I had Hep B a few years ago. Some new concerns..

[rachelannjones]

Hi, I hope you can help me with my dillema.

I've never gotten vaccinated for Hepatitis B and about 4.5 years ago, I was diagnosed with Hep B. I didn't undergo any treatment but after about 6 months, my tests were negative but I haven't developed antibodies yet. After another 6 months, I took another test (my last), and it showed that I already had antibodies.

For the tests I can recall, my HBs antigen was non-reactive and my anti HBe and anti HBs were reactive (on the last lab test) plus a few more lab tests that I can't remember. After showing the lab results to my physician, he said that I was completely cured.

My current boyfriend right now is a chronic carrier of Hepatitis B though and we're thinking of getting intimate in the near future. A couple of questions:

1. I want to get a complete Hepatitis B exam again. If my Anti HBe and/or anti-HBs are still reactive, does that mean that I have developed immunity from Hepa B (lifelong?) and I don't need vaccination anymore? Is the immunity "forever" or can I lose it?

2. Is it possible that I don't have Hep B right now but I also don't have antibodies? I only had 1 lab test were I had antibodies and I didn't undergo any additional tests after that although my HBs antigen was non-reactive on my last 2 tests. Should I take another exam to reconfirm it?

3. What happens if I come in contact with Hepa B carriers through stuff like needles and unprotected sex? Can I get infected again if I have antibodies?

Thanks.

[cajim]

Positive or reactive anti-HBs usually means immunity against HBV.  However, there is also the state of weak positive/reactive anti-HBs, which is why the booster shot that you read about.

[lover28_ksa]

I've got a negative results after 2 times Borderline, could it be possible that I've got lifelong immunity after the negative result?

Thanks for your time, my dear..

[zellyf]

I have never read anything in the literature about that.  Natural clearance seems to confer permanent immunity.

[rachelannjones]

Thanks for the reply.

Is there any difference with regards immunity with the anti-HBs value?

From what I've read, once someone clears acute Hep B, he/she develops lifelong immunity right? Is it possible that someone can still "lose" the antibodies even if they've already cleared Hep B and it results in another infection?

Thanks.

[cajim]

1. I want to get a complete Hepatitis B exam again. If my Anti HBe and/or anti-HBs are still reactive, does that mean that I have developed immunity from Hepa B (lifelong?) and I don't need vaccination anymore? Is the immunity "forever" or can I lose it?

--If you are anti-HBs reactive, HBV will be cleared when entering your body.

2. Is it possible that I don't have Hep B right now but I also don't have antibodies? I only had 1 lab test were I had antibodies and I didn't undergo any additional tests after that although my HBs antigen was non-reactive on my last 2 tests. Should I take another exam to reconfirm it?

--If your test showed anti-HBs non-reactive then it is possible "that I don't have Hep B right now but I also don't have antibodies".

3. What happens if I come in contact with Hepa B carriers through stuff like needles and unprotected sex? Can I get infected again if I have antibodies?

--Not if you are immune.

To be safe, test the value of your anti-HBs.