Hepatitis B test results
My son is currently in the second year of high school, and I recently had him check for hepatitis B-related markers.
The results are as follows (reference values provided by the testing hospital): HBsAg (surface antigen) 1.1 (reference value <0.9) POSITIVE, low titer, rechecked; anti-HBs (surface antibody) <2.0 (reference value <10) NEGATIVE; anti-HBc (core antibody) >2.040 (reference value >1.0) NEGATIVE.
The doctor said he does not have a hepatitis B infection, so he needs to receive three doses of the vaccine.
Does a positive surface antigen count as a past infection? What is the situation here? Thank you for your assistance! David
David, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/27
Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, sir: You are likely a carrier of Hepatitis B, but the concentration is very low and poses minimal harm.
Further monitoring and testing can be conducted.
It is estimated that vaccination may not be effective.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Chen Shidian
Reply Date: 2015/11/27
More Info
Understanding your son's Hepatitis B test results can be quite complex, especially given the various markers involved in the diagnosis and monitoring of Hepatitis B infection. Let's break down the results you provided and what they mean in the context of Hepatitis B infection and vaccination.
1. HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): Your son's result is 1.1, which is considered positive (reference value <0.9). HBsAg is a protein on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The presence of HBsAg in the blood indicates that the person is currently infected with the virus. However, the term "low titer" suggests that the level of the antigen is low, which might indicate an early stage of infection or a chronic infection where the viral load is not very high.
2. Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody): The result is <2.0, which is negative (reference value <10). Anti-HBs are antibodies that develop after recovery from an infection or after vaccination. A negative result here indicates that your son does not have immunity to Hepatitis B, either from a past infection or from vaccination.
3. Anti-HBc (Hepatitis B Core Antibody): The result is >2.040, which is positive (reference value >1.0). Anti-HBc indicates past or ongoing infection with Hepatitis B. However, it does not differentiate between acute and chronic infection. A positive result can occur in individuals who have cleared the virus or in those with chronic infection.
Given these results, the interpretation is as follows:
- The positive HBsAg indicates that your son has been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus. However, the presence of Anti-HBc suggests that he may have had a past infection or is in the early stages of an infection. The negative Anti-HBs indicates that he does not have immunity against Hepatitis B.
- The doctor’s recommendation for your son to receive three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine is appropriate. Vaccination will help to build immunity against the virus, especially since he currently does not have protective antibodies.
In summary, while your son has a positive HBsAg result, which indicates he has been exposed to the virus, the absence of Anti-HBs suggests he does not have immunity. The presence of Anti-HBc could indicate a past infection or a current infection that is not yet fully established. It is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation, which may include additional tests to determine the exact nature of the infection and to monitor liver function.
In the context of Hepatitis B, it is essential to understand that not all positive results indicate active disease, and the interpretation of these markers requires careful consideration of the entire clinical picture. Regular monitoring and vaccination are key components in managing and preventing Hepatitis B infection.
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