Hepatitis Web Study

Learning Objectives

Upon completing the module Hepatitis B, participants should be able to:

  1. List the major stages of chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
  2. Summarize the natural history of patients following acute hepatitis B virus infection.
  3. Describe the typical serologic response that occurs in response to acute hepatitis B virus infection.
  4. List the potential causes of a finding of isolated hepatitis B core antibody in serum.
  5. Discuss the approach to patients with isolated hepatitis B core antibody.
  6. Summarize the initial assessment of patients with positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).
  7. Interpret laboratory tests used to further evaluate patients who have a positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test.
  8. Explain the mechanism for how precore and core promoter mutations lead to altered production of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg).
  9. Describe the clinical implications and management of precore and core promoter mutants.
  10. Summarize the risk of transmission of hepatitis B virus to a susceptible health care worker compared with other bloodborne pathogens.
  11. Discuss the appropriate evaluation and management of health care workers who have occupational exposure to hepatitis B virus.