22.07.2013 Views

The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013

The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013

The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

4.5 HEPATITIS B<br />

4.5.1 Virology<br />

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) contains circular, partially double-stranded DNA. <strong>The</strong><br />

outer surface of the virus is glycolipid, which contains the hepatitis B surface<br />

antigen (HBsAg). Other important antigenic components are the hepatitis B core<br />

antigen (HBcAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). HBcAg is not detectable<br />

in serum, but can be detected in liver tissue in persons with acute or chronic<br />

hepatitis B infection. HBeAg, and antibodies against HBeAg (anti-HBe) or the<br />

HBcAg (anti-HBc), are serological markers of HBV infection. Antibodies against<br />

HBsAg (anti-HBs) indicate immunity, which may result from either natural<br />

infection or immunisation (in which case there would not be any markers of HBV<br />

infection). Persistence of HBsAg denotes infectivity, which is greater if HBeAg<br />

and/or HBV DNA are also positive. 1 Occult hepatitis B infection is characterised<br />

by the presence of HBV DNA in the liver (with or without detectable HBV DNA<br />

in the serum) and negative HBsAg. 2<br />

4.5.2 Clinical features<br />

In approximately 30 to 50% of adults, infection causes symptomatic acute<br />

hepatitis, but in neonates and young children, particularly those

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!