Is the hepatitis B virus carrier negative or positive?

Mar 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

HBV carriers refer to individuals who have been infected with the hepatitis B virus but have not developed the disease. They may test positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), while tests for hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and hepatitis B e antibody (HBeAb) may be either negative or positive.

Generally, a hepatitis B virus carrier is referred to as an individual carrying the hepatitis B virus. It is usually not possible to accurately determine whether a hepatitis B carrier is negative or positive. Typically, the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) are positive in carriers, while the remaining three markers may be either negative or positive. A detailed explanation is as follows:

A hepatitis B carrier refers to someone who has already been infected with the hepatitis B virus and carries the virus in their body but has not yet developed the disease. Laboratory tests indicate that carriers are positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), meaning the virus exists in their body.

However, the hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and hepatitis B e antibody (HBeAb) of a hepatitis B carrier may be either negative or positive. These indicators can be used to evaluate whether protective antibodies exist in the carrier's body and to determine the stage and status of infection.

If hepatitis B carriers are concerned about developing the disease, regular follow-up visits are necessary to allow timely, targeted interventions based on test results. Additionally, carriers should maintain a regular作息 schedule and strictly abstain from alcohol consumption in their daily lives.

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Is it necessary to get a hepatitis B booster shot?

In general, whether a hepatitis B booster shot is necessary depends on the status of hepatitis B surface antibodies in the body. If the hepatitis B surface antibody is positive and the titer is sufficient, vaccination is usually not required. However, if the hepatitis B surface antibody is negative, or if the antibody is positive but the titer is insufficient, vaccination is recommended. To maintain liver health and reduce the risk of hepatitis B virus infection, it is advised to undergo regular hepatitis B antibody testing.

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What is the difference between "big three positive" and "small three positive" in hepatitis B?

Under normal circumstances, the main differences between hepatitis B "big three positives" and "small three positives" include different viral markers, varying levels of viral replication activity, differing degrees of infectivity, different risks of liver damage, and distinct treatment strategies. In addition, patients with either hepatitis B "big three positives" or "small three positives" should undergo regular liver function tests and hepatitis B virus DNA testing.

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Which of the Five Hepatitis B Antigen-Antibody Tests Being Positive Is Considered Normal?

When all five hepatitis B tests are negative, it indicates that the body has not been infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and has not developed protective antibodies. This is considered a healthy state; however, it also means there is no immunity against HBV. It is recommended to receive the hepatitis B vaccine promptly to gain protection and reduce the risk of infection. If only the surface antibody is positive, it usually indicates prior vaccination or recovery from a past HBV infection.