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HEPATITIS B TEST
Hepatitis B is caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death.
HBsAg or Hepatitis B Surface Antigen will be detected in an infected person's blood on the average of 4 weeks (range 1-8 weeks) after exposure to the Hepatitis B virus.
About 1 out of 2 patients will no longer be infectious by 7 weeks after onset of symptoms and all patients, who do not remain chronically infected, will be HBsAg-negative by 15 weeks after onset of symptoms.
The Hepatitis B virus is a DNA virus, meaning that its genetic material is made up of deoxyribonucleic acids.
It belongs to a family of viruses known as Hepadnaviridae. The virus is primarily found in the liver but is also present in the blood and certain body fluids. Hepatitis B virus consists of a core particle (central portion) and a surrounding envelope (outer coat).
The core is made up of DNA and the core antigen (HBcAg). The envelope contains the surface antigen (HBsAg).
These antigens are present in the blood and are markers that are used in the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with suspected viral hepatitis.
How does Hepatitis B virus cause liver injury?
The Hepatitis B virus reproduces in liver cells, but the virus itself is not the direct cause of damage to the liver. Rather, the presence of the virus triggers an immune response from the body as the body tries to eliminate the virus and recover from the infection. This immune response causes inflammation and may seriously injure liver calls.
Therefore, there is a balance between the protective and destructive effects of the immune response to the Hepatitis B virus.
Phlebotomy
