Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A: Understanding the Differences and How to Determine Infection
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A are caused by two distinct viral infections. Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), while Hepatitis A results from infection with the Hepatitis A virus (HAV).
Can the Absence of Hepatitis B Indicate No Hepatitis A?
Not having Hepatitis B does not automatically mean you are free from Hepatitis A. Each virus operates independently, and the presence or absence of one does not influence the other. To accurately determine whether someone has Hepatitis A, specific diagnostic testing is required.
Testing for Hepatitis A
To confirm whether you have Hepatitis A, a Hepatitis A antibody test must be conducted. This test detects the presence of specific antibodies—IgM and IgG—that your immune system produces in response to an HAV infection.
Understanding Hepatitis A Diagnosis
Hepatitis A typically presents as an acute illness and does not progress to a chronic condition like Hepatitis B. If liver function tests reveal significantly elevated transaminase levels and the Hepatitis A IgM antibody is positive, this indicates an acute Hepatitis A infection.
On the other hand, if the IgG antibody is positive but IgM is negative, it suggests that the individual is in the recovery phase or has previously been exposed to the Hepatitis A virus and has since recovered.
What If Both Antibodies Are Negative?
If both Hepatitis A IgM and IgG antibodies test negative, it generally rules out a current or past infection with the Hepatitis A virus. This result may also suggest that the person has never been exposed to HAV and has not received the Hepatitis A vaccine.