Help with HBV

[Tom Maine]

Hi:  I learned I was HBV positive in 1985 when I gave blood for the first time.  It was misinterpreted by a PA and did not learn the true nature until 2002.  Since that time, I have had two ultrasounds and a couple of liver panels.  The liver panels are always normal as are the ultrasounds.  I'm in decent shape and don't drink.  I do live in a rural area and my Dr. does not seem to be concerned about it.  I've never been to a liver specialist.

I did have a viral load done, it was 6037 UI/ml.  What does it all mean and should I be concerned.  I'm 45.  My brother is also a carrier.  Neither of us knows where we got this.

I found out about the misdiagnosis because I still had the lab slip and asked.

Thanks.  I hope someone can give me some info.

[cally44]

I thought that someone who is e antigen negative with a viral load above 100,000 is considered active, but you said 10,000??  So if my viral load was 15, 300 and i am e antigen negative am i a precore mutant?  My alt/ast were within normal range in the 20's.

please confirm

[Tom Maine]

I posted again because the posts were for HCV, which I do not have.  It was suggested that I repost and make it clear that the tread was for HBV.  Going back to my previous thread is not helpful.  

[timlotus]

THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE as I am not a medical doctor, but I found this on the web:

"In a person with detectable HBeAg, an HBV viral load greater than 100,000 indicates that the virus is active and has the greatest potential to cause damage to the liver. Similarly, in a person with an HBV precore mutant, an HBV viral load of greater than 10,000 indicates that the virus is active and has the potential to cause damage to the liver. Generally speaking, if the HBV viral load is above these numbers, treatment is considered necessary. However, some experts believe that hepatitis B should be treated at any viral load, given that there is a risk of liver cancer developing even when the HBV viral load is low."

HBeAg is the envelope antigen, and if this is present you can transmit the virus to others, which is something to avoid, as it can make some people very ill or kill them. (be careful with blood, don't share razors, toothbrushes and practice barrier contraception)

Your viral load is below both of these thresholds which I guess is excellent news for your own personal health. I wouldn't get too panicked by the cancer risk either. It is likely to be quite low, but you could aim to find out more precise information about this.

Tim

[stevenNYer]

Since you found out your are infected dating back to 1985 and is 45.  You may have had this for many years, even when you were a child.  You are likely e-Antigen negative.  Ask your MD to check your e-antigen and e-antibody status to have a better picture of your HepB status.  If you are negative, you probably just need to monitor your ALT / AST on your liver function panel to check for liver damge.  AFP every 6 months and sonogram annually to check for HCC (liver cancer) because all HepB carriers are at increased risk for it.  But chances are you'll be fine so don't worry much about it.  For most of us.  HepB is about being aware, taking care of liver, and going about our daily lives.  By the way, I'm not a doctor, just a HepB individual like yourself.   Good luck.

[R3179]

Just go back to the post you recently made.


http://www.medhelp.org/forums/hepatitis/messages/46606.html