A basic pearl for today : A quick review of hepatitis B serologic markers. In addition to the chart below, consider the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), which is generally considered a marker of infectivity, as the protein is creating during the viral replication process. The presence of HBeAg is associated with high levels of HBV DNA in serum and higher rates of transmission of HBV infection.
Sources:
- CDC, A Comprehensive Immunization Strategy to Eliminate Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Part I: Immunization of Infants, Children, and Adolescents. MMWR 2005;54(No. RR-16)
- Alter HJ, Seeff LB, Kaplan PM, McAuliffe VJ, Wright EC, Gerin JL, Purcell RH, Holland PV, Zimmerman HJ. Type B hepatitis: the infectivity of blood positive for e antigen and DNA polymerase after accidental needlestick exposure. N Engl J Med. 1976 Oct 21;295(17):909-13.
