Can Hepatitis B Be Cured? Your Test Results - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Can hepatitis B be cured?

Dear Dr.
Hsu,
I recently went to the hospital for a follow-up on hepatitis B.
During my university entrance physical examination, I had some tests done, and here are the results: SGOT was 24, SGPT was 23, both HBsAg and Anti-HBs were positive.
I am sharing this information to confirm whether I truly had hepatitis B at that time.
Recently, the hospital doctor informed me that I no longer have hepatitis B, but I still have some doubts.
I recall previous doctors mentioning that it is quite difficult for hepatitis B to convert to antibodies.
Nevertheless, I am very happy because the doctor told me that I now have antibodies.
If I did have hepatitis B in the past, it means I would not be at risk of reinfection.
However, if I did not have it, I still need to be cautious, right? Thank you for your response, Dr.
Hsu.

Xiao Dai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/04/01

Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello! It is quite common for long-term carriers of hepatitis B, like yourself, to have such results.
Although antibodies are produced, their titers may not be sufficient to effectively eliminate the virus.
Therefore, you should continue to have regular follow-ups.

Reply Date: 2006/04/01

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding Hepatitis B and the interpretation of your test results. Understanding whether Hepatitis B can be cured and the implications of your laboratory findings is crucial for your health management.

Firstly, it is important to clarify that Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can manifest in different forms: acute, chronic, and resolved infections. Your test results indicate that you had both HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) and Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B surface antibody) positive during your university health check. This suggests that you may have been infected with the virus at some point. However, the presence of Anti-HBs indicates that your immune system has successfully responded to the infection, producing antibodies that can protect you from future infections.

The fact that your recent report shows no HBsAg (negative) and the presence of Anti-HBs (positive) suggests that you have cleared the virus from your system and have developed immunity. This is a favorable outcome, as it means you are no longer a carrier of the virus and are not at risk of transmitting it to others. However, it is essential to continue monitoring your health, as some individuals may have residual effects from past infections, especially if there was any liver damage.

Regarding your concern about whether you can be re-infected, the presence of Anti-HBs typically indicates immunity. However, it is still advisable to practice safe behaviors, such as avoiding sharing needles or engaging in unprotected sex, as these can pose risks for other infections, including Hepatitis B.

You mentioned that you have heard it can be challenging for the body to develop antibodies against Hepatitis B. While it is true that not everyone who is infected will clear the virus and develop immunity, many individuals do recover from acute Hepatitis B infections, especially in younger populations. Chronic infections, on the other hand, can lead to serious complications, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, which is why regular monitoring is crucial for those who are chronic carriers.

In summary, based on your test results, it appears that you have successfully cleared the Hepatitis B virus and developed immunity. It is important to maintain regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your liver health and ensure that no complications arise from your past infection. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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