Antibodies to viral hepatitis B in the blood: what does it mean, tests, types of antibodies

Indications for taking an antibody test

Preparing for the examination

Process of taking material

Decoding the analysis results

Hepatitis B

is one of the most common viral liver diseases. The pathogen is transmitted in several ways: through contact with bile, blood, urine, saliva. Hepatitis of this type most often develops without symptoms: the first signs of the disease become noticeable only when complications occur. The death of functional liver cells is the cause of the development of acute liver failure. If treatment is started promptly, the body will begin to produce antibodies to hepatitis B.

Overview of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a complex DNA-containing organism coated with a protein coat. It is called HBsAg. Group B hepatitis can be acute or chronic. The difference lies in the course of the disease, the degree of symptoms manifested and the rate of progression.

Acute stage.
Severe symptoms are observed in only 20% of infected people. The duration of the acute phase can reach up to six months. The symptoms of such hepatitis have much in common with colds: the patient loses appetite, suffers from cough, high fever, aching bones and joints, runny nose, and discomfort in the right hypochondrium. If treatment is delayed, the patient will fall into a coma and die;
Chronic stage.
If it occurs not as a consequence of the acute phase, but for another reason, it will be impossible to determine the beginning of its development. Symptoms of the disease are quite mild. Most often, children whose mothers were carriers of the virus suffer from chronic hepatitis. Or people who have had the antigen in their blood for more than 6 months.

Possible analysis errors

Today medicine is so well developed that test results are almost always accurate. However, the research process is influenced by many factors, so in some cases (very rarely) failures occur. For example, in a patient’s analysis, antibodies will be detected and the viral load will be false positive, but the pathogen itself will not be in the blood.

In such cases, the transcript notes that the virus is undetectable. To get an accurate result, the patient will have to be examined comprehensively. Only in this way will it be possible to find out how much the norm is exceeded.

The results of the study will be distorted if the patient is found to have:

Benign or malignant tumor;
Autoimmune disease;
Failures in the immune system;
Severe infectious disease;
Infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract in the acute stage;
Autoimmune hepatitis;
Cryoglobulin is present in large quantities in the blood.

Also, a false positive result can be caused by pregnancy, a tetanus or flu shot given on the eve of the test, or taking medications that stimulate the immune system.

Superficial (Australian) and markers for it

This antigen is a component of the hepatitis B virus, its outer shell. It helps the pathogen to latch onto gland cells and penetrate into it, which contributes to the rapid progression of the disease.

In addition, thanks to the shell, the virus survives in the body: it becomes its protection against antibodies. The shell tolerates temperature fluctuations well and is resistant to alkalis and acids. The antigen begins to be produced during exacerbations of the disease. As soon as the incubation period ends, its concentration will reach its maximum.

To detect antibodies to the surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus, the Anti-HBs marker is used. A positive reaction indicates that the person is infected.

anti-HBs, antibodies

Quantitative determination in the blood of specific protective post-infectious or post-vaccination antibodies against viral hepatitis B.

Synonyms Russian

Total antibodies to the surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus, anti-HBs a/t.

English synonyms

Antibodies to Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Anti-HBs, Total, HBsAb, IgG, IgM, Hepatitis Bs Antibodies, Hepatitis B Surface Antibody.

Research method

Chemiluminescent immunoassay.

Units

mIU/ml (international milliunit per milliliter).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for research?

Do not smoke for 30 minutes before donating blood.

General information about the study

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an infectious liver disease caused by the DNA-containing hepatitis B virus (HBV). Among all the causes of acute hepatitis and chronic viral infection, the hepatitis B virus is considered one of the most common in the world. The actual number of infected people is unknown, since many people have an infection without significant clinical symptoms and do not seek medical help. The virus is often detected during preventive laboratory tests. According to rough estimates, about 350 million people in the world are affected by the hepatitis B virus and 620 thousand die from its consequences every year.

The source of infection is a patient with HBV or a virus carrier. HBV is transmitted through blood and other body fluids. You can become infected through unprotected sexual contact, through the use of unsterile syringes, through blood transfusions and organ transplants, in addition, the infection can pass from mother to child during or after childbirth (through cracks in the nipples). The risk group includes medical workers who are likely to come into contact with the patient's blood, patients on hemodialysis, injection drug users, people with numerous unprotected sexual relations, and children born to mothers with HBV.

