How to Check if Your Child Has Contracted Hepatitis B?

Q: How to Check if Your Child Has Contracted Hepatitis B?

At three years old, the following tests can be performed： 1. <br>Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg, indicating whether there is an infection with Hepatitis B), and 2. <br>Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb, indicating whether there is immunity to the Hepatitis B virus). <br>Bei

How can I check if I have been infected?

I have a question.
I am a hepatitis B double positive carrier, but my daughter received immunoglobulin within twenty-four hours of birth.
She is now three years old, and I breastfed her at birth.
How can I determine if she has been infected by me? What tests should be done, and at what age can they be performed? Thank you.

Youying de Huang Mama, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/03/14

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

At three years old, the following tests can be performed: 1.
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg, indicating whether there is an infection with Hepatitis B), and 2.
Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb, indicating whether there is immunity to the Hepatitis B virus).
Being a carrier of Hepatitis B is not a contraindication for breastfeeding, meaning it does not increase the risk of transmitting Hepatitis B.

Reply Date: 2009/03/14

More Info

To determine if your child has contracted Hepatitis B, especially considering your own dual positive status for Hepatitis B, there are specific tests and guidelines to follow. Since your daughter received Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) within 24 hours of birth, this significantly reduces her risk of infection. Additionally, breastfeeding does not increase the risk of transmission of Hepatitis B, so you can be reassured on that front.

At the age of three, your daughter can undergo blood tests to check for Hepatitis B infection. The primary tests to consider are:
1. Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg): This test indicates whether the virus is present in the blood. A positive result would mean that she is currently infected with Hepatitis B.

2. Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (HBsAb): This test measures the presence of antibodies against the Hepatitis B virus. A positive result indicates that she has developed immunity to the virus, either from vaccination or from a past infection.

3. Hepatitis B Core Antibody (HBcAb): This test can provide additional information about past infections. A positive result indicates that she has been exposed to the virus at some point.

Given that your daughter is three years old, it is appropriate to conduct these tests now. If the HBsAg test is negative and the HBsAb test is positive, it indicates that she has not contracted the virus and has immunity, likely due to the immunoglobulin she received at birth and possibly the vaccination she would have received as part of her routine immunization schedule.

If the tests indicate that she is HBsAg positive, it is crucial to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to serious liver complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, particularly if the infection is not monitored and managed appropriately.

In summary, to check if your daughter has contracted Hepatitis B, you should take her for blood tests to measure HBsAg and HBsAb levels. These tests can be performed at her current age of three. It is essential to consult with a pediatrician or a specialist in infectious diseases for further guidance based on the results of these tests. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to managing any potential Hepatitis B infection effectively.

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