How to Check if You Have Antibodies Against Hepatitis B?
The absence of antibodies against Hepatitis B is a common concern, but it is not a particularly serious condition. Hepatitis B antibodies refer to the surface antibodies among the five Hepatitis B markers. The absence of antibodies indicates that the body lacks resistance to Hepatitis B virus infection, but it does not necessarily mean that a person has contracted the disease or can indicate the severity of the condition. In the absence of Hepatitis B antibodies, individuals are more susceptible to contracting Hepatitis B virus after close contact with infected individuals. Therefore, it is important to receive Hepatitis B vaccinations promptly.
So, how can we determine the presence or absence of Hepatitis B antibodies? Let's take a look.
The human body produces three corresponding antibodies in response to the surface antigen, e-antigen, and core antigen of Hepatitis B virus: Hepatitis B surface antibody, Hepatitis B e-antibody, and Hepatitis B core antibody. Clinically, there are two methods for detecting Hepatitis B antibodies: qualitative detection using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative detection using chemiluminescence. A positive result in qualitative detection indicates the presence of antibodies, while a negative result indicates their absence. Quantitative detection results are more complex, with a Hepatitis B surface antibody level greater than 10mIU/mL indicating presence and less than 10mIU/mL indicating absence. For Hepatitis B e-antibody, a level less than 1S/CO indicates presence, while a level greater than 1S/CO indicates absence. The results for Hepatitis B core antibody are the opposite of Hepatitis B e-antibody, with a level greater than 1S/CO indicating presence and less than 1S/CO indicating absence.
The absence of antibodies against Hepatitis B is not a serious condition. The lack of protective antibodies, specifically the surface antibodies among the Hepatitis B markers, only indicates that the body lacks resistance to Hepatitis B virus infection. It does not constitute a disease in itself and does not indicate the severity of any condition. However, in the absence of protective antibodies, individuals may be susceptible to Hepatitis B virus infection through close contact or other means. Therefore, it is crucial to receive Hepatitis B vaccinations. The recommended vaccination schedule involves three doses (0-1-6 months). After completing the three-dose series, approximately over 90% of individuals can effectively develop antibodies. The presence of sufficient protective antibodies in the body prevents Hepatitis B virus infection. However, antibodies are not lifelong immunity, and their levels may gradually decrease or disappear over time. Therefore, it is important to undergo regular screenings and, if antibodies weaken or disappear, to receive booster shots or re-vaccinations promptly.