The incubation period of the disease ranges from 4 weeks to 6 months. Viral hepatitis B can occur both in the form of mild forms, lasting several weeks, and in the form of a chronic infection with a long-term course. The main symptoms of hepatitis: jaundice of the skin, fever, nausea, fatigue, in tests - signs of impaired liver function and specific antigens of the hepatitis B virus. An acute disease can occur quickly, be fatal, develop into a chronic infection or end with a complete recovery. It is believed that after suffering from HBV, stable immunity is formed. Chronic viral hepatitis B is associated with the development of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

There are several tests to diagnose current or past hepatitis B. Viral antigens and antibodies are used to detect carriage, acute or chronic infection with or without symptoms, while monitoring chronic infection.

The virus has a complex structure. The main envelope antigen is HBsAg, the surface antigen of the virus. There are biochemical and physicochemical features of HBsAg that allow it to be divided into several subtypes. Each subtype produces its own specific antibodies. Different antigen subtypes are found in different regions of the world.

Anti-HBs antibodies begin to appear in the blood 4-12 weeks after infection, but immediately bind to HBsAg, so they can be detected in detectable quantities only after the disappearance of HBsAg. The period between the disappearance of the antigen and the appearance of antibodies (the “window” period, or “serological gap”) can range from 1 week to several months. Antibody titers rise slowly, reaching a maximum after 6-12 months, and remain in large quantities for more than 5 years. Some people who recover have antibodies in their blood for many years (sometimes for life).

Anti-HBs are also produced by exposure to viral antigenic material during HBV vaccination and indicate an effective immune response to the vaccine. But post-vaccination antibodies do not remain in the blood for as long as post-infection antibodies. Anti-HBs determination is used to decide whether vaccination is advisable. For example, if the test is positive, a vaccine is not required, because specific immunity already exists.

What is the research used for?

For monitoring chronic hepatitis B (prescribed in conjunction with the determination of other antigens and antibodies to the hepatitis B virus).
To determine the history of viral hepatitis B and the development of post-infectious immunity.
To assess the effectiveness of vaccination and the development of post-vaccination immunity.
To select people with risk factors for HBV infection for vaccination purposes.
To decide on the advisability of prescribing immunoglobulin to patients at high risk of contracting viral hepatitis.

When is the study scheduled?

Markers anti-HBe, anti-HBc IgM and anti-HBc IgG

The presence of anti-HBc IgM and anti-HBc IgG markers in the blood, detected in total, indicates the nature of the course of the disease. The first marker most often indicates an exacerbation of chronic hepatitis, rheumatic diseases, and fibromyalgia. Anti-HBc IgG often misinforms specialists by showing false test results.

The marker begins to dominate in the blood immediately after the disappearance of group M antigens. They do not protect the body, but remain in it forever. In some cases, antibodies are the only indicator of the presence of a disease pathogen in the body.

Anti-HBe confirms the spread of the virus in the body and means that the disease is severe. In pregnant patients, it can cause the development of abnormalities in the fetus.

The dangers of hepatitis B

Perhaps the most dangerous liver diseases are viral hepatitis. Among them, hepatitis B has gained a particularly bad reputation. Worldwide, more than 2 billion people have been infected with this hepatitis virus (HBV virus). And every year, several hundred thousand people die from the consequences and complications of hepatitis B, primarily cirrhosis. Hepatitis can only be contracted through the hematogenous route. This means that the HBV virus can only enter the body through the blood. Infection can occur unnoticed by a person. For example, with donor blood during blood transfusions, the use of unsterilized syringes, razors, and medical instruments. Sexual transmission of the virus and transmission of the virus from an infected mother to a newborn child are also possible.

Indications for taking an antibody test

Clinical testing for protective antibody titer is indicated:

After contact with an infected person;
Working in the field of medicine, education, catering;
Leading a promiscuous sex life (ignoring contraception, frequently changing partners, having a non-traditional sexual orientation);
After undergoing hemodialysis, the procedure of transfusion of blood and its components, transplantation of donor organs;
Leading an antisocial lifestyle (alcohol and drug addiction);
Tourists returning from countries in East Asia and Africa;
Those who have served a prison sentence.

Absolutely anyone can get hepatitis B - man, woman, child. If even minor manifestations of the disease appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. Thanks to a special test, hepatitis B can be detected at an early stage. If the pathology is detected on time, the chances of a full recovery will be quite high. However, doctors say that the most effective measure to prevent hepatitis B is immunization.

If the procedure is carried out correctly, the body’s defenses can be activated at the right time. But remember: before vaccination you must take a reference test for hepatitis B.

