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Atypical serological profiles in hepatitis B virus infection

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Abstract

During hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, at least four antigen–antibody systems are observed: HBsAg and anti-HBs; preS antigen and anti-preS antibody; HBcAg and anti-HBc; and HBeAg and anti-HBe. Through the examination of these antigen–antibody systems, hepatitis B infection is diagnosed and the course of the disorder may be observed. Although the serologic findings that allow both the diagnosis of HBV infection as well as assessing of its clinical course are already well established, the dynamics of viral proteins expression and of the antibodies production may vary during the infection natural course. This causes the HBV infection to be occasionally associated with the presence of uncommon serological profiles, which could lead to doubts in the interpretation of results or suspicion of a serological result being incorrect. This paper is dedicated to the discussion of some of these profiles and their significance.

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  1. Laboratório de Virologia Humana, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia-Goiás, Brazil

    Robério A. A. Pondé

  2. Gerência de Hepatites Virais, SUVISA - Superintendência de Vigilância em Saúde - Secretaria Estadual de Saúde, Goiânia-Go, Brazil

    Robério A. A. Pondé

  3. Sorologia e Biologia Molecular, Central Goiana de Sorologia, Rua 7A Edifício RIOL, N° 158, 1° andar, sala 101, Setor aeroporto, Goiânia-Goiás, 74075-030, Brazil

    Robério A. A. Pondé

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Pondé, R.A.A. Atypical serological profiles in hepatitis B virus infection. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 32, 461–476 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-012-1781-9

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