Re: Hepatitis B Core Antibody

Posted By Grete on April 14, 1998 at 00:06:32:

In Reply to: Re: Hepatitis B Core Antibody posted by HFHSM.D.-ym on March 24, 1998 at 09:16:08:







:
I recently donated blood for my own use during surgery. I was notified by
the Blood Bank that in routine testing of my blood, I tested positive for
anti-HBc. The notice went on to explain that at some time in the past I
have been exposed to the Hepatitis virus, and have developed an antibody
to the virus.
Does this mean that I have liver damage? My partner's testing did not show
the positive anti-HBc. Should he be vaccinated? Is there a course of action
that I should follow? Should I get some further testing done? Do my test
results indicate that I may experience liver problems in the future?
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this forum.  
Dear Grete,
You ask some very important questions about hepatitis B viral infection. Although it is a fairly common infection it is generally self-limited and in a majority of cases does not evolve into a chronic liver disease. Most patients present with a flu-like illness, joint pain, fever or jaundice but the infection can also be asymptomatic. That seems to be what happened to you. Hepatitis B can be transmitted at birth, via percutaneous blood exposure or sexually.
It is possible to determine what the status of hepatitis B infection is by performing a series of blood tests. The hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) indicates previous infection. In order to be absolutely sure that you arent currently experiencing an acute infection a blood test to see what type of core antibody is present could be performed. The hepatitis B core antibody of the IgM type is  present in acute infection and the the hepatitis B core antibody of the IgG type is present in patients who have had a prior infection. Another type of blood test can test if you are immune to hepatitis B and that is called hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). This would be a further indication that the infection was in the past and that you are not likely  to develop chronic liver disease. A blood test for hepatitis B surface antigen (Hep B S Ag) would be helpful to determine whether you are a carrier for the hepatitis B virus but that would be unlikely if you are found to be immune. Nevertheless, for the sake of completeness this test should probably be ordered as well. Liver function tests such as SGOT or AST and SGPT or ALT can also be helpful in determining whether liver damage is present but these are non-specific blood tests and do not necessarily indicate damage to the liver from hepatitis B.
Vaccination against hepatitis B viral infection is currently recommended for everyone. Pediatricians are vaccinating children during their first years of life. Certainly if you or your partner are a health care worker, ancillary health professional or work in an area where percutaneous blood exposure can easily occur one should be vaccinated. If it turns out that you are a carrier for hepatitis B virus your partner should certainly be vaccinated. If you are immune and your partner isnt, it is not absolutely necessary for your partner to be vaccinated but probably recommended. Persons who engage in high risk sexual behavior or intravenous drug abuse are at high risk and should also be vaccinated. The vaccine is highly effective and requires 3 injections several months apart. However, the vaccine does not work for everyone. A minority of patients are non-responders. Good luck to you and your partner. I hope you find this information helpful. If you are seen at our institution I look forward to personally meeting with you.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat one of our experts in Gastroenterology and Liver Disorders.

HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: hepatitis B viral infection, hepatitis B core antibody, hepatitis B vaccine



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Thank you very much for your prompt and informative reply. I made an
appointment with the local doctor here, and he has ordered blood tests,
the Hepatitis Monitoring Panel, and LFT's. The information you provided
to me has been very helpful.