Hepatitis B Antibodies: Healing and Their Longevity Explained

Q: Hepatitis B Antibodies: Healing and Their Longevity Explained

Hello, there are three antigens associated with Hepatitis B： surface antigen (HBsAg), core antigen (HBcAg), and e antigen (HBeAg). <br>After being infected with Hepatitis B, all three antigens will appear, and subsequently, antibodies against the core antigen (Anti-HBc) will be p

There are three antibodies for hepatitis B, and I have two of them?

Twelve years ago (in 1993), I had elevated liver enzymes (GOT, GPT) due to hepatitis B, with levels reaching around 600-700.
The doctor initially said that if the levels did not decrease, hospitalization would be necessary.
However, the GOT and GPT levels dropped rapidly (sometimes by 150-200 in just one week), and eventually, they returned to normal.
The doctor mentioned that there are three antibodies for hepatitis B, and I have two of them, while the third one may not necessarily develop.
As of now, both GOT and GPT levels, as well as alpha-fetoprotein, are normal.
I have the following questions:
1.
I recently heard a doctor say that having two out of the three antibodies indicates that I have recovered.
Is this true?
2.
What are the names of the two antibodies that I have produced? What is the name of the third antibody that may not necessarily be produced? Will these three antibodies persist permanently?

TERENCE, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/04/08

Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, there are three antigens associated with Hepatitis B: surface antigen (HBsAg), core antigen (HBcAg), and e antigen (HBeAg).
After being infected with Hepatitis B, all three antigens will appear, and subsequently, antibodies against the core antigen (Anti-HBc) will be produced.
Some individuals will also produce antibodies against the e antigen (Anti-HBe).
Generally, the presence of Anti-HBe indicates a lower likelihood of Hepatitis B reactivation and reduced infectiousness, but it does not mean that the infection is cured or that reactivation will not occur.
The least likely antibody to develop is the antibody against the surface antigen (Anti-HBs), especially in patients who have had Hepatitis B since childhood, as they almost never produce antibodies against the surface antigen.
The presence of Anti-HBs typically indicates recovery and immunity against future Hepatitis B infections.
Therefore, regarding question (1), having Anti-HBc and Anti-HBe does not indicate recovery.
For question (2), the patient likely has Anti-HBc and Anti-HBe; however, the presence of Anti-HBs is not guaranteed.
Generally, Anti-HBc and Anti-HBe are expected to persist, but Anti-HBe may potentially disappear.
This response is provided by Dr.
Yuan Hong-Dao from the Internal Medicine department.

Reply Date: 2005/04/08

More Info

Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Healing and Their Longevity Explained
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. The body's immune response to the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) involves the production of antibodies, which are proteins that help to neutralize the virus and protect the body from future infections. In your case, it seems that you have had a significant history with Hepatitis B, with elevated liver enzymes (GOT and GPT) indicating liver inflammation or damage. However, it appears that your liver function has improved, and your enzyme levels are now within normal ranges.

1. Healing and Antibody Presence: The presence of antibodies in your blood is a positive sign that your immune system has responded to the infection. In the context of Hepatitis B, there are three key antibodies that are typically measured:
- Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B surface antibody): This antibody indicates recovery from Hepatitis B infection and immunity against future infections. A positive result suggests that you have cleared the virus and are protected.

- Anti-HBc (Hepatitis B core antibody): This antibody indicates past or current infection. It can be further divided into IgM and IgG. The presence of IgM anti-HBc suggests a recent infection, while IgG anti-HBc indicates a past infection.

- HBeAg (Hepatitis B e antigen): This is not an antibody but rather a marker of active viral replication. The presence of HBeAg indicates that the virus is actively replicating, while the absence of HBeAg (and the presence of Anti-HBe) suggests that the virus is less active.

In your case, if you have two of these antibodies (likely Anti-HBs and Anti-HBc), it is a strong indication that you have cleared the virus and have immunity. However, the absence of the third antibody (which could be Anti-HBe) does not necessarily mean that you have not healed; it may simply indicate that your immune response did not produce that specific antibody.

2. Longevity of Antibodies: The antibodies produced in response to Hepatitis B can vary in their longevity. Anti-HBs can provide long-term immunity, often lasting for many years, and in some cases, for life. Anti-HBc, particularly IgG, also tends to remain in the bloodstream for a long time, indicating past infection. However, the presence of these antibodies does not guarantee that you will never be infected again, especially if you are exposed to the virus again.

In summary, having two out of the three key antibodies is a positive sign of recovery from Hepatitis B. The antibodies you likely have are Anti-HBs and IgG Anti-HBc, while the one you may not have is Anti-HBe. The presence of these antibodies suggests that you have cleared the virus and have some level of immunity. Regular monitoring of liver function and antibody levels is advisable, especially if you have a history of liver disease. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to support liver health and reduce the risk of complications in the future. If you have any concerns or experience any symptoms, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

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