Study of Serological Markers of Parenterally Transmitted Viral Infections (Hepatitis B and C) in Acute Suspected Hepatitis
Article Information
Publication Timeline
- Received13 May 2026
- Accepted11 June 2026
- Published
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are major parenterally transmitted hepatotropic viruses that frequently present as acute hepatitis, clinically indistinguishable from enterically transmitted hepatitis A and E without laboratory confirmation. Serological markers – hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc), and antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) – remain the cornerstone of initial diagnostic evaluation of acute suspected hepatitis.
Objective: To review the diagnostic serological marker profile and reported prevalence of HBV and HCV among patients with acute suspected hepatitis. Methods: A narrative literature review of peer-reviewed Indian and international studies, surveillance reports, and diagnostic guidelines.
Results: Hospital-based studies report HBsAg positivity ranging from 2.8% to 16.10% and anti-HCV positivity from 1.8% to 11.98% among acute hepatitis cohorts, considerably higher than community-level estimates. IgM anti-HBc is essential to confirm acute HBV infection, while anti-HCV has reduced sensitivity during the acute window period.
Conclusion: A structured serological panel combining HBsAg, IgM anti-HBc, and anti-HCV, interpreted within a defined diagnostic algorithm, remains essential for accurate evaluation of acute suspected hepatitis and supports broader viral hepatitis elimination efforts.
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How to Cite
Tiwari, S., Rajani, M., & Sengupta, C. (2026). Study of Serological Markers of Parenterally Transmitted Viral Infections (Hepatitis B and C) in Acute Suspected Hepatitis. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, 7(3), 66-70. https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMBHR.2026.7.3.66-70
Tiwari, Shekhar, et al. "Study of Serological Markers of Parenterally Transmitted Viral Infections (Hepatitis B and C) in Acute Suspected Hepatitis." International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, vol. 7, no. 3, 2026, pp. 66-70. https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMBHR.2026.7.3.66-70.
Tiwari, S., Rajani, M. and Sengupta, C. (2026) 'Study of Serological Markers of Parenterally Transmitted Viral Infections (Hepatitis B and C) in Acute Suspected Hepatitis', International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, 7(3), pp. 66-70. doi: 10.54660/IJMBHR.2026.7.3.66-70.
Tiwari S, Rajani M, Sengupta C. Study of Serological Markers of Parenterally Transmitted Viral Infections (Hepatitis B and C) in Acute Suspected Hepatitis. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research. 2026;7(3):66-70. doi:10.54660/IJMBHR.2026.7.3.66-70
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