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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
Published on: December 15, 2023
[Screening and diagnosis of hepatitis B and C]
Stéphane Chevaliez1, Jean-Michel Pawlotsky
1Laboratoire de virologie, Inserm U635, hôpital Henri Mondor, Université Paris 12, 94010 Créteil Cedex.
Insights
Virological diagnosis of viral hepatitis uses direct and indirect markers. Hepatitis B and C diagnoses rely on specific antigen, antibody, and genetic material detection for effective treatment monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Context:
- Viral hepatitis diagnosis relies on detecting viral components and host immune responses.
- Hepatitis B and C are significant global health concerns requiring accurate diagnostic methods.
Purpose:
- To outline the diagnostic strategies for viral hepatitis, focusing on Hepatitis B and C.
- To describe the role of molecular techniques and marker interpretation in patient management.
Summary:
- Virological diagnosis involves analyzing viral antigens, genomes (DNA/RNA), and specific antibodies.
- Hepatitis B diagnosis uses antigen-antibody profiles and HBV DNA; treatment response is monitored via HBe seroconversion and HBV DNA levels.
- Hepatitis C diagnosis requires anti-HCV antibody and HCV RNA detection, with genotyping guiding treatment and molecular assays confirming viral clearance.
Impact:
- Accurate diagnosis and monitoring are crucial for effective hepatitis B and C treatment strategies.
- Genotyping in Hepatitis C allows personalized treatment, improving outcomes.
- Molecular diagnostics enable precise assessment of treatment efficacy, ensuring viral clearance.
Abstract:
The virological diagnosis of viral hepatitis is based on the study of direct markers (viral antigens and genomes) and indirect markers (specific antibodies). The diagnosis of hepatitis B is based on the interpretation of antigen-antibody profiles and, for chronic hepatitis B, on HBV DNA detection. Treatment responses are assessed by the HBe seroconversion in HBe antigen-positive patients, and by measuring HBV DNA levels. The diagnosis of hepatitis C is based on the detection of anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA by means of molecular techniques. HCV genotype determination is used to tailor the treatment schedule to the individual patient. Treatment efficacy is assessed by means of molecular techniques to prove progressive and definitive viral clearance.
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