antibodies

[PennieLane]

I was wondering how long after infection it takes to develop antibodies to hepatitis c?  I recently took a Hep panel test that came back completely negative for A,B, and C.  It would have been 6 months post a possible exposure (unprotected sex with a guy im not sure if he has it or not, but ive had weird symptoms since so I decided to get tested).  I've had a vaccine for Hepatitis B some years ago, maybe 10 or so.  Why wouldn't that at least show up on the test?  Should I get tested again, or take the results as correct, I wouldn't call the exposure especially high risk since I am not sure he has hep?  What do you think?

[PennieLane]

Thanks, Jakied, that makes me feel better.  :)
Does anyone know anythying else that could cause sharp stabbing pains in the upper right side?

[Jakied]

If you have a 3 three month neg for hiv/hep B/hep C, you are probably 'good to go.'

With a 6 month neg, worry about something which could possibly happen such as getting hit by lightning or the sun rising in the west.

[PennieLane]

Thanks guys, I really don't have the money to get the PCR test right now... so that really isn't an option.  I was tested for HIV and that was negative as well.  All of my tests were normal but Ive just been having vague symptoms: itchiness(well only yesturday) fatigue, sore muscles, headaches, nausea, and as of today my stools were a little light.  The symptoms are very mild and come and go, some days  have none at all.  I also think, but i could be imaganing, a vague pain in my upper right abdomen.  Could these symptoms just be some normal virus, maybe I'm jus alittle under the weather?  Im trying not to scare myself again, sometimes I just get a little paranoid about things like this.  I'd really prefer not to get tested again, but if i do have the virus i want to try and treat it!

[Jakied]

Don't waste your money with a pcr test.  A six month neg with normal liver enzymes after a sexual exposure puts you in safe territory for Hep C.

You are also safe for hep B, which is a classic Std.

Were you tested for Hiv?  A six month neg puts you in the clear for that as well.

[Bill1954]

Are you located here in the U.S.? It wouldn’t hurt to re-run the antibody test, or for that matter, a HCV RNA test will test for the actual virus rather than the antibody production. The RNA test can run several hundred dollars, so doctors tend to limit the use of this resource to those that have already tested positive for antibodies, or otherwise indicated. The RNA test will be *extremely* predictive of HCV within weeks of exposure; just be prepared for conflict with the doctor in ordering the test, along with the expense of the test itself. I hope this helps a little,

Bill

[Bill1954]

The situation you described could indeed increase the risk of transmission; again, we’re patients here, as you probably realize; not medical professionals.

I can’t think of anything outside of something like HIV or anything else that might influence or modulate the immune system, such as antiviral therapy, or possibly even immunosuppressant drugs such as prednisone or solumedrol. Again, these questions really should be addressed with a medical professional.

Good luck and take good care,

Bill

[PennieLane]

Thanks for your help Bill! I feel better, but slightly uneasy still.  I have also read some things saying that HCV is not usually sexually transmitted, but (sorry if its to much detail) but the next morning I realized i had torn a little, so maybe that increased my risk a little? I'm hoping that 6months is reliable, i actually obtained those results from the ER, i was feeling slightly ill for weeks, and after much reading into different diseases that can potentially be transmitted through sex I came across HCV.  I thought i also felt pain on my upper right side, but maybe I imagined it?  Anyway, all of my liver enzymes and what not came back normal as well as the Hep panel test.  Just as of lately though, ive been kind of nauseated and my skin seems a little itchy (maybe its the cold weather though) also my stools are a little lighter in color, this is the basis of the concern for a second test after the one at 6 months.  Do you know any factors that would cause a delay for antibodies to develop?

[PennieLane]

Thanks for your help Bill! I have also read articles saying HCV is not normally sexually transmitted, but (sorry if i go into too much detail) the next morning i noticed that i had torn a little, and that perhaps would increase my risk since i had an open cut?  But 6 months seems like an awfully long time for me still no to have antibodies at my age.  Do you know any other factors that would cause me to have a delayed response in developing the antibodies?

Thanks!

[Bill1954]

Hi Pennielane,

As Susie mentioned, you should be in good shape with the HCV test results. FYI, Hepatitis C is not considered a STD by the US Center for Disease Control, although it is still remotely possible to contract it that way. Here is what the CDC has to say about sexual transmission:

“Should patients with hepatitis C change their sexual practices if they have only one long-term steady sex partner? No. There is a very low chance of spreading HCV to that partner through sexual activity. If you want to lower the small chance of spreading HCV to your sex partner, you may decide to use barrier precautions such as latex condoms. The efficacy of latex condoms in preventing infection with HCV is unknown, but their proper use may reduce transmission. Ask your doctor about having your sex partner tested.”

http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/DISEASES/HEPATITIS/c/faq.htm#3b

Regarding your HBV antibody results; discuss this issue with your doctor; the vaccine does not always “take”. It must be sufficient to cause the production of antibodies, and this isn’t always the case. I’ve failed to develop HBV antibodies after two attempts; case in point. You might need to re-vaccinate, possibly with a larger dose of antigen. Ask your doctor about the Twin-rix vaccine; it is intended to proved immunity against HAV as well as HBV.

If money is an issue, call your county health dept. for assistance; they often provide low or no-cost assistance (assuming you live here in the U.S.).

Good luck to you, and play hard but play safe!

Bill

[PennieLane]

Thanks Susie, that makes me a feel a lot better.  Maybe I'll just wait and see, the test is expensive, and Im only 20 yrs old and in otherwise good health, so hopefully that test was accurate.

[Susie2007]

In a healthy person it can take up to 12 weeks with 8-9 weeks being the average. With someone who has serious immune issues such as HIV patients it can take much longer.