Lab Diagnosis

Diagnosis of HBV infection is usually through serological and virological markers. 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.

Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) usually indicates active HBV replication and risk of transmission of infection. Occult HBV infection is recognized as the absence of circulating HBsAg in individuals positive for serum or tissue HBV DNA, irrespective of other HBV serological markers.

Monitoring the serum HBV DNA level is valuable for assessing liver disease activity, differentiating other etiologies of hepatitis activity in HBV carriers. In conclusion, it is particularly important for physicians to screen for HBV infection in HBV-endemic areas and to monitor liver disease progression in HBV carriers by using both serological and virological markers, so that effective treatment can be initiated early before the development of advanced liver disease.

Inflammation of Liver

Picture Extracted From:
http://www.med.unsw.edu.au/medweb.nsf/page/Infection%20Immunity%20and%20Inflammation