Chronic hepatitis B vs Chronic hepatitis C
How to tell Chronic hepatitis B and Chronic hepatitis C apart when a board question makes them look alike.
HBV chronicity depends strongly on age at infection and HBsAg persistence; HCV commonly persists and is confirmed by RNA.
Side by side
Chronic HBV is persistent HBsAg with anti-HBc IgG, with chronicity risk highest after perinatal infection.
Chronic HCV is persistent HCV RNA after exposure, with high chronicity risk and no routine vaccine.
HBV is a partially double-stranded DNA virus using reverse transcription and persistent nuclear cccDNA.
HCV is an RNA virus with high variability and immune escape, making chronic infection common.
HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA, and anti-HBc pattern define active or chronic HBV.
HCV antibody screens exposure; HCV RNA confirms active ongoing infection.
The trap
Both can cause chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, so viral tests and vaccine status matter.
Watch it explained
Test it nowThe repair move
For chronic viral hepatitis, identify the virus test first, then attach the chronicity rule.
Try a free question
CoreA patient has chronic hepatitis with positive HCV RNA months after exposure. Which feature best explains why this infection commonly persists?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. High mutation rate and immune escape by an RNA virus. Hepatitis C is an RNA virus with high chronicity, partly from immune escape and viral variability.
Why the other choices are tempting
- A. Nuclear cccDNA is an HBV persistence feature.
- C. Vertical neonatal infection is especially important for chronic HBV risk.
- D. Hepatitis D requires HBV, not HCV.
- E. There is no routine hepatitis C vaccine.
Flashcards
Tap a card to flip it.
What test confirms active hepatitis C infection?
HCV RNA confirms active infection; antibody alone shows exposure.
What chronicity clue is unique to hepatitis B?
Perinatal HBV infection has a much higher chronicity risk than adult-acquired infection.
Quick answers
What is the fastest way to tell Chronic hepatitis B from Chronic hepatitis C?
HBV chronicity depends strongly on age at infection and HBsAg persistence; HCV commonly persists and is confirmed by RNA.
What is the key clue for Chronic hepatitis B?
Chronic HBV is persistent HBsAg with anti-HBc IgG, with chronicity risk highest after perinatal infection.
What is the key clue for Chronic hepatitis C?
Chronic HCV is persistent HCV RNA after exposure, with high chronicity risk and no routine vaccine.
What is the common trap with Chronic hepatitis B vs Chronic hepatitis C?
Both can cause chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, so viral tests and vaccine status matter.