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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between HBeAg and HBcAg?

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Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) are two different antigens associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. They play distinct roles in the course of the infection and can be used to assess the stage and severity of the disease.

HBeAg:

  • HBeAg is a small polypeptide that exists in a free form in the serum of individuals during the early phase of hepatitis B infection, soon after HB surface antigen (HBsAg) becomes detectable.
  • Presence of HBeAg and absence of HBe antibody (anti-HBe) usually indicate high levels of HBV replication and infectivity.
  • During recovery from acute hepatitis B, HBeAg levels decline and become undetectable, while hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe) appears and becomes detectable.

HBcAg:

  • HBcAg is a different antigen from HBeAg, but both are associated with HBV infection.
  • HBcAg is not discussed in detail in the search results, but it is mentioned as a separate antigen from HBeAg.

In summary, HBeAg is a protein associated with the early phase of hepatitis B infection and is indicative of high levels of HBV replication and infectivity. In contrast, HBcAg is another antigen associated with HBV infection, but its specific role and relationship with HBeAg are not detailed in the search results.

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  • What is the Difference Between HBeAg and HBcAg?
  • Comparative Table: HBeAg vs HBcAg

    • Comparative Table: HBeAg vs HBcAg

    HBeAg and HBcAg are two different antigens associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

    Characteristic HBeAg (Hepatitis B Envelope Antigen) HBcAg (Hepatitis B Core Antigen)
    Definition A 16 kDa truncated derivative of HBcAg found as a soluble antigen in the serum of patients. A hepatitis B virus core-related antigen (HBcrAg) that reflects HBV load corresponding to HBV DNA.
    Location Located between the HBV surface and the nucleocapsid. Found on the surface of the nucleocapsid.
    Clinical Significance Associated with a high viral load and anti-HBe usually indicates decreasing HBV DNA. Anti-HBc IgM is observed during acute infection, while total anti-HBc (IgM plus IgG) indicates the presence of IgM and/or IgG against the core antigen. A positive total anti-HBc with negative anti-HBc IgM antibodies indicates resolved infection.
    Assay Interference HBeAg shares an identical 149-amino-acid sequence with HBcAg, and the immobilized monoclonal antibodies of the HBcAg assay capture not only HBcAg but also HBeAg. However, inhibition is observed only at very high concentrations (>1 μg/ml) of HBeAg. HBcAg could be measured quantitatively even in anti-HBc-positive specimens.

    In summary, HBeAg is a viral protein associated with a high viral load, while HBcAg is a core-related antigen that reflects the HBV load. HBcAg can be detected in both acute and chronic infections, and its presence or absence, along with other antibodies, can help determine the stage of infection and the effectiveness of treatment.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.