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STDs (Expert Forum)
Not understanding
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
This forum does not cover AIDS/HIV issues. This forum is for questions and support regarding STD issues such as: Chlamydia, Crabs (pubic lice scabies), Gonorrhea, Hepatitis (viral), Herpes, HPV, Molluscum Contagiosum, PID, Rectal Infections, Syphilis, Trichomonas, Warts, Yeast Infection.
IMPORTANT
This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum
Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum
Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
Not understanding
by bob0746, Dec 20, 2007 12:50PM
Hello, I have had two test that reported the that I am positive for hepatitis. The report reads as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negitive. Antibodies to Hepatitis B Core Anitgen (anti-HBc, IgG-positive and IgM-Negative. I have never had any health problem plenty of energy. I thought if the IgG was positive you would had been sick at one time. Help me understand what I am dealing with. My medical doctor has refered me to Duke for a second opinion and follow-up.
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Dec 20, 2007 01:13PM
, Dec 20, 2007 01:13PM
Most likely you have been infected with hepatitis B but the infection was controlled by your immune system and you no longer are infected. However, there are occasional false positive core antibody (anti-HBc) results, so it is possible you never were infected. The way to sort that out is to ask your provider to send a specimen for a test for antibody to surface antigen (HBs), that is an anti-HBs test. (Or the same specimen could be tested, if the lab still has it.) If you were infected in the past, that test should be positive.
But most likely you have been infected with hepatitis B. From the test results, there is no way to know when, except that it was at least 3 months ago, probably a year or more; it could have been any time in your life. You are not a carrier, cannot infect anybody, there are no worries for your current or future health, and you probably are immune to a new hepatitis B infection. (A positive anti-HBs test would prove for sure that you are immune.)
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
But most likely you have been infected with hepatitis B. From the test results, there is no way to know when, except that it was at least 3 months ago, probably a year or more; it could have been any time in your life. You are not a carrier, cannot infect anybody, there are no worries for your current or future health, and you probably are immune to a new hepatitis B infection. (A positive anti-HBs test would prove for sure that you are immune.)
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
Member Comments (4)
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Dec 20, 2007 01:35PM
, Dec 20, 2007 01:35PM
In response to one of your implied questions, 90% of all hepatitis B infections are asymptomatic and the blood test results are the same regardless of symptoms.
by bob0746, Dec 26, 2007 11:12AM
To: Dr. Handsfield
Hello Dr. Handsfield, this is a follow-up question from earlier. I have been referred to Duke for follow-up test. Is this worth while or a waste of time. Your reply is that if I am infected I am ammune and there is nothing more to do or no treatment required. There is not need for any medication or treatment. Is this correct?
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Dec 26, 2007 11:53AM
, Dec 26, 2007 11:53AM
As I said in the second paragraph of my initial reply, probably this could be sorted out by just having the additional anti-HBs test and I don't see a reason for specialty consultation to do that. But it's up to you, if you would feel better getting the word of a liver specialist. Other than that, I have no advice or conclusion about your case; this forum is not a substitute for direct medical care.
