Can you tell me what I have?

[Tasuki]

   Years ago my mother told me that I had the antibodies for hepatitis B when I was born. She works as a laboratory technologist and before I was born she got stuck by a needle. At that time, around the 1970's, the means to neutralize this were not around. She told me it was some type of gamma globulin shot or something. My mom was now a carrier of the hepatitis B antibodies and I am now cursed with this problem too. My older brother did not have it because he was born before she got stuck. I've been trying to look up this antigen thing that I have because I'm concerned I could pass it on to somebody. My mother assured me that it is not contagious and that I will be alright if I don't abuse alcohol and eat regularly. When I first learned that my blood was tainted it kinda bothered me, but as time went on I let it slide to the back burner of my mind. Just recently I've been in a relationship with a person I love, but was having doubts about her safety. We have not had sexual intercourse of anykind, but we have kissed a lot. I am afraid that I might give her my hepatitis antibody thing. My mom told me that she hasn't spread hers to anyone including my biological father, step-father, my brother, and so on. I feel relieved knowing this, but I want to know the chances of me giving it to someone. especially when I decide to have kids. Is there a way I'd transfer this to my spouse and offspring? Am I a risk? Please explain about having the antibodies. I was turned down for a hospital job a few years back because I tested positive for the hepatitis B antibodies. I cannot donate blood or my organs. Knowing the facts would really ease my mind. I want to be able to answer questions about this problem. Thank you.
  
                                                                                            Tasuki  
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Dear Tasuki,
There are a number of different antibodies and antigens that are associated with Hepatitis B infection.  To determine if you are infectious, you can request that your physician do a HBV-DNA test, that checks the blood for viral DNA.  Your risk of transmitting infection to your sexual partner is related to the degree of replication of virus in your blood.  Because your mother did not transmit infection to her sexual partners does not necessarily mean that you will not transmit the virus.
Hepatitis B can be transmitted from those who are infectious by any body fluid including saliva.  If you are in a longterm monogamous relationship, you should suggest to your partner that they receive the Hepatitis B vaccine.  When you have children they should also be vaccinated. If you have multiple sexual partners you should be careful regarding your body secretions e.g. use condoms
This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Always ask your personal physician specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: hepatitis B carrier, sexual transmission, vaccine
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