Hi Thomas,
My doctors have been tracking my HBV Surface antigen since 2019. My last lab (July, 8, 2021) shows that I have no immunity to hepatitis B virus and that my hepatitis B Surface antigen has climbed to 1214 IU/ml. (In 2019 it was 832 IU/ml; 870 IU/ml in 2020.) I have been on Vemlidy since 2019, and the virus DNA is undetectable.
My G.I. doctor suggests getting a liver biopsy and adding a drug to decrease the the surface antigen. He was in a rush, so I didn’t have the time to think, much less to ask questions. So I am turning to you as your explanations are clear, generous, and much appreciated.
My questions:
Why is the surface antigen number increasing despite Vemlidy? Is it because it targets the virus’s DNA only? Is the surface antigen a different entity? What does an increasing S antigen portend?
Since it is circulating in my blood, does it mean I can infect others who are not vaccinated against HBV? I was probably born with hepatitis B, it’s hard for me to imagine that I am still infectious after all these years. Or does one go in and out of the infectious phase depending on the numbers?
Is it possible for liver cancer to develop incognito despite the fact that the liver function panel, the liver ultrasound, and Fibroscan all have been within the normal reference range and one does all the right things (eats healthy, exercises, consumes no alcohol, does not smoke …) for years?
Do you know or have any information about jnj 73763989, which suppresses the s antigen? This experimental drug was mentioned on the forum recently.
Finally, people who have had covid develop antibody for it, why then I don’t have antibody for HBV since I have already been infected by the disease?
It’s quite a lot to ask. I still haven’t developed the ability of "being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason.” I appreciate your answers, any answers greatly.
Thanks,
TM