[Viral markers of hepatitis A and B: main characteristics and clinical significance].

Etiologic diagnosis of hepatitis A virus infection, is discussed considering the antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) type IgM and IgG. Clinical relevance of hepatitis B virus markers (HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc IgM and IgG, anti-HBe and anti-HBs) is reviewed as they appear in the clinical course of the disease. The significance of chronic viremia and persistence of HBeAg is commented as well as the perspective prognostic factor of Delta antigen.