To thanbey again - Hepatitis Message Board

Sister · 07-20-2003, 02:43 AM

Thank you for answering my question about genotypes. BUT... I'm confused!! Do you mean that someone who has antibodies to a certain genotype, because they were infected in the past, can catch the same virus genotype a second time? Don't the antibodies protect a person from that? One more question: if someone has antibodies to more than one genotype, would both show up in a blood test? These questions seem kind of dumb. But I appreciate you always answering me! Thanks again.

thanbey · 07-21-2003, 09:21 PM

Antibodies are not categorized by genotype. That is the virus itself.

Antibodies do NOT protect against infection or re-infection of any genotype and you can have an infection with mixed genotypes. In other words, having one genotype does not protect you from being infected with another genotype on top of your infection. That is one reason you should still use protection if two spouses have different genotypes if you wish to avoid the possibility of transmission with another genotype.

Let me know if this is clear.

Sister · 07-22-2003, 02:25 AM

Now I understand. Thank you.