Triple H (HIV, HBV, HCV)
Understanding Triple H (HIV, HBV, HCV)
What is Triple H (HIV, HBV, HCV)?
A Triple H (HIV, HBV, HCV) test, also known as the Triple H test, helps screen for infections caused by three significant viruses: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). It helps determine the stage of infection, assess the immune response, and monitor treatment.
HIV causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and attacks the immune cells that help the body fight infection, making an individual more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. Hepatitis B and C are highly contagious infections caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), respectively. Chronic HBV or HCV infections can lead to liver damage and other complications. A Triple H (HIV, HBV, HCV) test detects the presence of viral markers, including antigens and antibodies, produced by the body in response to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV infections.
People with HIV are most likely to get infected by chronic hepatitis. This co-infection causes more liver-related health problems. Hence, given the risk of co-infection, it is crucial to recognize these risks early with a Triple H (HIV, HBV, HCV) test, take preventive measures, and, if necessary, seek medical attention.
Your doctor may suggest a Triple H (HIV, HBV, HCV) test if you have risk factors for HIV, HBV, or HCV infections, including weakened immunity, unsafe sexual practices, intravenous drug use, occupational exposure to blood, or potential exposure through medical procedures. Additionally, a Triple H (HIV, HBV, HCV) test may also be done in pregnant women as a part of prenatal care, as these infections can be transmitted from a mother to her unborn child.
Before getting tested, let your doctor know about all the medications you are taking, as some of them can affect the test results, and you might be asked to stop taking them. Also, a duly filled consent form is mandatory for sample collection.
Test results depend upon factors such as clinical history, time of sample collection, etc. Discuss your specific test results with your doctor. A positive test result may require regular monitoring of the disease status. Based on your test results, doctors may suggest lifestyle adjustments, prescribe medications to manage your conditions, and develop a holistic treatment plan.
What is Triple H (HIV, HBV, HCV) used for?
A Triple H (HIV, HBV, HCV) test is done:
- To detect the presence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
- In individuals with symptoms like loss of appetite, joint pain, dark urine, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, mild fever, pale skin tone, etc.
- To screen individuals with risk factors like weak immunity, unsafe sexual practices, intravenous drug use, occupational exposure to blood, etc.
- As a part of antenatal care in pregnant women.
- As a part of pre-operative screening tests.
What does Triple H (HIV, HBV, HCV) measure?
Contains 3 testsA Triple H (HIV, HBV, HCV) test includes testing of three transmissible viral infections, namely hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C virus antibody, and HIV combo (antigen and antibody) test. These tests evaluate the presence or absence of the viruses causing hepatitis B or C and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in your blood sample.
HIV combo (antigen and antibody) test detects HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies in the blood and confirms the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV-1 was discovered first and is the most widespread, whereas HIV-2 is more than 55% genetically different from HIV-1. The transmission rate of HIV-2 is also slower than HIV-1. This test also helps to differentiate between the two HIV infections.
Hepatitis B surface antigen test confirms the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in an individual. HBsAg is the first serological marker to appear in the blood within 1 to 10 weeks after recent exposure to HBV. The persistence of this marker for more than 6 months implies chronic (long-term) HBV infection, which may lead to liver damage (scarring or cirrhosis). A person with a chronic infection can spread the disease to healthy individuals, even if they do not show or experience any symptoms.
The hepatitis C virus antibody (CMIA/CLIA) test determines if you have been infected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and helps your doctor guide your treatment. HCV causes liver inflammation and is classified into acute hepatitis infection and chronic hepatitis infection.
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Acute hepatitis C: This occurs in the first six months after exposure to the hepatitis C virus. In the early stage of the infection, acute hepatitis C is mild and may cause no symptoms. For this reason, most people do not know they have this infection.
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Chronic hepatitis C: If your body is unable to fight off the virus, you can develop a chronic hepatitis C infection. Progression from acute to chronic hepatitis C is common, occurring in about 75-85% of patients. Detecting chronic hepatitis C at the early stage is vital to prevent future complications, such as liver failure, and initiate effective treatment.
Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA
A Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA test determines the status of a current hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection or past HCV infection that has been resolved. This test, therefore, helps your doctor to guide an appropriate treatment plan. HCV causes liver inflammation and is classified into acute hepatitis infection and chronic hepatitis infection.
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Acute hepatitis C: This occurs in the first six months after exposure to the hepatitis C virus. In the early stage of the infection, acute hepatitis C is mild and may cause no symptoms. For this reason, most people do not know they have this infection.
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Chronic hepatitis C: If your body is unable to fight off the virus, you can develop a chronic hepatitis C infection. Progression from acute to chronic hepatitis C is common, occurring in about 75-85% of patients. Detecting chronic hepatitis C at the early stage is important to prevent future complications, such as liver failure, and initiate effective treatment.
Know more about Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Serum
A Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Serum test checks and measures the amount of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in an infected individual, particularly with chronic hepatitis B infection. HBsAg is the first serological marker, within 1 to 10 weeks, to appear in the blood after recent exposure to HBV. Persistence of this marker for more than 6 months implies chronic (long-term) HBV infection which may lead to liver damage (scarring or cirrhosis). A person who has a chronic infection is capable of spreading the infection to healthy individuals, even if they do not show or experience any symptoms.
Know more about Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Serum
HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test
An HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test simultaneously detects HIV p24 antigen and antibodies associated with HIV 1 & 2. The HIV p24 antigen is the most abundant HIV protein and its detection is used clinically to diagnose an HIV infection early on since HIV-specific antibodies are not detectable in a very recently acquired infection. HIV-1 was discovered first and is the most widespread, whereas HIV-2 is more than 55% genetically different from HIV-1. The transmission rate of HIV-2 is also slower than HIV-1. This test also helps to differentiate between the two HIV infections.
Know more about HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Triple H (HIV, HBV, HCV)
Frequently Asked Questions about Triple H (HIV, HBV, HCV)
Q. When is a Triple H (HIV, HBV, HCV) test done?
Q. What are the symptoms that require a Triple H (HIV, HBV, HCV) test?
Q. Are there any precautions that should be taken before or after a Triple H test?
Q. What should I do if my Triple H test is positive?
Q. Why is a Triple H test done before surgery?
Q. How can I prevent hepatitis B infection?
Q. How can I prevent hepatitis C infection?
Q. Is an HIV infection curable?
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References
- Leoni MC, Ustianowski A, Farooq H, Arends JE. HIV, HCV and HBV: A Review of Parallels and Differences. Infect Dis Ther. 2018 Dec;7(4):407-419. [Accessed 11 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6249183/
- Sharma V, Ramachandran VG, Mogha NS, Bharadwaj M. Hepatitis B & C virus infection in HIV seropositive individuals & their association with risk factors: A hospital-based study. Indian J Med Res. 2018 Jun;147(6):588-593. [Accessed 11 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6118147/
- Hepatitis B & C [Internet]. HIV.gov; 20 Sept. 2022 [Accessed 11 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/other-related-health-issues/hepatitis-b-and-c/
- People Coinfected with HIV and Viral Hepatitis [Internet]. CDC; 21 Sept. 2020 [Accessed 12 Oct. 2023]. [Accessed 11 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/populations/hiv.htm
- Mohammadi M, Talei G, Sheikhian A, Ebrahimzade F, Pournia Y, Ghasemi E, Boroun H. Survey of both hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus (HCV-Ab) coinfection among HIV positive patients. Virol J. 2009 Nov 18;6:202. [Accessed 11 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2785785/
- Hepatitis C [Internet]. WHO; 12 July 2023 [Accessed 12 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-c
- Hepatitis B [Internet]. WHO; 12 July 2023 [Accessed 12 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b
- HIV and AIDS [Internet]. WHO; 13 July 2023 [Accessed 11 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids
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