Resolved question:
I am currently pregnant and tested positive for HB surface antibody? Does that mean I have hepatitis b?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Infectious Disease Specialist
Hello,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I understand your concern.
Yes, HBS antibody indicates positive hepatitis b infection. But they must have also tested you for hbsag surface antigen? That is an more important marker. Please let me know the status of hbsag.
Regards.
They did not test me for hbsag surface antigen. Does the antibody mean I have a chronic infection?
Antibody and antigen together if positive, indicates recent infection.
Hep B antibody could be because of a previous infection or even from the vaccination. So, please get the hbsag test done. If it is negative, there is nothing to worry.
Regards.
If the antigen is positive that will mean I have an acute infection? And if negative, I either had an infection that has cleared and I'm OK or that I was vaccinated, correct?
Yes, so please get the HBsAg done.
Regards.