The Singing Stethoscope

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B


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Hepatitis A for Hepatitis Acute

Cause chronic infections are almost never found
Hepatitis A for Hepatitis Anus
The fecal-oral route is how it spreads around
Now let’s talk about serology
IgG anti-HAV tests for a past or chronic infection
IgM anti-HAV tests for an infection that’s acute
And there is a Hep A vaccine that’s used for prevention
Hepatitis B for Hepatitis Baby
Because vertical transmission is a common road
And Hepatitis B for Hepatitis Bodily fluids
Because sex and IV drug use are the other common modes
IgG anti-HBc indicates a chronic infection
Think IgG for gone because IgG anti-HBc
Means the acute infection is gone
And that’s how it should be
IgM anti-HBc indicates an acute infection
Think IgM for minute because IgM anti-HBc
Means they’ve only had it for a minute
And they’re still fighting it acutely
Now hang in there, just a little more serology
Anti-HBs is the Hepatitis B surface antibody with a B
Which indicates either a booster, as in a vaccine
or the patient has beat it and the infection has resolved completely
HBsAg is the Hepatitis B surface antigen with a G
Means the patient’s got it, it’s an active infection
Hep B generally can be acute or chronic
And there’s a vaccine that’s used for prevention



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The Singing StethoscopeBy The Singing Stethoscope