Can Hepatitis B Antibodies Indicate Infectiousness? Key Insights
Is there still a risk of transmission after the production of antibodies against hepatitis B? Thank you, Dr. Hsu, for your professional response. However, I still have some doubts. About a year and a half ago, I had my liver function tested, and at that time, my liver function wa...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! If the information is correct, your previous letter mentioned that both your hepatitis B surface antigen and surface antibody are positive. This means that you cannot be ruled out as a hepatitis B carrier, indicating that you may still be a hepatitis B carrier. Normal live...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Antibodies Indicate Infectiousness? Key Insights
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Risks and Management for Hepatitis B
SGOT 131, SGPT 207 Hello, I would like to ask a question. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular check-ups every six months to a year. Aside from experiencing stress and fatigue, my lifestyle and dietary habits are normal. In mid-November last year, I went for a health ch...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! Currently, a high index does not pose a risk, but it is still important to be cautious. I'm not sure if your doctor has any further recommendations. Have you considered treatment with interferon or peginterferon? Have you tested for HBV DNA? Hepatoprotective medicatio...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Risks and Management for Hepatitis B
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission: Can Kissing Spread the Virus?
Transmission routes of Hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: I have been diagnosed as a "healthy carrier of hepatitis B." Can I transmit the virus to my girlfriend through kissing? Additionally, I came across a report that I am unsure was answered by a doctor or posted by a random...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. In the first scenario, saliva can be infectious. If a person is infected with Hepatitis B and the virus is replicating, it is possible to transmit the virus to others if it comes into contact with an open wound. 2. This issue is debated regarding the effectiv...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission: Can Kissing Spread the Virus?
Understanding 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'...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
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...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission: Risks and Recovery Insights
Understanding Changes in Hepatitis B Antibody Levels After Health Checkups
After the medical examination? Doctor: Hello! I recently received the results of a health check-up, and I have some questions regarding my Hepatitis B results. My test results are as follows: Hepatitis B surface antigen: Negative, Hepatitis B surface antibody: Negative. My previo...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. If both secondary tests are very accurate and there are no errors, it is likely that the current antibody concentration is too low to be detected. 2. The hepatitis B vaccine has only been available and widely administered for the past 20 years, so you probably...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Hepatitis B Antibody Levels After Health Checkups
Understanding Elevated GPT and Hemoglobin Levels in Hepatitis B Carriers
I would like to ask two questions? I would like to ask about the following: First, GPT is elevated (71 U/L), and second, hemoglobin is elevated (17.4 g/dL). What do these two values represent, and how can I lower them? P.S. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, with a positive hepatitis...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Response: Hello, 1. Elevated GPT: The GPT level is between 1 to 2 times the normal range, indicating abnormal liver function. Although it is not significantly high, it suggests liver inflammation. It is important to identify the cause of the inflammation, which may include drug...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT and Hemoglobin Levels in Hepatitis B Carriers
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Get Vaccinated? Understanding Treatment Options
Can a carrier of hepatitis B receive the vaccine? Why do people say that treatment is not necessary?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. The hepatitis B vaccine is administered to provide antigens that stimulate the production of antibodies. However, chronic carriers of hepatitis B already have the antigens and will not produce antibodies, so vaccination is ineffective in these cases. 2. The c...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Get Vaccinated? Understanding Treatment Options
Managing Co-Infection of Hepatitis B and C: Treatment and Home Care Tips
Treatment and Home Adjustment for Concurrent Hepatitis B and C Infection Hello Doctor: 1. If a patient is confirmed to have both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, it is said that the treatment approach for Hepatitis C (using interferon and antiviral medications) may be more effectiv...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Co-infection with hepatitis B and C is more complex to treat because there is an interaction between the two viruses; one may suppress the other. Treating one virus may lead to the suppression or activation of the other. The specific circumstances under which t...[Read More] Managing Co-Infection of Hepatitis B and C: Treatment and Home Care Tips
Understanding Hepatitis B: Vaccine Efficacy and Antibody Status Explained
Regarding Hepatitis B? Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I saw in the news that the hepatitis B vaccine might lose its effectiveness after 15 years. I would like to ask... The health check I had at the beginning of the school year showed that the hepatitis B surface antigen was nega...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Your test results indicate that you are not a carrier of Hepatitis B. You have Hepatitis B antibodies, and you are currently not at risk of being infected by the Hepatitis B virus. 2. The antibodies produced by vaccination are less persistent than those genera...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Vaccine Efficacy and Antibody Status Explained
Is Peginterferon Alpha-2a More Effective Than Lamivudine for Hepatitis B?
Is interferon better than Hepatitis B immunoglobulin? Hello, I am a 25-year-old patient with hepatitis B who contracted the virus through vertical transmission from my mother and is e-antigen positive. I have been taking lamivudine for nearly a year, but I still have not achieved...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The National Health Insurance does not cover long-acting interferons, only short-acting interferons are covered. According to the data, long-acting interferons are more effective than short-acting ones. Based on experience, some patients may only show seroconversion of the...[Read More] Is Peginterferon Alpha-2a More Effective Than Lamivudine for Hepatitis B?
