Table 1 Interpretation of markers used in hepatitis B screening [2, 53]
Marker (abbreviation) | Description |
|---|---|
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) | marker of acute or chronic hepatitis B infection |
Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) | a high level indicates previous infection or response to vaccination and current immunity (generally ≥10 IU/L considered ‘protected’) |
Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) | presence indicates high infectivity |
Total hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) | indicates resolved infection if positive for this and hepatitis B surface antibody, but negative for HBsAg; will be positive along with HBsAg in acute or chronic hepatitis B infection; if positive but negative for HBsAg and hepatitis B surface antibody, usually indicates distant resolved hepatitis B infection |