Hepatitis B Test Results: Is My Partner Infected? - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Is there still hepatitis B present?

Hello Dr.
Chen, I would like to ask you about my boyfriend, who is 32 years old and has a habit of smoking and drinking alcohol.
During his health check-up, his HBsAg was negative, HBsAb was positive, and HBcAb was positive.
What do these test results indicate? Does this mean he still has hepatitis B, or does it indicate that he has had it in the past and has developed antibodies? Can he still transmit it to others? Thank you very much!

Xiao Yu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/12/15

Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, these hepatitis indicators show that your boyfriend has had a past infection with hepatitis B, but he has recovered and developed surface antibodies (HBsAb), which means he has immunity and is not contagious to others.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chen Zhi-Ping, Internal Medicine.

Reply Date: 2004/12/15

More Info

Based on the test results you provided for your boyfriend, let's break down what each of the markers means in relation to Hepatitis B infection and immunity.

1. HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): This marker indicates whether a person is currently infected with the Hepatitis B virus. In your boyfriend's case, the HBsAg is negative, which means he is not currently infected with the virus. This is a crucial point because it suggests that he does not have an active Hepatitis B infection.

2. HBsAb (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody): The presence of HBsAb indicates that a person has either recovered from a past Hepatitis B infection or has been vaccinated against the virus. Since your boyfriend's HBsAb is positive, it suggests that he has immunity to Hepatitis B. This immunity can be due to either a previous infection that he has cleared or vaccination.

3. HBcAb (Hepatitis B Core Antibody): The presence of HBcAb indicates that a person has been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus at some point in their life. In your boyfriend's case, the HBcAb is positive, which means he has been exposed to the virus in the past. However, since his HBsAg is negative and his HBsAb is positive, it indicates that he has cleared the virus and has developed immunity.

Summary of Interpretation:
- Your boyfriend does not have an active Hepatitis B infection (as indicated by the negative HBsAg).

- He has developed immunity to Hepatitis B, either through past infection (which he has cleared) or vaccination (as indicated by the positive HBsAb).

- The positive HBcAb indicates past exposure to the virus, but it does not mean he is currently infectious.

Regarding Transmission:
Since your boyfriend is not currently infected (negative HBsAg) and has immunity (positive HBsAb), he cannot transmit Hepatitis B to others. The risk of transmission typically occurs when someone is HBsAg positive, indicating an active infection.

Recommendations for You and Your Partner:
- Vaccination: If you have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis B, it is advisable to consider vaccination. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it can provide you with immunity against the virus.

- Regular Check-ups: It is always a good idea for both of you to have regular health check-ups, especially if there are any lifestyle factors (like smoking and drinking) that could affect liver health.

- Safe Practices: Continue to practice safe behaviors, such as using protection during sexual activity, to minimize the risk of other sexually transmitted infections.

In conclusion, your boyfriend's test results indicate that he is not currently infected with Hepatitis B and has immunity against it. He poses no risk of transmission to you or others. If you have further questions or concerns, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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