Can You Get Hepatitis B from Kissing and Touching Pimples?

Hepatitis B saliva coming into contact with acne?

I would like to ask the doctor, I have positive results for both Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody.
My Hepatitis B surface antigen level is 411.21 and the antibody level is 28.41.
If I kissed my girlfriend on the neck and saliva was wiped off, but then one hour later she touched her neck and then touched a broken pimple, could she get infected? Would getting vaccinated afterward be effective?

Jiao, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/02/18

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

There is no risk of infection.
Vaccination requires completing a schedule of three doses, after which it takes some time to develop antibodies.

Reply Date: 2019/02/18

More Info

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily spreads through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. The risk of transmission through casual contact, such as kissing, is generally considered low, especially when compared to other routes of transmission. However, there are specific circumstances that can increase the risk.

In your scenario, where you have a positive Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and a positive Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), it indicates that you are a carrier of the virus. The presence of HBsAg means that the virus is actively replicating in your body, while the presence of anti-HBs suggests that your immune system has responded to the infection, which is typically a sign of recovery or vaccination. However, the levels of these markers can provide insight into your infectious status.

1. Kissing and Transmission: Kissing can theoretically transmit Hepatitis B if there are open sores or bleeding gums in either partner. The virus can be present in saliva, but the concentration is much lower than in blood. If you kissed your girlfriend and saliva came into contact with her skin, the risk of transmission is minimal unless there are open wounds or sores involved. If she then touched her neck and subsequently touched a pimple that was bleeding, there is a potential risk, but it remains low. The virus does not survive long outside the body, and the likelihood of transmission through this indirect contact is very low.

2. Vaccination: If your girlfriend has not been vaccinated against Hepatitis B and has not been previously infected, it is advisable for her to receive the vaccine. The Hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective and can provide protection against the virus. If she has already been vaccinated and has developed adequate antibody levels (typically above 10 IU/ml), she should be protected from infection.

3. Understanding Antibody Levels: The antibody levels you mentioned (28.41) may indicate a response to the virus or vaccination, but it is essential to interpret these levels in the context of your overall health and infection status. If your girlfriend is concerned about her risk of infection, she should consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate testing and vaccination.

4. General Precautions: It is crucial to maintain open communication with your partner about your Hepatitis B status. If you have any cuts or sores, it is best to avoid intimate contact until they have healed. Additionally, practicing safe sex and avoiding sharing personal items that may come into contact with blood (like razors or toothbrushes) can further reduce the risk of transmission.

In conclusion, while the risk of transmitting Hepatitis B through kissing and touching is low, it is not zero, especially in the presence of open wounds. Vaccination is a highly effective preventive measure for those at risk. If there are any concerns about potential exposure or infection, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and testing.

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