I am Male 31 years Old with Prep medication daily doses.
I had my Hep B vaccination in Sydney 2019
I was diagnosed with Hep B chronic a month ago without symptom and my condition is well now.
all starting from December 2024 where my SGPT is 114 then January 2025 SGPT is 136.
based on my SGPT number the doctor suggests me to check my HBSAG in February and the result was positive, and the paper say its chronic Hep B without delta agent.
here all the lab test that I have done
HBSAG – POSITIV
HBEAG – REKATIV = 1420
HBVDNA – 23240
ULTRASOUND ABDOMINAL – LIVER IS GOOD
fibro scan will be next week
till now the doctor only give the vitamin for my liver.
I have a question
when I was diagnosed with Hep B I was on Prep medication from last year and I have stop it for month in January before I was diagnosed, and I start Prep again in February. I am confused with my situation now; do I need to keep on Prep or stop it. because my appt still in the next 10 days.
why is on my paper say its Chronic hep B when its just a first test?
I am not a physician, so my comments are not a formal diagnosis. They are general comments based on the typical pattern of HBV infections.
I recommend not stopping your PREP medications unless your physician told you to do so or you are having unusual side effects. Depending on the drugs in the combination you take, they will either have no effect on HBV or will help suppress the virus.
There is no firm reason for a diagnosis of chronic HBV infection from the labs you showed–they are also consistent with an acute infection. My guess, and it is only a guess, is that they feel your HBV vaccination in 2019 would preclude a recent infection. That is a reasonable assumption, but the vaccine fails to provide protection in about 5% of people (I’m a non-responder), so an acute infection is possible given the data you’ve shared.
I agree with what @john.tavis has mentioned. With the information you have provided, it may also be possible that you had had chronic Hep B before your vaccination in 2019. Did you have a test for this before your vaccination?
Ask your doctor about IGM anti-hbc and Total IGM tests.
igm total hepb" refers to the Hepatitis B core antibody, IgM, and total antibody tests, used to diagnose acute or past hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. A positive IgM anti-HBc result indicates acute infection, while a positive total anti-HBc with a negative IgM indicates past or chronic infection.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Hepatitis B Core Antibody (anti-HBc):
This test detects antibodies against the hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg), which is a protein found inside the HBV virus particle.
Total anti-HBc:
This test measures both IgM and IgG antibodies against the core antigen, indicating past or current HBV infection.
IgM anti-HBc:
This test specifically detects IgM antibodies, which are produced early in an acute HBV infection.
Interpretation of Results:
Positive total anti-HBc and positive IgM anti-HBc: Indicates acute HBV infection.
Positive total anti-HBc and negative IgM anti-HBc: Indicates either acute or past HBV infection (differentiating between past/resolved and chronic infection requires further testing, such as HBsAg).
Negative total anti-HBc and negative IgM anti-HBc: Indicates no previous or current HBV infection.
Clinical Significance:
The IgM anti-HBc test is helpful in diagnosing acute HBV infection, especially when HBsAg levels are low or undetectable.
The total anti-HBc test can be used to determine if a person has ever been infected with HBV.
These tests, along with other HBV serological markers (e.g., HBsAg, anti-HBs), help in understanding the clinical status of HBV-infected individuals.
Dear @john.tavis
Thank you very much for all your respon,
I was stopping my Prep for 3 days and continue it again.
do you think i am safe while i stop it fro few days?
today i had my appt with my doctor and got my blood tests for IGM anti HBC the number is 0,019 and my Alt STIL 111. Could you please help me to understand this result? Thank you very much
Hello Thomas,
thank you very much for the respon. I dont remember if they did a test before give me a vaccination.
today my blood result IGM anti HBc is 0,019 and My ALT is 111
still don understand what is the situation now with my body and infection
With the high ALTs and high HBV DNA levels you describe, you would likely be recommended antiviral treatment. The antivirals in PrEP are active against HBV as well, which is why some of the posters in this thread has suggested you continue taking PrEP.
Please consult your health professional to discuss further.