Who take 6 month to test positive for hep C?

[ErichH]

Hi all,

I have tried searching for these answers in the forum, but with no luck.

CDC states the following;

"HCV infection can be detected by anti-HCV screening tests (enzyme immunoassay) 4–10 weeks after infection. Anti-HCV can be detected in >97% of persons by 6 months after exposure."

1. Why can it only be detected in 97% of infected persons at 6 months?

2. Who will take longer then 4-10 weeks to have a positive test in case of exposure?

3. Which persons lack the necessary immune-responds to have antibodies against hep C?

[ErichH]

Thanks for the clearance, that was the answer I was looking for.

While we are at it hrsepwrguy, I've heard that delayed seroconversion in co-infected hep C and HIV do not happen anymore with the new tests we are having. But this is the part that scares me, that I'm duel-infected and none of the tests can detect it yet, even with a 174 day test.

nightmare!!

[hrsepwrguy]

"and the last one at 174 days since the exposure."

You do not have HCV, 6 days is not going to make a difference, I have researched this on several occasions and if you could find me 1 documented case of delayed seroconversion other than in an HIV positive person I would love to read it

Have a great day

[ErichH]

Hi Flyinlynn,

So you mean that liver pain from acute hepatitis (from a newly exposure) don't happen?

I had my last hep c test done 174 days after the event, should that not be enough to exclude infection?

[flyinlynn]

To have liver pain from hep c takes many many years. If you have had hep c long enough to cause significant damage to your liver is cirrhosis your liver can swell to the point the capsule surrounding your liver will feel pain. The liver it self does not have pain receptors but the capsule surrounding the liver does. Basically I seriously doubt your pain would be from hep c. Wait your six months if you are not detectable for antibodies It is extreamly unlikely you have hep c.

[ErichH]

Should add that hep B and Hiv was negative as well.

[ErichH]

Hi flyinlynn and thanks for your reply,

Your guess is not dumb at all, seems like the same idea I'm in to.

It's a mix of curiosity and assurance that I don't have it.

Had a risky sexual exposures many months ago with unprotected vaginal with a girl, and I've experienced a dull ache around my liver area (behind lower right ribs) for 2-3 months now, yet my liver and bloodwork are great, and the doctors and chiropractor cant find whats causing this. Had negative anti-hcv for hepatitis c at 3, 4 months, and the last one at 174 days since the exposure.

I'm scared to death I have hep C but not having antibodies yet.

My country refuse to test for hep C RNA before Anti-hcv turn positive.

[flyinlynn]

I am guessing here but my thinking is possibly anyone who's immune system is compromised in anyway would not be up to the task of developing antibodies as rapidly as another individual. So that could include persons infected with HIV, possibly older people and anyone with a weakened immune system for any other condition for example what you suggest about drug abuse I suppose could have that effect. This seems like a possible explanation to me why it could take some people longer to create enough antibodies to be detectable by testing.

However if testing for the presence for the virus itself I understand that can be detected sooner and is a better way to determine if someone is actually currently infected with the virus.

Any special reason for your question? Possibly if we had some background on the reason for your question we may have better answers. Or is this purely just curiosity?

Medicine is not an exact science and everyone responds differently.

[ErichH]

Was not my meaning to offend anyone. Sorry.

It's hard to find information regarding the incubation-time for hep C and why some people can take 6 month to show positive.

Can it be heavy IVE drug-users that take 6 month to show antibodies?

[AWorriedMom]

"That link is not even near what I was requesting."

There really is no reason to be rude to someone who is trying to help you. Personally I don't think anyone can answer your questions with any degree of certainty.

[hrsepwrguy]

Unless you have confirmed HIV there is no delayed seroconversion, the only info you will find all says the same thing, 2 weeks to 6 months with an average of 6 to 10 wks to be detected by anti HCV testing.

"That link is not even near what I was requesting"

Feel free to do your own research, you can use google just as well as anybody here

[ErichH]

That link is not even near what I was requesting.

[Dee1956]

Hi I could only find seroconversion in HIV not in HCV  Here is an article, hope it helps you.

http://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/seroconversion-time#Overview1

[ErichH]

And what is delayed seroconversion regarding hep C, 6 months?

If people don't have HIV, and do not have any problem with there immune system, can it really take 6 months then to form antibodies?

[AWorriedMom]

Delayed seroconversion can take place in HIV patients or possibly anyone with a disease that affects the immune system. These patients should continue to test for antibodies til a year after exposure. However, I believe a viral load test (HCV/RNA by PCR) will show the actual virus after a couple of weeks.