specifically the blood serum (the clear portion of the blood that can be separated from clotted blood), in order to make a diagnosis based on the presence of antibodies. Antibodies indicate the body is fighting a disease.
Hepatitis A
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The hepatitis A virus spreads by fecal-oral contact and is common in underdeveloped areas and is associated with poor hygiene. Hepatitis A virus is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis.
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Hepatitis A Serology
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Two antibodies are associated with hepatitis A: IgM and IgG. The former develops during acute infection and remains detectable for up to six months after infection. IgG develops after the infection and usually remains present for life. The IgG antibody indicates previous exposure to hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B
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Hepatitis B is the second most common cause of acute viral hepatitis and is introduced parenterally (meaning other than via the intestines or digestive tract). It is typically spread via contaminated blood and blood products.
Hepatitis B Serology
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Hepatitis B has three antibodies that can be tested: HBsAg, HBeAg and HBcAg (a core antigen that is detectable in liver cells and can only be detected in blood serum through more specialized techniques). HBsAg is an indicator of either acute or chronic liver infection. A corresponding antibody (anti-HB) appears after recovery and generally persists for life.
HBeAg is found only in HBsAg-positive serum and suggests viral replication and greater infection.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Melissa Wiese
