Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV)
Understanding Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV)
What is Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV)?
A Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) test is a screening test for identifying hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C virus antibodies and Combo HIV (antigen and antibody) detection.
HIV causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and attacks the immune cells that help the body fight infection, making an individual more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. Hepatitis B and C are highly contagious infections and are caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus(HCV), respectively. Chronic HBV or HCV infections can lead to liver damage and other complications. A Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) test detects the presence of viral markers, including antigens and antibodies, produced by the body in response to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV infections.
People with HIV are most likely to get infected by chronic hepatitis. This co-infection causes more liver-related health problems. Hence, given the risk of co-infection, it is crucial to recognize these risks early with a Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) test, take preventive measures, and, if necessary, seek medical attention.
Your doctor may suggest a Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) test if you have risk factors for HIV, HBV, or HCV infections, including a weakened immunity, unsafe sexual practices, intravenous drug use, occupational exposure to blood, or potential exposure through medical procedures. Additionally, a Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) test may also be done in pregnant women as a part of prenatal care as these infections can be transmitted from a mother to her unborn child.
Before getting tested, let your doctor know about all the medications you are taking, as some of them can affect the test results, and you might be asked to stop taking them. Also, a duly filled consent form is mandatory for sample collection.
A Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) test utilizes automated chemiluminescence immunoassay technology for the estimation of HBsAg, anti-HCV antibodies and combined qualitative determination of p24 antigen and specific antibodies to HIV (1 & 2). The technology (CMIA/ CLIA) can vary based on different machines available in different locations.
Test results depend upon various factors such as clinical history, time of sample collection, etc. Discuss your specific test results with your doctor. Based on your test results, doctors may suggest some lifestyle adjustments, prescribe medications to manage your condition, and develop a holistic treatment plan.
What is Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) used for?
A Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) test is done:
- To detect the presence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
- In individuals with symptoms like loss of appetite, joint pain, dark urine, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, mild fever, pale skin tone, etc.
- To screen individuals with risk factors like weak immunity, unsafe sexual practices, intravenous drug use, occupational exposure to blood, etc.
- As a part of antenatal care in pregnant women.
- As a part of pre-operative screening tests.
What does Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) measure?
Contains 3 testsA Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) test includes screening of three transmissible viral infections, namely hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C virus antibody, and HIV combo (antigen and antibody) test. These tests evaluate the presence or absence of the viruses causing hepatitis B or C and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in your blood sample.
HIV Combo (antigen and antibody) test simultaneously detects HIV p24 antigen and antibodies associated with HIV 1 & 2. The HIV p24 antigen is the most abundant HIV protein and its detection is used clinically to diagnose an HIV infection early on since HIV-specific antibodies are not detectable in a very recently acquired infection. HIV-1 was discovered first and is the most widespread, whereas HIV-2 is more than 55% genetically different from HIV-1. The transmission rate of HIV-2 is also slower than HIV-1. This test also helps to differentiate between the two HIV infections.
Hepatitis B surface antigen test screens for the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in an individual. HBsAg is the first serological marker, within 1 to 10 weeks, to appear in the blood after recent exposure to HBV. Persistence of this marker for more than 6 months implies chronic (long-term) HBV infection, which may lead to liver damage (scarring or cirrhosis). A person who has a chronic infection is capable of spreading the infection to healthy individuals, even if they do not show or experience any symptoms.
The hepatitis C virus antibody test determines if you have been infected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and helps your doctor guide your treatment. HCV causes liver inflammation and is classified into acute hepatitis infection and chronic hepatitis infection .This test is used for screening for anti-HCV antibodies.
- Acute hepatitis C: This occurs in the first six months after exposure to the hepatitis C virus. In the early stage of the infection, acute hepatitis C is mild and may cause no symptoms. For this reason, most people do not know they have this infection.
