What does it mean if HBsAg and HBcAb are positive in a hepatitis B test?
During a hepatitis B test at the hospital, the result showed "HBsAg negative, HBeAg negative, anti-HBc positive, anti-HBs positive, and anti-HBe positive." I would like to know, what does this "positive for the second and fifth markers of hepatitis B" mean?
Doctor's answer (1)
HBV surface antibody (HBsAb) and HBV core antibody (HBcAb) being positive usually refers to the results of hepatitis B virus infection testing. This may indicate the following situations:
1. Recovery phase or immune status: A positive HBsAb indicates that the body has successfully cleared the hepatitis B virus or has been vaccinated against hepatitis B, thereby acquiring protective immunity. Meanwhile, a positive HBcAb indicates that the individual has previously been infected with hepatitis B virus but has recovered.
2. Some chronic carriers: In rare cases, this might indicate a special state of chronic infection with low viral activity and a relatively strong immune response.
3. Window period: Although rare, this result might also appear in the early stage of acute infection when HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) has not yet been detected, but HBV-DNA testing is usually positive at this time.
To further clarify the condition, other indicators such as HBsAg, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBV-DNA test results should be considered. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly.
