Does a positive surface antigen require treatment?

Sep 20, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Surface antigen usually refers to hepatitis B surface antigen. If the hepatitis B surface antigen test is positive, treatment is generally not required for individuals with a history of past infection. However, treatment is typically necessary for those who have not been previously infected. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as lamivudine capsules, bicyclol tablets, or reduced glutathione for injection. If experiencing any physical discomfort, it is recommended to promptly visit a hospital for diagnosis and treatment.

　　Surface antigen usually refers to hepatitis B surface antigen. A positive hepatitis B surface antigen result generally does not require treatment if the person has been previously infected. However, treatment is typically needed if there has been no prior infection. Specific analysis is as follows:

　　Hepatitis B surface antigen testing is used to screen for chronic hepatitis B, and a positive result generally indicates infection with the hepatitis B virus. If a patient was previously infected with the hepatitis B virus and the test shows a positive surface antigen but other indicators are normal without further hepatitis activity, special treatment is usually not necessary. Regular monitoring of liver function is recommended to promptly detect any changes in the condition.

　　If the individual has never been infected with the hepatitis B virus before, a positive surface antigen may indicate acute or chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis, or other related diseases. In such cases, treatment is typically required to control disease progression. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as lamivudine capsules, bicyclol tablets, or reduced glutathione for injection.

　　If experiencing physical discomfort, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital.

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Can hepatitis B surface antigen disappear?

In general, the hepatitis B surface antigen may disappear, but it does not vanish in all cases. The likelihood and speed of its disappearance are closely related to the type of infection, the patient's immune status, and whether standardized treatment is received. For both acute and chronic infections, regular testing of hepatitis B viral markers is necessary to confirm whether the hepatitis B surface antigen has disappeared.

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Can hepatitis B virus cause fetal malformations?

The hepatitis B virus itself usually does not directly cause fetal malformations; its primary risk is transmitting the virus to the fetus. To reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission, pregnant women who are hepatitis B surface antigen positive should receive antiviral interventions under medical guidance, including appropriate use of antiviral medications during pregnancy and timely administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin and the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine to the newborn after birth.