Is a Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Level of 1705 Normal? Your Results

Is a Hepatitis B surface antigen index of 1705 normal?

Hello Doctor, I have a question I would like to ask you.
First, I want to say thank you ^_^ A few days ago, I went for a hepatitis B test, and after the results came out, some medical friends told me that it was abnormal and advised me to pay more attention.
However, the lab technician told me that it was not a big deal and that I shouldn't worry too much.
Therefore, I would like to consult with you professionally so that I can feel at ease.
Here are the test results:
1.
AST (GOT) - Aspartate Aminotransferase: 18 IU/L (Normal range: 5.0–40.0 IU/L)
2.
ALT (GPT) - Alanine Aminotransferase: 26 IU/L (Normal range: 5.0–40.0 IU/L)
3.
HBsAg - Hepatitis B Surface Antigen: 1705 (+) (Cut off: <1.0 COI)
4.
Anti-HBs - Hepatitis B Surface Antibody: 9.42 (-) (Cut off: <10 IU/L)
5.
HBeAg - Hepatitis B e Antigen: 0.107 (-) (Cut off: <1.0 COI)
6.
Anti-HBe - Hepatitis B e Antibody: 0.012 (+) (Cut off: >1.0 COI)
7.
Alpha-Fetoprotein: 3.0 ng/ml (Normal range: 0.0–30.0 ng/ml)
What do these results indicate? Could you please explain in detail, and do I really need to be concerned or continue with further examinations?

Xiao Bai, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/02/17

Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello! HBsAg(+) and HBsAb(-) indicate that you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus.
However, HBsAg(-) and HBsAb(+) suggest that the viral replication capacity is very low, meaning the activity is low as well, which results in a correspondingly low infectiousness.
If you are a female, this means that the risk of vertical transmission from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth is also lower.
Additionally, GOT and GPT are commonly referred to as liver inflammation indices; therefore, normal values for GOT and GPT indicate that there is currently no liver inflammation, and no medication is required.
Overall, you are classified as a healthy carrier of hepatitis B.
Best wishes for your health from Dr.
Yang Pei-Chen, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2003/02/17

More Info

A Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) level of 1705 is significantly elevated and indicates that you are currently infected with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The normal reference range for HBsAg is typically below 1.0 COI (cut-off index), and your result of 1705 is well above this threshold, suggesting active viral replication.
To break down your results further:
1. HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): A positive result (in your case, 1705) indicates that the Hepatitis B virus is present in your bloodstream. This means you are either in the acute phase of infection or have a chronic infection. Given the high level, it is more likely that you have a chronic infection.

2. Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody): Your result of 9.42 is negative (cut-off <10 IU/L). This means you do not have immunity to Hepatitis B, which could be due to a lack of vaccination or a failure to clear the virus if you were previously infected.

3. HBeAg (Hepatitis B e Antigen): Your result of 0.107 is negative (cut-off <1.0 COI). This suggests that you may have a lower level of viral replication, which is often associated with a lower risk of transmission and liver damage.

4. Anti-HBe (Hepatitis B e Antibody): Your result of 0.012 is positive (cut-off >1.0 COI). This can indicate that your immune system is responding to the virus, which is a good sign, but it does not negate the fact that you are still infected.

5. Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP): Your result of 3.0 ng/ml is within the normal range (0.0-30.0 ng/ml). AFP is often used as a tumor marker for liver cancer, and normal levels are reassuring in this context.

6. Liver Enzymes (AST and ALT): Both your AST (18 IU/L) and ALT (26 IU/L) levels are within the normal range (5.0-40.0 IU/L), indicating that there is currently no significant liver inflammation or damage.

Given these results, it is crucial to follow up with a healthcare provider who specializes in liver diseases, such as a gastroenterologist or hepatologist. They may recommend further testing, including a viral load test (to measure the amount of virus in your blood) and possibly a liver ultrasound to assess for any liver damage or complications.

In terms of management, since you are a Hepatitis B carrier, regular monitoring of your liver function and viral load is essential. Depending on the results of these follow-up tests, antiviral therapy may be considered to reduce the risk of liver damage and transmission to others.

In summary, while your liver enzymes are normal, the elevated HBsAg level indicates an active Hepatitis B infection that requires monitoring and potentially treatment. It's important to take this seriously and consult with a specialist to determine the best course of action for your health.

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