Fiber optic-based biosensor for detecting viral hepatitis

Abstract

Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver that can present serious complications ranging from partial liver damage to liver cancer, and even death of the individual. Early diagnosis of this disease condition has been established as vital to prevent irreversible liver damage and to save life in patients. It has been well established that Hepatitis B virus infection causes cardinal serological changes in blood, which include the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis envelop antigen (HBeAg) and decrease in the serum protein content. It is therefore important to detect the levels of serological factors such as Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis B envelop antigen and serum proteins in the blood so that a more accurate and indicative measurement of the disease condition can be obtained when integrated together.