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.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerW. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
Current as ofMarch 3, 2017