Does a lack of hepatitis B antibodies lead to a risk of infection?

Lack of hepatitis B antibodies does lead to an increased risk of infection with hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B antibodies, especially hepatitis B surface antibodies, are protective antibodies that play a vital role in the human immune system and can recognize and resist the invasion of hepatitis B virus. When the body lacks this antibody, it means that an important barrier to specific immunity to hepatitis B virus is lost, thereby increasing the possibility of infection.

From an immunological perspective, hepatitis B surface antibodies are the key to preventing hepatitis B virus infection. Its presence means the body has been exposed to hepatitis B virus (either through natural infection or vaccination) and has mounted an effective immune response. This immune response can quickly recognize and neutralize hepatitis B virus that re-enters the body, thereby preventing infection from occurring. Therefore, when people who lack hepatitis B antibodies are faced with the hepatitis B virus, their immune systems are unable to respond quickly and effectively, significantly increasing the risk of infection.

Epidemiological studies also support this view. People who lack hepatitis B antibodies are more susceptible to infection in areas with a high incidence of hepatitis B or in people who are in close contact with hepatitis B patients. For example, in some high-risk environments, such as medical institutions and hemodialysis centers, if disinfection measures are not strict or there are other risks of exposure, people who lack antibodies are more likely to be infected with hepatitis B virus through contact with blood or other body fluids.

People who lack hepatitis B antibodies are not only more likely to develop acute hepatitis B after being infected with hepatitis B virus, but may also face a higher risk of chronicity. This is because their immune systems are unable to effectively clear the virus, causing it to continue to replicate in the body and damage liver cells. In the long run, this may lead to serious consequences such as impaired liver function, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.

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References:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6893091/