Please clarify

[pookie123]

Hello,
I recently donated blood and got a letter back saying that I had tested positive for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus.  They did a second test called an RIBA 3.0 which came back negative.  My questions are"
1.) How can I have antibodies to the virus but not have the virus?
2.) Does this mean I will eventually get hepatitis C or can I do something to kill the antibodies now before it develops?
3.) Is there any way to pass on the antibodies through sexual contact or through child birth?

Thank You for your time,
Jessica

[t2622b]

I just adopted a little boy who has the Hep C antibodies.  I was told that he tested neg for the Hep C Virus (Hcv-pcr).  I just had another test to be sure.  He is now two and the doctors say that he DOES NOT have the virus and can't spread it to anyone else.  I hope that helps.

[internetdaze]

I also received about the same letter from a blood bank back in 1995.  My doctor diagnosed me as active chronic Hep C.  A couple of years later I began experienced a lot of fatigue and some joint pain and overall achiness and things are about the same now.  I had a baby girl, who did not get the virus and I was also with my ex for five years after I was diagnosed and he never got the virus.  Wish I could help you more.  Good luck!

[GI.PA]

The positve antibody either means you have the virus (85% likely) or you HAD the virus (15% likely).  The RIBA is a very bad test and we dont really look at it.  The fact that it was negative may mean you are in teh 15% of people who clear the virus on their own.  Bring you results to your family doctor, they can run a Hep C PCR which can look for the actual virus itself, not just an exposure to the virus.

If you are indeed infected, Hep C is rarely spread sexually or only from mom to baby less than 5% of the time.  It is spred through blood to blood contact (IV drug use, transfussion, tatoos, piercing, sharing of razors or toothbrushes..etc).

GI.PA