ABOUT the seroconversion>>>>how do you determine that?
i wanted to know if someone has a high level of antibodies does it mean that they seroconverted? can a chronic person have this happen to them?
thanks
thanks babygirl and leeac.
The hepatitis B virus is spread by exchanging body fluids (e.g., through unprotected sex), receiving organ or tissue transplantation, or from an infected mother to her baby during birth, as well as through breast milk, using unclean needles (e.g., tattoos), and sharing needles and syringes with other IV drug users. Because the hepatitis B virus can live outside the body for up to one week, if a household member has chronic hepatitis B, it is important not to share razor blades, toothbrushes, nail clippers, or washcloths. Note that you do not get hepatitis B from sneezing, coughing, or holding hands.
No, there isn't a cure for hepatitis B. The majority of adults who become infected with hepatitis B will clear the virus within six months.12 However, a small percentage of those infected with the hepatitis B virus become chronically infected.
Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Fortunately, most people who become infected with HBV are able to clear the virus from their bloodstream and develop immunity. People who have not cleared their virus after six months are considered to have chronic hepatitis B
i am in agreement with babygirl's post. some additional thoughts:
1. even if your husband is a healthy carrier, he is still considered contagious (likely to a low degree). to ease your concerns, you and your daughter should probably take a Hepatitis B Antibody QUANTITATIVE test (make sure it's not the qualitative test, which will show up positive since you were already vaccinated). The QUANTITATIVE test will measure the level of antibody titers currently in your blood to more accurately measure your resistance to Hep B based on their reference ranges. please inquire with your doctor, and make sure you take the QUANTITATIVE test, not qualitative. They can easily mistake the two.
2. there is no known 'cure' for hepatitis b, however, 1-2% of chronically infected persons will spontaneously seroconvert or eliminate the virus. it is very rare.
3. if both of them have hep b, it is possible that they were both exposed to the same source at some point. it is possible that they acquired this virus vertically at birth from their mother. this is made more likely since he is a healthy carrier at an older age.
4. virus progression varies. your husband should be referred to a hepatologist or gastroenterologist who would probably recommend blood testing every 6 months to monitor viral levels and liver enzymes. based on those tests, treatment may be warranted at some point, but not necessarily. even if treatment is warranted, the medications out today are very potent, and are usually successful in keeping the virus in check.
hope this helps,
leeac