Understanding Open vs. Closed Hepatitis B Carriers: Key Differences Explained
I am a carrier of hepatitis B virus (HBV). What is the distinction between "open" and "closed" hepatitis B carriers? I am a carrier of hepatitis B. What is the distinction between "open" and "closed" hepatitis B carriers? Please help clarif...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. The "open" state you mentioned likely refers to HBeAg-positive hepatitis B, indicating that the hepatitis B virus is more active in the body, with a higher viral load and increased infectivity. Conversely, the "closed" state you referred to ...[Read More] Understanding Open vs. Closed Hepatitis B Carriers: Key Differences Explained
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Healing and Their Longevity Explained
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...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
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 produ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Healing and Their Longevity Explained
Should You Take Tenofovir for HBsAg Positive, e Negative Mutant Hepatitis B?
Should I take Tenofovir if I am HBsAg positive and have an e-negative mutant type? Hello! I am a long-term carrier of hepatitis B. Over the past year, my liver enzyme levels have been elevated, with GOT ranging from 40 to 80 and GPT from 80 to 180. I have been undergoing regular ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. For hepatitis B carriers with elevated liver enzymes, it is important to first investigate the underlying causes of liver function elevation. Hepatitis B virus, alcohol abuse, fatty liver, and medications can all contribute to increased enzyme levels. 2. The ...[Read More] Should You Take Tenofovir for HBsAg Positive, e Negative Mutant Hepatitis B?
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Timing, Efficacy, and Safety Concerns
Hepatitis B vaccine Doctor, I received the first and second doses of the hepatitis B vaccine only three weeks apart. Will this affect the vaccine's efficacy? I was tested six months ago and found to have neither hepatitis B nor antibodies. I received the vaccine a month ago,...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. The hepatitis B vaccine schedule consists of the first dose followed by the second dose one month later, and the second dose followed by the third dose five months later. To confirm the effectiveness of the vaccination, antibody testing can be performed after t...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Timing, Efficacy, and Safety Concerns
Understanding Liver Health: Long-term Effects of Medication and Monitoring
Could you please provide more details about the liver issues? 1. Long-term use of Ganciclovir can have side effects. It may affect other organs, including the kidneys. 2. Since your liver function has returned to normal but the E antigen has not yet turned negative, it is advis...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, there are no significant side effects from the treatment, and it does not affect other organs. The e-antigen has not turned negative (treatment should continue), liver function tests are normal, and the treatment goal has not yet been achieved (the e-an...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Long-term Effects of Medication and Monitoring
Understanding Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management for Teens
Liver function test inquiry I would like to ask the doctor, I am 17 years old and two years ago I had a physical examination when I started school. I found out that I have hepatitis B, but I have consulted both Western and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners for treatment....
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, if the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) remains positive for more than 6 months, it indicates a chronic carrier status. If liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT) are elevated, it suggests chronic hepatitis. There are various medications available in both Western and Traditional...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management for Teens
Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Immunity and Infection Explained
Hepatitis B A hepatitis B infection can lead to the development of protective immunity, which is indicated by specific laboratory test results. If an individual has been infected with hepatitis B and has developed immunity, the serological markers typically seen in the test repor...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! In your test report, a positive surface antigen and a negative surface antibody indicate that you are a carrier of hepatitis B. Conversely, if the surface antigen is negative and the surface antibody is positive, it means that you have immunity due to the presence of antib...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Immunity and Infection Explained
Managing High Liver Enzymes in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: Treatment Options
The disappearance of the E antigen and persistently elevated liver enzymes? Hello Dr. Hsu: I am a patient with hepatitis B, without hepatitis C, and I do not drink alcohol. I have been receiving liver protection medication from the hospital for the past five to six years, but my ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello lbkth888! 1. Your condition can be considered for treatment with long-acting interferon, which has shown good results. However, as you mentioned, your e-antigen is negative, indicating that you are a patient with a mutated strain of hepatitis B. In this situation, the e-a...[Read More] Managing High Liver Enzymes in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: Treatment Options
Understanding Hepatitis A, B, and C: Interpreting Test Results and Immunity
Hepatitis A, B, and C? 1. For Hepatitis A, if an individual has been infected and shows protective immunity, the laboratory report will typically indicate the presence of IgG antibodies against Hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV IgG). This means that even if they have been infected, the...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! 1. To determine if you have immunity to Hepatitis A, you only need to check for the presence of Hepatitis A antibodies (IgG anti-HAV). A positive result indicates that you have immunity and will not be infected. 2. Your second question is quite vague; it only mentions Hepa...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis A, B, and C: Interpreting Test Results and Immunity
Understanding Hepatitis B Carrier Status and Its Implications for Health
Could you please provide more context or complete your question regarding hepatitis B carriers? I previously had two hepatitis B tests six months apart, both showing positive for surface antigen. However, my GOT, GPT, AFP, and abdominal ultrasound results were normal. The doctor ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. You are confirmed to be a carrier of hepatitis B (chronic hepatitis B), as both surface antigen tests have been positive for more than six months. However, being e-antigen negative indicates that you are a less infectious carrier. 2. If fatty liver is severe,...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carrier Status and Its Implications for Health