Overview of Viral Hepatitis B & C
Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are blood-borne viruses that cause acute and chronic liver inflammation. Without timely medical intervention, chronic viral hepatitis remains a primary driver of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer worldwide.
Essential Screening & Diagnostic Panel
Accurate diagnosis involves specific serological markers and molecular tests:
- HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): Primary screening marker for HBV infection.
- HBV DNA Viral Load (PCR): Quantifies active viral replication in copies/mL.
- Anti-HCV Ab & HCV RNA (PCR): Confirms active Hepatitis C infection and viral load.
- Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) & Ultrasound: Routine surveillance for early hepatocellular carcinoma detection in high-risk patients.
Modern Antiviral Treatment Protocols
Advances in modern hepatology have transformed treatment efficacy:
For Hepatitis C: Oral Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) regimens (such as Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir) achieve over 95% cure rates with minimal side effects over 12 weeks.
For Hepatitis B: Highly potent antivirals (Tenofovir Alafenamide / Entecavir) suppress HBV viral load to undetectable levels, arresting liver tissue scarring.