Anti Hepatitis B Envelope Antibody Total Test

The anti-hepatitis B envelope antibody test is an important blood test that helps diagnose and monitor the status of hepatitis B virus infection.

About the Test

The hepatitis B virus consists of an inner viral core and an outer viral envelope made up of hepatitis B surface antigens. The envelope also contains the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), a protein produced when the virus is actively replicating.

The anti-HB e antibody is produced by the immune system in response to HBeAg. It helps neutralize the virus and control infection. Checking for anti-HB e helps determine the phase of hepatitis B infection:

• Early acute infection: Anti-HBe is absent since the antibody response has not yet developed. Presence of HBeAg indicates high viral replication.
• Declining chronic infection: Anti-HBe starts being produced as the immune system fights the virus. HBeAg levels fall as replication declines.
• Inactive chronic infection: Anti-HBe predominates while HBeAg becomes undetectable, indicating stabilized liver disease.
• Seroconversion: Loss of both HBeAg and anti-HBe in some patients as viral control shifts from antibodies to T-cells.

Measuring anti-HBe over time is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring hepatitis B progression and guiding treatment decisions.

Reasons for Testing

• Confirming hepatitis B infection
• Identifying the disease phase
• Evaluating liver function
• Assessing treatment effectiveness
• Monitoring for relapse after treatment

The anti-HBe test is done on a blood sample. Various immunoassay methods detect the presence of anti-HBe antibodies bound to antigens. Results are reported as positive or negative/non-reactive.

Talk to your doctor about including this test as part of your hepatitis B lab workup. Proper monitoring of anti-HBe levels is key to controlling infection.

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