Serology in viral hepatitis

Abstract

When there is an infection by hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV) or hepatitis E virus (HEV) clinical and biochemical findings are similar, that is why it is necessary to use laboratory tests different to those used to assess liver function in order to be able to identify the etiologic agent; among these are: the serology, that detects viral antigens or antibodies against them and molecular tests that detect the viral genome. To make diagnosis of a current infection by one of these viruses it is enough with serology, except for HCV infection for which it is necessary to detect the viral genome. Molecular tests are very useful for the monitoring and therapeutic decision making in patients with chronic infection by HBV or HCV.