Hepatitis B Viral DNA
Topic Overview
The hepatitis B virus contains DNA. If DNA from the hepatitis B virus is found in your blood sample, then your doctor knows that the virus is multiplying.
- You are contagious when HBV DNA is present. The higher the level of HBV DNA, the more contagious you are.
- If you have a long-term (chronic) HBV infection, the presence of high levels of viral DNA means that you are at increased risk for liver damage and may want to consider treatment with medicines.
- Testing for the amount of HBV DNA (viral load) is an important way to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for chronic HBV infection.
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Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
Current as ofNovember 18, 2017
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Current as of: November 18, 2017
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
