Question

A 22-year-old man presents for hepatitis screening. He is without symptoms but needs the testing for a job in the food service industry.

Laboratory results are as follows:
-Anti-HCV with HCV RNA present
-HBsAg=positive
-Anti-HAV=negative
You advise the patient that he:
a) Has chronic hepatitis A, B, and C.
b) Is immune to hepatitis A and B but has hepatitis C.
c) Has chronic hepatitis B and C and needs immunization against hepatitis A.
d) Had hepatitis A in the past, is immune to hepatitis B, and has chronic hepatitis C.

Answer 1

The patient has chronic hepatitis B and C and needs immunization against hepatitis A, as indicated by the positive HBsAg and Anti-HCV with HCV RNA, and the negative Anti-HAV.

Step-by-step explanation:

You advise the patient that he has chronic hepatitis B and C and needs immunization against hepatitis A. This conclusion is based on the presence of HBsAg, which indicates a hepatitis B infection, and Anti-HCV with HCV RNA present, confirming hepatitis C infection. The absence of Anti-HAV indicates he is not immune to hepatitis A and has not had a past infection with hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B and C are both viruses that can cause long-term, chronic infections in the liver, which can lead to serious health consequences such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. As the patient has both HBsAg and HCV RNA positive, it confirms the presence of these viruses in his system.

It is important that he seeks medical attention, as effective treatments are available for hepatitis C, and vaccination can prevent hepatitis A infection. Furthermore, routine monitoring and possible treatment options should be discussed for his chronic hepatitis B infection, as it can lead to serious health complications.