Hepatitis Screenings: Examining C, B, and A Variants, Results, and Additional Information
Hepatitis is a type of liver disease caused by viral infections, including hepatitis A, B, and C. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these viruses, their transmission, symptoms, testing, and treatment.
Hepatitis B Testing
The hepatitis B testing is recommended for pregnant people, men who have sex with men, and infants born to a parent with the infection. A hepatitis panel, a blood test, is used to detect a hepatitis infection, including tests for hepatitis antigens and antibodies.
Hepatitis B
Normal results for a hepatitis B test are negative. Positive test results indicate an acute or chronic infection. The HBsAg antigen peaks 2-6 weeks after exposure to the virus. Chronic Hepatitis B requires antiviral treatment to control viral replication and reduce disease progression. Approved oral antivirals include tenofovir and entecavir. Treatment aims to slow the development of cirrhosis, reduce liver cancer risk, and improve survival. Most patients require lifelong treatment.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an acute viral infection and usually does not require specific antiviral treatment. Management focuses on symptomatic care, such as maintaining hydration and nutrition. The hepatitis A virus typically spreads through eating contaminated food or coming into contact with feces. Most people recover without lasting liver damage.
Hepatitis C
After a positive test (anti-HCV antibody and confirmatory HCV RNA), a baseline evaluation including labs and liver health assessment is conducted. Treatment includes direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) targeting viral proteins, which have high cure rates. The goal is to achieve sustained virological response (SVR)—undetectable virus 12 weeks post-treatment—indicating cure.
Testing and Treatment
A positive test for hepatitis could mean someone has hepatitis and requires treatment. People who receive a positive test result should discuss their options with a doctor. Hepatitis testing is effective for identifying the virus and treating it early to reduce the long-term risks of hepatitis. It can also help prevent people from passing the infection on to others.
Someone may need a hepatitis panel if they have symptoms of liver damage, such as jaundice, fatigue, fever, dark-colored urine, pale-colored stool, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, or if they have risk factors like being on long-term dialysis, having close contact with a person who has hepatitis, using injectable drugs, having a sexually transmitted infection, being a baby boomer, having HIV, hepatitis C, or end-stage renal disease, or having elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels.
Risks and Benefits of Testing
Blood tests are safe, but some possible risks include infection, bleeding, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. The CDC recommends hepatitis C testing for people over the age of 18 years, pregnant people, anyone who shares or has ever shared needles, people with HIV, people with elevated ALT levels, anyone who received clotting factor concentrates produced before 1987, anyone who received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992, people who receive maintenance hemodialysis, infants born to a parent with hepatitis C.
Hepatitis testing is crucial as it offers numerous benefits. Early identification of the virus allows for prompt treatment, reducing the long-term risks of hepatitis. It also helps prevent people from passing the infection on to others.
[1] World Health Organization. (2021). Hepatitis B. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b
[2] World Health Organization. (2021). Hepatitis C. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-c
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Hepatitis B. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/index.htm
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Hepatitis C. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/index.htm
[5] American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. (2021). Hepatitis B. https://www.aasld.org/professionals/hepatology/hepatitis/b
[6] American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. (2021). Hepatitis C. https://www.aasld.org/professionals/hepatology/hepatitis/c
- Medical-conditions like hepatitis B and C can be detected through screening, a crucial step in health-and-wellness since early testing allows for prompt treatment and reduces the long-term risks.
- Science has made advancements in the testing and treatment of hepatitis, especially in the development of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for hepatitis C, which have high cure rates.
- A complete panel of tests, including those for hepatitis A, B, and C, is essential in identifying the virus and managing its associated symptoms, as well as preventing the infection from being passed on to others.
