Answer:
by Georgan Gregg: (07/07/2004)
Most people with hepatitis B are ill for a few months, but recover
completely & are immune to getting it again. However, some have a chronic,
long-term type of this illness (sometimes without obvious symptoms) & can
pass HBV to others. There are 3 standard blood tests for hepatitis B virus
(HBV), with each test looking for something slightly different in regards
to HBV.
· Anti-HBc (antibody to hepatitis B core antigen):
A positive test means either currently infected with HBV or infection at
some point in the past. Because this test is looking for antibodies (the
immune system response to infection) it will always show up positive for
your future wife.
· Anti-HBs (antibody to HbsAg):
When this test is positive, it means that you are immune to hepatitis B
either as a result of having had the disease or from having been given the
vaccine. This test also looks for antibodies & so will also always be
positive for your future wife.
· HBsAG (hepatitis B surface antigen):
When this test is positive or reactive, the person is infected with HBV &
can pass it on to others. If this is the test that came out negative she
can't pass HBV on to anyone.
Please talk to the health care worker who gave her the tests to be sure you
are clear on the test(s) she was given & what the results mean. By the
way, there is a vaccine for hepatitis B, which is ideally given in a series
of 3 injections.
For more information, go to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control's website
at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/index.htm (see the link on the right).
Good luck!
Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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