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The HBV is a common viral infection worldwide which spreads via sex, blood, body fluids or vertically (mother-foetus transmission). The virus is tough and can withstand extreme temperatures and humidity. The HBV is a member of the Hepadnaviridae. | The HBV is a common viral infection worldwide which spreads via sex, blood, body fluids or vertically (mother-foetus transmission). The virus is tough and can withstand extreme temperatures and humidity. The HBV is a member of the Hepadnaviridae. | ||
HBV infection causes acute hepatitis, and approximately | HBV infection causes acute hepatitis, and approximately 5-10% of these cases progress into chronic hepatitis (in adults, the numbers are much higher if infected as a child). The diagnosis of HBV is based on serology, where the levels of different antigens and antibodies are detected in the blood. | ||
The hepatitis B virus has three antigens. HBsAg, HBeAg and HBcAg. These antigens and antibodies against them appear at different phases of the disease. The antibodies can be either <abbr>IgG</abbr> or IgM. Recall from immunology that IgM is the first antibody which appears in response to infection, while IgG appears later. | The hepatitis B virus has three antigens. HBsAg, HBeAg and HBcAg. These antigens and antibodies against them appear at different phases of the disease. The antibodies can be either <abbr>IgG</abbr> or IgM. Recall from immunology that IgM is the first antibody which appears in response to infection, while IgG appears later. |