Complexes with this research

Preparation for partner childbirth for a man Tests necessary to accompany a woman in labor RUB 3,680 Composition
Expanded hospital complex Expanded infectious screening for prevention and hospitalization RUB 7,700 Composition

Examination during pregnancy. 1st trimester 16,690 RUR Composition

IN OTHER COMPLEXES

Entry into IVF RUB 23,020
Future dad 8,460 RUR
Pregnancy planning. Diagnosis of infections RUB 8,620
Women's check-up No. 1 RUB 19,290
Examination during pregnancy. 3rd trimester 9,620 RUR

Process of taking material

Clinical tests to detect hepatitis B fall into two categories. PCR allows direct detection of viral pathology. Assess the interaction of antigens and antibodies - serological analysis. In addition, to obtain more accurate information about the condition of the liver, the patient is referred for a biochemical blood test, biopsy, ultrasound and elastometry.

To conduct quantitative and qualitative studies for antibodies, blood is used from a vein, which is located in the crook of the arm.
First, the injection site is treated with an alcohol solution, then the forearm is tied with a tourniquet. Next, the needle is inserted into the vein and the liquid begins to flow into the test tube. The process of collecting blood from minor patients has some peculiarities. The biological material taken from the child is placed on a special glass by a laboratory assistant and checked for the ratio of antibodies and antigens.

Anyone diagnosed with chronic hepatitis and nephrotic syndrome should undergo such tests. Results within the normal range indicate an erroneous suspicion of hepatitis B.

If genetic material of the pathogen is detected in the patient’s blood, he will be prescribed a course of therapy. But it is worth remembering that positive results can be obtained even in the presence of immunity. It is impossible to become infected from such a person. In case of a controversial situation, the patient will be re-sent for screening, which will be carried out under the strict supervision of a specialist.

How is testing done?

An HBsAg antigen test is performed in a laboratory. Preparing for the test is not fundamentally different from preparing for other blood tests. The test is taken on an empty stomach in the morning, and 5-10 ml of blood is taken from a vein. On the eve of the analysis, it is not recommended to take any medications, alcohol, or exercise.

To determine the presence of an antigen, antibodies to HBsAg are used, which come into contact with the antigen. This phenomenon can be determined by the change in color of the test sample. This method is called enzyme immunoassay.

Research process

There are two main ways to determine the antigen: rapid diagnostics and laboratory testing. The first option is considered the highest quality and correct. Conducting express diagnostics is possible at home. If an antigen is detected, the patient must go to the hospital for additional laboratory testing.

Express diagnostics

The method is fast, effective and reliable. You can carry out the test at home without visiting a medical facility. For this purpose, you need to purchase a special test at the pharmacy. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

Express blood diagnostics for HBsAg antigen

the finger is treated with alcohol;
the skin is pierced with a scarifier or a special lancet;
3 drops of blood are sent to the test strip;
after 60 seconds, add 3-4 drops of solution (included with the test);
wait 15 minutes;
evaluate the result.

Important: if the test result is positive, additional laboratory diagnostics are required. For this purpose, the patient must visit a medical facility with the answer received.

Laboratory diagnostics

This method is fundamentally different from express diagnostics. The peculiarity of the procedure is high accuracy and the absence of false positive results. Laboratory diagnostics detect the antigen 21 days after infection. To determine the virus, the patient donates venous blood. It is studied using adapted reagents.

Prevention

To avoid hepatitis B infection, follow these guidelines:

Follow the rules of personal hygiene: wash your hands thoroughly after visiting public places, traveling in transport, etc.;
Get vaccinated against hepatitis B: purchase the vaccine at medical institutions or pharmacies;
Use condoms and avoid casual sex;
Avoid contact with other people's blood and other biological materials;
Avoid uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages and smoking cigarettes;
When visiting beauty parlors, tattoo and manicure salons, check that the instruments are processed correctly;
Take vitamins periodically;
Play sports;
Strengthen your immune system;
Stay outdoors as much as possible;
Do a blood test periodically to identify the causative agent of the disease at the initial stage;
Ventilate the room daily.

A person who has been in contact with a carrier of the hepatitis B virus should contact a medical facility for emergency preventive measures:

Get vaccinated against hepatitis B;
Introduce a special drug that blocks the spread of the pathogen in the body;
After a certain time, undergo re-vaccination (in accordance with the established schedule).

Remember that hepatitis B is a serious disease with many complications. However, if you seek medical help in a timely manner and undergo a course of therapy, you can completely get rid of the disease. Unfortunately, anyone can become infected with hepatitis B. Therefore, it is necessary to remember about preventive methods of protection and know that the most reliable of them is vaccination.