What are hepatitis B antigens?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection affecting the liver. When the virus enters the body, replicates or produces copies itself, it releases hepatitis B antigens, specific protein. They are a useful marker in the blood to distinguish between acute and chronic hepatitis B and the state of immunity after vaccination. There are three antigens of hepatitis B: surface antigen, e antigen and core.
Acute or chronic hepatitis B may occur. Chronic hepatitis B is a common coinfection in HIV patients, requires the use of specific anti-rethrovirol, which are also active against hepatitis B. Measurement of the presence of antigens and antibodies of hepatitis B in the blood and liver. The presence of the disease is the patient. Antibodies are proteins created by the body within its immune response to the fight against the virus.
There are three types of hepatitis B antigens. Surface antigen (HBSAG) is released immediately after infection and is used as part of the diagnosis of acute infection. If the HBSAG is to argueOMEN for more than six months, testifies to chronic infection. Antigen E (HBEAG) is located as soon as the virus begins to actively replicate in the liver and suggests that the person is highly infectious. The core of hepatitis (HBCAG) is found only on liver biopsies, not in the blood. People who are positive for hepatitis B antigens can also transmit the infection to others, whether in an acute or chronic stage.
Hepatitis B is highly portable through blood and body fluids. There is a vaccine that is routinely provided by people with a high risk of hepatitis B exposure. These include laboratory staff, healthcare professionals, sewer workers and any other person exposed to blood or body fluids in the workplace.
Measurement of hepatitis B antibodies after vaccination can measure sufficient response. Vaccinated people show only the presence of hepatitis B, not AntigeNů. If hepatitis B antigens are present, it is a sign of previous or current exposure to hepatitis B.
Regardless of the condition of vaccination, anyone exposed to blood or body fluids should use barrier methods to minimize the risk of exposure. These include gloves and protective wear in the case of working exposure and condoms in the case of sexual exposure. Hepatitis B is a serious disease that can lead to long -term liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.