Resolved question:
I am a 53yr old male, 230lbs, 6'2" and recently felt sluggish, constipated, and upper GI discomfort....reminescent of when I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2000. levels were low and increased synthroid from .175mcg daily to 4 days .175mcg & 3 days .200mcg. My liver enzymes were high 139 and cholestrol was low. no other medications except 81mg baby asprin and Centrum vitamins. My endo ordered a Hep screen as I recently ate oysters. Results of the Hep Screen:
Hep A & C – Negative
Hep B core ab, IgM positive
Hep B surface Ag negative
What does this mean??
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Hepatologist
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
I went through your post about the Hep Screen.
As per the report, you are negative for hepatitis A and hepatitis C.
The surface antigen of Hepatitis B is negative,. But the IgM antibody component for the core antigen of hepatitis B is positive. This may indicate a reactivation of hepatitis B infection. You probably had hepatitis B infection before which got cleared to get reactivated again now. This could occur when your immune system gets suppressed due to some reason. There is some amount of liver damage due to it as evidenced by the high liver enzyme levels.
Check your hep DNA level and you may need to take antiviral medications.
I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
I have never had a Hep B infection!! How is Hep B transmitted? I am 100% monogamous as well.
Hi,
Thanks for getting back to me with more questions. My apologies for the delay with respect to the reply.
Have you ever checked your hep B status before?
There are many different ways of transmission of hep B -
1. From a Hep B positive mother to her baby - Most common
2. Long term household contact with a Hep B carrier
3. Through hemodialysis
4. Exposure to infected healthcare workers
5. Tattooing
6. Body piercing
7. Artificial insemination
8. Through transfusion of blood and blood products
9. Through organ transplantation.
You could have acquired the infection by any one of these ways.
I hope that answers your question. I would be glad to assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
Would a Hep B vaccine be warranted at this time?
Hi,
Vaccines are meant to prevent infections.
Since you already have hepatitis B infection, getting vaccinated will not serve its purpose.
I hope that answers your question. Please let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.