Anti-Hbe (Antibodies to hepatitis B virus Hbe antigen)

Viral hepatitis B (HBV) is an acute viral disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is characterized by liver damage and various extrahepatic manifestations. It occurs acutely or chronically, in an jaundiced (35%) or non-jaundiced (65%) form. Hepatitis B virus is a retrovirus of the hepadnavirus family Hepadnaviridae, contains DNA, and is extremely resistant to the external environment (UV rays, temperature, detergents). Ways of transmission of infection In infected people, viral particles in varying amounts can be found in all biological fluids. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and other body fluids: parenteral; transplacental; sexual; household ways. The high-risk group consists of: people practicing intravenous drug addiction; people who practice promiscuous sex; medical workers; patients in need of hemodialysis or blood transfusions; prisoners; family members of HBs-positive; newborns from HBs-positive mothers. Penetrating into the body, the hepatitis virus enters the blood macrophages and spreads throughout the body. The virus is replicating: in the lymph nodes; bone marrow; follicles of the spleen; macrophages; hepatocytes. Liver damage is mainly caused by immune lysis; the virus also has a direct cytopathic effect. The similarity of the virus antigens with the antigens of the human histocompatibility system causes the occurrence of autoimmune (systemic) reactions. The surface (HBsAg) and core (HBcAg) proteins of the virus are antigens, causing the production of anti-HBs and anti-HBscore, respectively. The core antigen, entering the blood, splits into more stable components, one of which HBeAg also carries antigenic properties. Anti-HBe antibodies are produced on it. The genetic variability of HBV contributes to the "escape" of the virus from the immune response. This is associated with difficulties in laboratory diagnosis (seronegative hepatitis B), as well as the chronization of the disease. The appearance of atypical DNA regions in the virus genome leads to the fulminant course of hepatitis B. The incubation period is on average 50 days, but can stretch up to 6 months. At the end of the incubation period, the levels of hepatic transaminases increase, the liver and spleen increase. It is possible to increase the concentration of bilirubin to 2-2.5 normal values, although this does not lead to darkening of the urine. The following variants of the clinical course of the prodroma are found: flu-like; arthralgic; dyspeptic; mixed. The most unfavorable is the course of the prodroma by type of serum sickness (itching, migrating periarticular rashes). The acute period (2-12 days) proceeds with intoxication syndrome: decreased appetite; dyspepsia; sleep inversion. In a third of cases, jaundice occurs: bilirubin levels rise sharply, mucous membranes and skin turn various shades of yellow, itching appears. The most alarming symptom is a decrease in the prothrombin index and blood albumin, indicating hepatic cell insufficiency. The complication of the disease with hepatic encephalopathy indicates acute hepatodystrophy. A rapid humoral immune response often leads to the appearance of immune complexes that settle on the endothelium of the vessels of the kidneys, thyroid gland, genitals, etc. Vasculitis occurs. In the program of systemic manifestations of HBV infection, there may be: autoimmune thyroiditis; chronic gastritis; Sjogren's syndrome; idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura; nodular periarteritis; glomerulonephritis; Guillain-Barre syndrome; rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The recovery phase is characterized by: the disappearance of signs of cholestasis; normalization of metabolic processes; restoration of liver function; systemic manifestations of the disease come to the fore. Compared to other viral hepatitis, hepatitis B: it has a more systematic character; it proceeds less favorably in children. Chronic infection Chronic course in adults occurs in 6-10% of cases. The risk of the disease becoming chronic is largely determined by the maturity of the infected person's immune system. During the neonatal period and childhood, the probability of chronic disease is significantly higher than in adults. "Healthy" HBsAg carriers, as well as patients with chronic hepatitis B, are at high risk of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Systemic manifestations do not always disappear with the cure of hepatitis B. Prevention To prevent HBV infection, hepatitis B vaccination is carried out, which is included in the national calendar of preventive vaccinations. What is the purpose of the research? The detection of antibodies to HBe is evidence of acute hepatitis B, an indicator of remission.

Rules of preparation for the study No special training is required. It is recommended to take blood no earlier than 4 hours after the last meal.

In which cases the analysis of "Anti-HBe (Antibodies to the HBe antigen of the hepatitis B virus)" is carried out: monitoring the course of hepatitis B after diagnosis.