A question for Hep b people

[Jimmy1971]

I am just wondering if it is possible that you become an inactive carrier ("e" antigen negative; "e" antibodies positive; undetected virus) within one year of exposure to hep b.

I have been looking for articles everywhere trying to find answer for my question but did not find. I appreciate your input. Jim

[jboyhk]

You keep on asking this question but never answer the followups.

Did you ever cjeck the obvious? Have your parents or siblings ever been tested for Hep B? It is very likely you got it from early on if you are from Asia.

[jayjames53]

When I was 23, I contracted Hepatis B.  I had gotten a little sick, but I thought it was just a bad stomach virus.  When I later went into the hospital, they did routine blood tests, and they found I was still sick with Hepatitus (hepatitis) B, but that I didn't have it bad.  Several months later, I developed the Antigen, and they told me I was now immune to the virus.  They didn't say anything about being, or not being a carrier.  I heard later that it depends on my viral load, as to whether I was a carrier, or not.  Can you tell me if I am a carrier, even though I was now immune, because of the antigen I developed?  I would very much appreciate a reply.  Thanks for your time.  

[JennyPenny]

The hepatitis B blood panel requires only one blood sample but  includes three tests:

HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen)
HBsAb or Anti-HBs (hepatitis B surface antibody)
HBcAb or anti-HBc (hepatitis B core antibody)
The doctor needs all 3 blood test results in order to determine your diagnosis.
What is the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)?

This tests for the presence of virus. A "positive" or "reactive" HBsAg test result means that the person is infected with the hepatitis B virus, which can be an "acute" or a "chronic" infection. Infected people can pass the virus on to others through their blood and infected bodily fluids.

What is the hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb or
anti-HBs)?

A "positive" or "reactive" HBsAb (or anti-HBs) test result indicates that a person has successfully responded to the hepatitis B vaccine or has recovered from an acute hepatitis B infection.  This result means that you are immune to future hepatitis B infection and you are not contagious. This test is not routinely included in blood bank screenings.


What is the hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)?

The HBcAb is an antibody that is part of the virus- it does not provide protection. A "positive" or "reactive" HBcAb (or anti-HBc) test result indicates a past or present infection, but it could also be a false positive. The interpretation of this test result depends on the results of the other two tests. Its appearance with the protective surface antibody (positive HBsAb or anti-HBs) indicates prior infection and recovery. For chronically infected persons, it will usually appear with the virus (positive HBsAg).

from Hepatitis B Foundation