Hepatitis viruses A, B, and C cause 95% of viral hepatitis cases in the U.S. Less common hepatitis viruses include D, E, and G (HGV or GBV-C). Generally, patients meeting the indications for testing should be screened for hepatitis A, B, and C concurrently, unless a specific exposure is known.
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the most common cause of viral hepatitis worldwide. However, the targeted use of the HAV vaccine in the U.S. since 1995 has led to a 92% decrease in the number of reported cases. Testing for acute hepatitis by panel allows for identification of viral etiology.
Panel test:
• Hepatitis A Virus Antibody, IgM
• Hepatitis A Virus Antibodies (Total)
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a bloodborne virus and one of the most common infectious diseases in the world. HBV can cause acute or chronic infection. Chronic HBV infection can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Laboratory testing involves serology, which allows for differentiation of acute versus chronic disease.
Panel test:
● HBV surface antigen
● HBV surface antibody
● HBV core antibody Total
● HBV core antibody IgM
● HBe antibody
● HBe antigen
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a virally mediated disease of the liver with a propensity to cause chronic infection, leading to cirrhosis and an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Adults born between 1945 and 1965 should be screened for HCV infection; individuals with certain risk behaviors (eg, injection drug use) or risk exposures (eg, healthcare workers) should also be screened. Laboratory testing involves screening for HCV antibodies followed by confirmatory RNA testing for positive results.
Panel test:
● HCV antibody
Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV)
Definiton:
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a subviral agent that is dependent on the hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) for its life cycle. HDV infection cannot occur in the absence of HBV, but occurs as an acute coinfection with HBV or as a superinfection. Acute infection will cause an early increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT).
Panel test:
● HDV antibody
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