Read the scenario below and compile a professional case study summary based on the questions found below the case study:
A 44-year-old man is concerned about abnormal liver tests drawn for his pre-employment physical 6 months ago. his serum aminotransferase levels were two times normal at that time and remain unchanged after repeat testing. On further questioning, he denies regular alcohol use but states that he used to inject heroin. Currently, he reports some fatigue but says he feels well otherwise. His primary care physician order serologic testing, which reveals HBsAg-positive, anti-HBs-negative, and anti-HBc-positive IgG. Anti-HDV and anti-HCV test results are both negative.
Based on these antigen and antibody test results, with is the patient’s diagnosis?
What percentage of patients with acute hepatitis B remain chronically infected with HBV?
Of those patients, how many develop the chronic active disease?
What are the significant complications of chronic active infection?
Is there a true “cure,” explain why/why not?
