What to check for the five items of hepatitis B in physical examination

The five items of hepatitis B physical examination mainly detect the serological markers of hepatitis B virus infection, including hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface antibody, hepatitis B e antigen, hepatitis B e antibody and hepatitis B core antibody.

1. hepatitis B surface antigen

hepatitis B surface antigen is the coat protein of hepatitis B virus. The positive result indicates that there is hepatitis B virus infection. This indicator is an important basis for judging whether hepatitis B virus is infected. If the test result is positive, it may indicate that the subject is in the period of hepatitis B virus infection or carrying status. Hepatitis B surface antigen positive patients need to further check the liver function, hepatitis B virus DNA quantitative, etc. to assess the severity of the disease. Part of the population may have transient positive results, which need to be judged comprehensively based on other indicators.

2. hepatitis B surface antibody

hepatitis B surface antibody is a protective antibody for the body to produce immune response to hepatitis B virus. Positive results indicate that the body has immunity to hepatitis B virus. The antibody can be produced by inoculation of hepatitis B vaccine or natural infection, and its titer reflects the strength of immune protection. People with positive hepatitis B surface antibody will not be re infected with hepatitis B virus, but the antibody level may decline over time. It is recommended to regularly test the antibody level and strengthen vaccination if necessary.

3. hepatitis B e antigen

hepatitis B e antigen is a marker of active replication of hepatitis B virus, and positive results indicate that the virus is active in replication and highly infectious. This index usually appears at the same time as hepatitis B surface antigen, which is common in the early stage of acute hepatitis B infection or the active stage of chronic hepatitis B. Hepatitis B e antigen positive patients need to closely monitor liver function, and timely antiviral treatment to control the development of the disease. Some patients may experience seroconversion of e antigen, i.e. e antigen turning negative and e antibody turning positive, indicating weakened virus replication.

4. hepatitis B e antibody

hepatitis B e antibody is the antibody produced by the body to e antigen. Positive results usually indicate that the virus replication is weakened and the infectivity is reduced. This index is often seen in the convalescent period of hepatitis B virus infection or the inactive period of chronic hepatitis B, and is often accompanied by the negative conversion of e antigen. Hepatitis B e antibody positive patients still need to regularly monitor liver function and viral load, and some patients may have viral reactivation. If the E antibody is positive alone, one should be alert to the possibility of virus mutation and evaluate it comprehensively in combination with other indicators.

5. hepatitis B Core Antibody

hepatitis B Core Antibody is an antibody produced after hepatitis B virus infection. Positive results indicate past or current infection. This antibody includes two types: IgM and IgG. A positive IgM core antibody indicates a recent infection, while a positive IgG core antibody indicates a previous infection. In case of positive core antibody, it is necessary to judge the infection status with other indicators. A single positive core antibody may be a recovered or concealed hepatitis B infection. The antibody can last for many years and is an important indicator to judge the history of hepatitis B infection.

The five examinations for hepatitis B are the basic screening items to assess the status of hepatitis B virus infection, and it is recommended that high-risk people be tested regularly. High risk behaviors such as unclean injections and unprotected behaviors should be avoided in daily life. Inoculation of hepatitis B vaccine is an effective measure to prevent infection. If the test results are abnormal, seek medical attention promptly for further diagnosis and treatment, and avoid interpreting the test report on your own. Keeping good personal hygiene habits and not sharing personal items such as razors and toothbrushes with others can reduce the risk of hepatitis B virus transmission.