Hepatitis B Transmission: Risks and Recovery Insights

Transmission routes of Hepatitis B?

Hello, Doctor: I have been diagnosed as a healthy carrier of hepatitis B.
How long does it take for the carrier status to resolve? Also, can kissing transmit the virus to my girlfriend? I found an article online, and I'm unsure if it's accurate, so I would like a professional opinion on its validity.
The content is as follows:
1.
Saliva from hepatitis B carriers may contain the virus, so transmission through kissing is still possible.
However, the viral load in saliva is usually much lower than in blood, making it less infectious.
Nonetheless, if either party has cuts on their lips or inside their mouth, the risk of transmission increases.
2.
If someone has been vaccinated against hepatitis B and has developed antibodies, they should generally not be concerned about infection.
However, it is advisable to check the concentration of anti-HBs (hepatitis B surface antibodies) during testing to ensure adequate protection, as some medical professionals believe that antibody levels must be above 10 IU/ml for sufficient immunity.
3.
After adulthood, even if there are no hepatitis B antibodies in the body, if one does unfortunately become infected with hepatitis B, there is about an 85-90% chance of spontaneous recovery without developing into a chronic carrier.
Regarding the third point, I have a question: why am I the only healthy carrier in my family? My parents and siblings tested negative for the surface antigen, while I did not spontaneously recover.
If my girlfriend, who is also an adult, were to become infected, would she also have such a high chance of spontaneous recovery? Thank you.

Da Peng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/09/22

Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello! 1.
In Taiwan, once infected with hepatitis B, there is a high probability of becoming a lifelong carrier, so if hepatitis B is detected, regular follow-up is essential.
2.
The concentration of hepatitis B virus in human blood or semen is relatively high, while other fluids such as saliva, tears, sweat, and breast milk contain very low levels, making transmission unlikely.
Therefore, casual kissing typically does not pose a risk for hepatitis C infection; however, if the kissing is vigorous and there is mucosal damage or open wounds, and if one partner is a hepatitis B carrier, there is a possibility of blood contact, which increases the risk of infection.
If none of these conditions are present, gentle kissing is safe.
3.
If surface antibodies are detected, regardless of their concentration, immunity is established.
4.
Adults who contract hepatitis B have a high chance of spontaneous recovery; however, they may also become carriers.
Therefore, it is advisable to have your girlfriend tested.
If she has antibodies, you need not worry; if not, it is important to take her for hepatitis B vaccination promptly.

Reply Date: 2005/09/22

More Info

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to chronic disease and serious complications, including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Understanding the transmission, risks, and recovery options associated with Hepatitis B is crucial for managing your health and the health of those around you.

Duration of Carrier Status
As a Hepatitis B carrier, the duration of your carrier status can vary significantly. Some individuals may remain carriers for life, while others may clear the virus from their system over time. The likelihood of spontaneous viral clearance is higher in adults than in infants or young children. In adults, approximately 85-90% of those who become infected with Hepatitis B will clear the virus naturally within six months, while 10-15% may develop chronic Hepatitis B. Regular monitoring through blood tests is essential to assess liver function and viral load.

Transmission Risks
Regarding the transmission of Hepatitis B through kissing, it is important to note that while the virus can be present in saliva, the concentration is significantly lower than in blood. Therefore, the risk of transmission through kissing is considerably low. However, if either partner has open sores or cuts in the mouth, the risk of transmission may increase. It is advisable to avoid intimate contact if there are any oral injuries.

Vaccination and Antibody Levels
If you have been vaccinated against Hepatitis B and have developed antibodies (anti-HBs), you are generally protected from infection. The protective level of antibodies is typically considered to be 10 IU/mL or higher. Regular testing of your antibody levels can help ensure that you maintain adequate protection. If your levels fall below this threshold, you may need a booster vaccination.

Family Dynamics and Infection
The fact that you are the only one in your family with chronic Hepatitis B while others test negative for the virus can be attributed to several factors, including differences in exposure risk, immune response, and genetics. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child during childbirth. If your parents and siblings have not been exposed to the virus through these routes, it is possible for them to remain uninfected.

If your girlfriend were to become infected, she would also have a high chance of clearing the virus naturally if she is an adult. However, the risk of developing chronic Hepatitis B is present, and it is essential to take precautions to prevent transmission, such as using barrier methods during sexual activity and avoiding sharing personal items that may come into contact with blood.

Conclusion
In summary, while being a Hepatitis B carrier does carry certain risks, understanding the transmission pathways and maintaining regular health check-ups can help manage your condition effectively. It is crucial to communicate openly with your girlfriend about your status and take necessary precautions to protect her health. If you have further concerns or questions, consulting with a healthcare provider specializing in infectious diseases or hepatology can provide personalized guidance and support.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Hepatitis B: Infection, Epidemiology, and Public Health Interventions

Public health perspectives on hepatitis B include various aspects such as transmission, epidemiology, prevalence, treatment and prognosis, morbidity and mechanisms, as well as public health interventions. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through contact with infectious body...

Dr. Hong Shouhong reply Family Medicine
Chronic hepatitis is most commonly caused by chronic viral hepatitis, which can be divided into two types: hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Once infected, if the body is unable to produce antibodies to eliminate the virus, the virus may persist in the liver, potentially leading to a ...

Understanding Hepatitis B: Infectious Risks and Recovery Insights

Hello Dr. Chen, I was recently hospitalized due to illness and underwent a hepatitis B test. It was found that my HBs Ag is 0 (Nonreactive) but my HBc IgG is 5.46 (Reactive). Currently, my GOT/GPT levels are both 28. The doctor informed me that I previously had hepatitis B but ha...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
In Taiwan, a significant proportion of the middle-aged and elderly population has been exposed to the hepatitis B virus, with most having developed antibodies and exhibiting no infectiousness. However, about 10-20% are chronic carriers of hepatitis B, often remaining carriers for...

Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks for Carriers

Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B and currently taking Viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate). In February of this year, I underwent the following tests: Test order name: Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction for Deoxyribonucleic Acid; Test item name: HBV DNA viral load. The ...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It is unlikely to be contagious, but if medication is stopped, there is a high risk of viral relapse. Please follow your physician's medication regimen.

Assessing Hepatitis B Transmission Risk from Blood Splash to Eyes

If a patient is a carrier of hepatitis B but has low infectivity, and there was a splash of blood during a blood glucose measurement that got into the eyes, but the individual has been vaccinated against hepatitis B and has antibodies, is the risk of transmission still high?

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Hsiao-Hsuan: 1. Since 1985, almost all newborns in our country have received complete vaccinations against hepatitis B. Therefore, since your test still shows the presence of hepatitis B antibodies, the chance of contracting hepatitis B is nearly nonexistent. 2. The...