Hepatitis B virus Cor antigen (HBcAg) | Antibodies IgM

General Information

Hepatitis B virus Consists of a nucleus and a membrane. Its genome contains double-stranded DNA. The infection is transmitted through blood or sexual contact. Incubation period - about 70 days (40-160 days).

Hepatitis B nuclear (central) antigen (HbcAg) is found only in infected liver cells, not in the blood.

Hepatitis B Nuclear (Central) Antigen Anti-Antigen IgM (Anti-Hbc-IgM) Serum occurs during active proliferation of hepatitis B virus and is characteristic of the recovery phase. IgM in serum appears on average 2 weeks after the appearance of the HBs antigen. In most cases, these antibodies persist for more than 2 months and, rarely, for more than 1 year, even under conditions of cured hepatitis.

In combination with anti-HBc antibodies, anti-Hbc-IgM may be the only serological marker, after the disappearance of HBs and Hbe antigens, until their corresponding antibodies appear, and may distinguish between acute and chronic HBV infection.

The HBc-IgM antibody assay is performed in conjunction with the HBs antigen assay to detect acute hepatitis B virus infection.

Anti-HBc-IgM can also be detected in chronic hepatitis B, but almost always in small titers. The presence and titer of HBc-IgM in chronic hepatitis B correlate with inflammatory activity of the disease. Thus, anti-HBc-IgM can also be used in the monitoring of chronic hepatitis B.

When should we take the test?

• Diagnosis of etiology of hepatitis (acute hepatitis B);
• Adverse effects of HBs antigen and HBs antigen antibody on the background of clinical hepatitis ("serological window" phase);
• Increase in transaminase levels;
• Monitoring of chronic hepatitis B.

How to prepare for the test?

No special preparation is required for the test.

Testing is preferred on empty stomach .

Research material

Venous blood

Possible interpretation of the results

Positive result:

• Acute stage of hepatitis B ("virus replication" phase);
• The "serological window" phase of acute hepatitis B;
• Replication stage of chronic hepatitis B;
• False positive results - need to be confirmed by another method.

Negative result:

• Early incubation period of viral hepatitis B;
• Recovery phase of acute viral hepatitis B;
• Chronic hepatitis B.

Resources

https://spravochnik.synevo.ua/ru/gepatit/virus-gepatita-b.html
https://www.synevo.ro/shop/anti-hbc-igm/