Can you still get infected with hepatitis B virus if you have antibodies?
I had previously received the hepatitis B vaccine and was just wondering: if I have antibodies, can I still get infected with the hepatitis B virus?
Doctor's answer (1)
After infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), the human body may produce two types of antibodies: surface antibodies (HBsAb) and core antibodies (HBcAb).
If HBsAb is present, it generally indicates that the patient has developed immunity to HBV, which may result from either natural recovery or hepatitis B vaccination. With this antibody, the body is typically able to resist subsequent HBV infections and therefore generally does not become ill again.
If only HBcAb is present without HBsAb, it may suggest a past HBV infection without the development of sufficient protective immune response. In such cases, although antibodies exist against certain components of HBV, reinfection may still be possible under certain conditions.
Although most adults develop long-lasting immunity after infection, HBV infection in infants and children is more likely to lead to chronic infection, as they may fail to produce sufficient antibodies to clear the virus.
If there are any concerns, timely medical consultation is recommended.
