Hep c and hep a

[Smilesweetie]

My husband was recently diagnosed with Hep C after a bleed. During follow up testing he also tested positive for hep a. The doctor has ordered more tests to see if it is an active infection. What are the dangers of an A C coinfection? I'm very worried. Has anybody dealt with this before?

[paen53]

Like the others have said, most likely antibodies only.  When I found out I had HCV through a blood donation, I also tested positive for A and B and thought I was one sick puppy. But neither were active (I think the HBV was from immunizations while a health care worker) so I breathed easier. I'm sure your Dr. will explain the findings to you soon and it'll be much the same.

[eureka254]

Hi Smiles,
Hopefully follow-up testing for the hep a just shows antibodies and no active infection.  It's one of those odd things that a person's ability to fight off one hep does not necessarily translate to the same response to other types of hep.  When my husband was first diagnosed with the hep c and got tested for the other heps, I had a similar panic for him with hep b, but it turned out to be a false alarm, antibodies only and no chronic infection. Maybe it'll be the same thing with your husband's hep a status.  

My understanding is that problems associated with chronic hcv can indeed be made worse if coupled with active a or b due to additional insult to the liver.  There are surely cases of it happening, but I can't say that I recall anyone here having a and c concurrently.  Whatever the outcome, make sure also your husband's docs also establish his hep b status, and if he's not already immune, he should be vaccinated for hbv.   Hoping for the best for you, and keep us posted. ~eureka

[R Glass]

Chances are, he just has the HAV antibodies. So, try to relax. There is no reason to loose sleep over something that may not even exist.

[Bill1954]

It’s unlikely that your husband is HCV and HAV infected; most usually, this turns out to be HAV antibodies only. Hep A (HAV) does not have a chronic stage; it’s acute only and active infection rarely, if ever lasts longer than 4-6 months. Additionally, HAV isn’t endemic to the U.S.; it is generally found in developing nations.

Coinfection between HAV and HCV can have serious consequences, including fulminant liver failure. For this reason (and others) HCV patients with chronic infection are encouraged to immunize, if they aren’t already.

Good luck—

--Bill

[Anne1717]

Hi - I also tested positive for both HCV and Hep A.   I am fine - the Hep A was not an active infection.  Apparently I had it somewhere along the line and now test positive for the ANTIBODIES.  Hopefully that is what your husband will find out.  It is a lot for your liver to handle if you have both infetions actively and it is suggested that if you have HCV, you get immunized against Hep A.