- Chronic hepatitis C: If your body is unable to fight off the virus, you can develop a chronic hepatitis C infection. Progression from acute to chronic hepatitis C is common, occurring in about 75-85% of patients. Detecting chronic hepatitis C at the early stage is important to prevent future complications, such as liver failure, and initiate effective treatment.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody
The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test determines the status of current hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection or past HCV infection that has been resolved. This test, therefore, helps your doctor to guide an appropriate treatment plan. HCV causes liver inflammation and is classified into acute hepatitis infection and chronic hepatitis infection.
- Acute hepatitis C: This occurs in the first six months after exposure to the hepatitis C virus. In the early stage of the infection, acute hepatitis C is mild and may cause no symptoms. For this reason, most people do not know they have this infection.
- Chronic hepatitis C: If your body is unable to fight off the virus, you can develop a chronic hepatitis C infection. Progression from acute to chronic hepatitis C is common, occurring in about 75-85% of patients. Detecting chronic hepatitis C at the early stage is important to prevent future complications, such as liver failure, and initiate effective treatment.
The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test is used for screening for anti-HCV antibodies. A reactive result needs to be confirmed by other more specific NAT/ nucleic acid tests before final diagnosis.
Know more about Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)
The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test detects the presence of a specific protein on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the bloodstream. This protein, HBsAg, serves as a crucial marker for identifying HBV infection. This is a screening test and the diagnosis of any reactive HBsAg result relies on additional supplemental tests like anti-HBs antibody and total anti-HBc antibodies. Confirmation can be done using nucleic acid tests like HBV DNA by PCR. The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test is essential for identifying individuals who require medical intervention, such as antiviral therapy, and for implementing measures to prevent the spread of Hepatitis B virus to others.
Know more about Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)
HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test
An HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test simultaneously detects HIV p24 antigen and antibodies associated with HIV 1 & 2. The HIV p24 antigen is the most abundant HIV protein and its detection is used clinically to diagnose an HIV infection early on since HIV-specific antibodies are not detectable in a very recently acquired infection. HIV-1 was discovered first and is the most widespread, whereas HIV-2 is more than 55% genetically different from HIV-1. The transmission rate of HIV-2 is also slower than HIV-1.
Know more about HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV)
Frequently Asked Questions about Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV)
Q. When is a Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) test done?
Q. What are the symptoms that require a Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) test?
Q. Are there any precautions that should be taken before or after a Triple H test?
Q. What should I do if my Triple H test is reactive?
Q. What is the window period?
Q. How can I prevent hepatitis B infection?
Q. How can I prevent hepatitis C infection?
Q. Is an HIV infection curable?
References
- Leoni MC, Ustianowski A, Farooq H, Arends JE. HIV, HCV and HBV: A Review of Parallels and Differences. Infect Dis Ther. 2018 Dec;7(4):407-419. [Accessed 11 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6249183/
- Sharma V, Ramachandran VG, Mogha NS, Bharadwaj M. Hepatitis B & C virus infection in HIV seropositive individuals & their association with risk factors: A hospital-based study. Indian J Med Res. 2018 Jun;147(6):588-593. [Accessed 11 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6118147/
- Hepatitis B & C [Internet]. HIV.gov; 20 Sept. 2022 [Accessed 11 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/other-related-health-issues/hepatitis-b-and-c/
- People Coinfected with HIV and Viral Hepatitis [Internet]. CDC; 21 Sept. 2020 [Accessed 12 Oct. 2023]. [Accessed 11 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/populations/hiv.htm
- Mohammadi M, Talei G, Sheikhian A, Ebrahimzade F, Pournia Y, Ghasemi E, Boroun H. Survey of both hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus (HCV-Ab) coinfection among HIV positive patients. Virol J. 2009 Nov 18;6:202. [Accessed 11 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2785785/
- Hepatitis C [Internet]. WHO; 12 July 2023 [Accessed 12 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-c
- Hepatitis B [Internet]. WHO; 12 July 2023 [Accessed 12 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b
- HIV and AIDS [Internet]. WHO; 13 July 2023 [Accessed 11 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids
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