Hepatitis B virus Cor antigen (HBcAg) | Antibodies (common)

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) Found only in infected liver cells, and not in the blood. Antibodies to this antigen (Anti-HBc) It appears in the blood quite early - before the appearance of antibodies against HBs (surface antigen of hepatitis B virus) and has diagnostic value.

Anti-HBc antibodies almost always become noticeable during the incubation period of the disease. After the disappearance of the HBs antigen and the appearance of anti-HBs antibodies (the "serological window"), anti-HBc antibodies and anti-HBc-IgM antibodies may be the only indication of the presence of acute hepatitis B.

Because of the persistence of anti-HBc antibodies (usually long after infection), the determination of these antibodies is useful for epidemiological purposes - to determine the prevalence of HBV infection in certain groups of the population.

The titer of anti-HBc antibodies detected in healthy HBs antigen carriers is on average 10 times higher than in patients with acute hepatitis B and on average 100 times higher in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Very high titers of anti-HBc antibodies, even in "HBsAg negative" people, indicate the presence of chronic hepatitis B.

When should we test for antibodies to hepatitis B Cor antigen?

• Diagnosis of acute and chronic hepatitis B;
• Test positive for HBsAg and anti-HBs antibody tests.
• Identify an infection in the anamnesis;
• Differential diagnostics of post-vaccination immunity and hepatitis B.

How to prepare for the test?

No special preparation is required for the test. The test is preferably fasted.

Research material

Venous blood

Possible interpretation of the results

Positive result:

• Acute hepatitis B, including the "serological window" period;
• Chronic hepatitis B;
• History of infection with hepatitis B virus (previous HBV).

Negative result:

• The incubation period of acute hepatitis B;
• There is no viral infection;
• Confirmation of the post-vaccination nature of identified anti-HBs antibodies.

Resources

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