Inquire about the possibility of hepatitis B infection?
I'm sorry, doctor.
I keep asking you the same question.
I had several instances of unprotected sexual intercourse between February and April, and I don't know the partner's medical history.
I currently have no way to contact them (they mentioned having been in a car accident that caused a liver rupture, leading to liver issues, but I noticed they often have dry eyes, which makes me very afraid they might have hepatitis B).
I tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) more than 12 weeks after the last sexual encounter, and the results were as follows: HBsAg 0.399 (-) (<0.9 COI) negative; Anti-HBs (hepatitis B surface antibody) 2 (-) (<10) negative; HCV-Antibody (hepatitis C antibody) 0.029 (-) (<0.9 COI) negative.
I'm scared because 0.399 is significantly higher than 0.029.
Is it safe as long as it's below 0.9? Is there a possibility that I could be in a window period where the viral load is not high enough to be detected, meaning I could actually be infected? I apologize for continuously asking, but I suddenly thought of some symptoms the partner had, and I'm really afraid they might have hepatitis B.
Since I have no antibodies, could this lead to me becoming a carrier? I'm sorry for the inconvenience caused by my repeated inquiries.
Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/13
Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: There is no need to worry about repeated inquiries if you have not been infected.
Everyone's test results will not be zero; this is a matter of laboratory science and does not require further explanation.
If you would like to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine, you can discuss it further with your outpatient physician, as there is no consensus recommendation.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Chen Shih-Tien
Reply Date: 2018/08/13
More Info
Concerns about Hepatitis B infection after unprotected sex are valid and should be addressed with care. Based on the information you provided, it appears that you have undergone testing for Hepatitis B and C, with the results indicating that you are negative for both Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C antibodies. Specifically, your HBsAg result of 0.399 is below the cutoff of 0.9, which suggests that you are not currently infected with Hepatitis B. Additionally, your Anti-HBs result of 2 indicates that you do not have protective antibodies against Hepatitis B.
To clarify, the HBsAg test is used to determine if someone is currently infected with Hepatitis B virus (HBV). A negative result means that there is no active infection. The Anti-HBs test measures the presence of antibodies that would indicate either recovery from a past infection or vaccination against Hepatitis B. Since your result is negative, it suggests that you have not been vaccinated or previously infected.
Your concern about the possibility of being in a "window period" where the virus is present but not detectable is understandable. However, given that your last unprotected sexual encounter was over 12 weeks ago and your HBsAg result is negative, it is highly unlikely that you are in a window period. The window period for Hepatitis B is generally shorter than that for some other infections, and most infections would be detectable within 6 to 8 weeks after exposure.
Regarding your worries about the symptoms of the individual you were with, while symptoms such as dry eyes may indicate liver issues, they are not specific to Hepatitis B. It is important to remember that many individuals with Hepatitis B may be asymptomatic, meaning they do not show any signs of illness. The best course of action is to focus on your own health and testing.
Since you do not have protective antibodies against Hepatitis B, it is advisable to consider vaccination. The Hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective and can provide immunity against the virus. You should discuss this with your healthcare provider, who can guide you on the vaccination schedule and any additional testing that may be necessary.
In terms of sexual health, if you are engaging in sexual activities with someone who is known to be a Hepatitis B carrier, it is crucial to use protection, such as condoms, to reduce the risk of transmission. Even if you are vaccinated in the future, maintaining safe sex practices is essential to protect yourself and your partners from various sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
If you have further concerns about your health or potential exposure to Hepatitis B, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice and support. Regular check-ups and open communication with partners about health status are key components of maintaining sexual health.
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