HEPATITIS: A, B, C, D, E

HEPATITIS can be caused by A (HAV), B (HBV), C (HCV), D (HDV) or E (HEV) viruses.

Hepatitis A virus:

- highlighting acute-phase anti-HAV IgM antibodies by ELISA method and other methods (transaminases go up as well); acute-phase antibodies from the debut and last for about 10 weeks;

- after 10 weeks: anti-HAV IgG that lasts until the end of life, their presence reflecting either disease or vaccine. 

Hepatitis B virus:

- serological markers associated with hepatitis B virus infection:

        - AgHBs - HBV infection; from incubation until 3-4 months after infection;

        - AgHBe - along with HBV DNA they appear in serum immediately after AgHBs; indicators of active virus replication;

        - anti-HBc antibodies - undefined persistence; anti-HBc IgM are serum detectable a bit before the clinical debut, along with transaminases rise; indicators of acute phase;

        - anti-HBe antibodies - self-limiting infections;

        - anti-HBs antibodies - 4-6 months after infection; on curing; virus replication stop markers;

- HBV DNA copy-number = most sensible marker of active HBV replication. 

Hepatitis C virus: 

- anti-HCV antibodies - from blood; 

- RT-PCR to count HCV RNA: most accurate indicator. 

What is the difference between hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C? 

Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are liver infections caused by three different viruses. Although each can cause similar symptoms, they are spread in different ways and can affect the liver differently. Hepatitis A is usually a short-term infection and does not become chronic. Hepatitis B and C can also begin as short-term, acute infections, but in some people, the virus remains in the body, resulting in chronic disease and long-term liver problems.

Hepatitis D virus: 

- anti-HDV IgM antibodies - from blood; 

- HDV RNA in serum.

Hepatitis E virus: 

- anti-HEV antibodies - from blood; 

- RT-PCR to detect the HEV RNA in blood and stool.