Hi XXXXXXX,

Thanks for the query.

-Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seropositivity indicates the presence of hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection. It indicates either an acute or chronic infection. You say that you were positive 2 years ago, it means you have chronic infection of HBV.

-Though upto to 97% of healthy adults with acute HBV clear the infection, HBsAg seroconversion in chronically infected patients is a relatively uncommon event - with an incidence of only 0.8%-2% per annum.

- Hepatitis B virus primarily interferes with the functions of the liver by replicating in liver cells. It might at later stage lead to cirrhosis of liver and hepatocellular carcinoma if untreated.

- Transmission of hepatitis B virus results from exposure to infectious blood or body fluids containing blood. Possible forms of transmission include sexual contact, blood transfusions, re-use of contaminated needles & syringes.

I request you to please visit a physician for evaluation. You may need few relevant tests and treatment of your condition is entailed. Kindly do not ignore or neglect this infection.

Hope this answers your query. Should you have any additional concerns, feel free to post your response; I will be available to address them. Do accept the answer if you do not have any further queries.

Regards,
Dr.Mahesh Koregol

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Hi,
I understand your concern.

In chronic hepatitis B ( a condition when the HBs antigen remains positive for more than 6 months), the anti-HBs antibodies (antibodies to the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus) become undetectable or detectable at low levels and anti-HBc antibodies ( antibodies to the core antigen of hepatitis B virus) appear instead.

Given the fact that you are positive for HBs Ag and negative for Anti-Hbs Antibodies, two possibilities arise:
a.     Chronic hepatitis B with low infectivity or high infectivity. The infectivity would depend on the presence or absence of HBe antigen. If this antigen is present, the person is considered to be highly infectious to others as it indicates that the virus is actively multiplying in your body.
b.     HBe negative hepatitis B ( which is caused by a mutant form of the virus)

As I believe that more information can help a physician help you better, I would request you to answer the following questions:
a.     Has an HBe Antigen and Anti-HBe antibody level been done for you? If yes, can you please share the reports?
b.     Has an anti-HBc antibody level (antibodies to the core antigen of hepatitis B virus) [ Particularly the IgG level) been done for you? If yes, can you please send us the reports?

You can upload the reports using the “Upload your reports” section on the right.

Additionally, I would suggest the following:
a.     Abstain from alcohol as it can damage your liver, which is also the main target for hepatitis B virus
b.     Eat a healthy and balanced diet and exercise regularly
c.     Use a barrier method like a condom during sexual intercourse to avoid transmission.
d.     Since you have remained HBsAg positive, HBeAg should be checked every year. This latter test will demonstrate in most cases if the virus is actively replicating. A person who is HBeAg positive (+) or has an aspartate aminotransferase level (AST level) >200 should consult a gastroenterologist/hepatologist for evaluation of need for liver biopsy and anti-viral treatment.
e.     You can find a gastroenterologist near you by calling the American Liver Foundation at 800-223-0179

I suggest that you consult your physician and a get a detailed evaluation done.

Awaiting your reply

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