A person is HBsAg positive, but Anti- HBc Ab is negative. What should he the next step?
(A) Repeat test after 6 months (B) Check HBV DNA load (C) Check HBeAg, if positive sta interferon (D) Reassure patient that he does not have any disease
(B) Ans: B. Check HBV DNA load(Ref Harrison 19/e p2032, 18/e p2551)Chronic Hepatitis B - Parameters:HBsAg positive; Anti- HBc Ab negative.Presence or absence of serum hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg).HBeAg-reactive & HbeAg negative.HBV DNA level correlate with liver injury level & has progression risk.Treatment pre-requisites:HBV-DNA load should be done before initiating treatment.