Is it better to be negative or positive for hepatitis B?

Feb 14, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Jiang Weimin

Introduction

Whether a hepatitis B test result is better to be negative or positive depends on the specific item being tested. A positive hepatitis B surface antibody is desirable, while negative results are preferable for the other four items. If the results of the five-item hepatitis B panel are abnormal, or if the hepatitis B DNA quantitative test is positive, it is recommended to go to the hospital for further evaluation to determine the cause and receive systematic treatment.

　　Whether hepatitis B test results are better as negative or positive depends on the specific test item.

　　For the five-item hepatitis B panel, a positive result for hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) is favorable, while negative results for the other four items are preferable. A positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) indicates infection with the hepatitis B virus. A positive HBsAb reflects the presence of a protective antibody. A positive hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) suggests high viral infectivity in the blood. A positive hepatitis B e-antibody (HBeAb) usually indicates reduced HBV infectivity and a more stable clinical condition. However, it may also occur due to mutations in the hepatitis B virus genome, where viral replication does not slow down but instead becomes more active. A positive hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) typically indicates a past or current hepatitis B virus infection. Hepatitis B DNA is an important indicator of viral load in the body; as the quantitative level of hepatitis B DNA increases, so does the virus's replication capacity and infectivity.

　　If the results of the five-item hepatitis B test are abnormal or if hepatitis B DNA is detected at elevated levels, it is recommended to visit a hospital for further evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate, systematic treatment.

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