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Not understanding
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.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
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.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
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
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
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.
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?
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