2015-11-16

High viral count does not equal to liver damage!

We received a questions: I was told by my doctor that I am infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and LFT shows that I have a high viral count. But my liver function remains normal, why is that?

Hepatitis virus (HBV or HCV) causes damage to the liver by first evading the immune system, as we age, our immunity weakens and increases the risks of viruses attack to the liver, leading to hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). When liver cells are attacked and damaged, liver function will be affected and become abnormal.

However, if a person infected with hepatitis virus has strong immunity and is able to trigger adequate immune response to the infection, the virus will not be able to damage liver cells easily and affect liver function. This explains why some people with high viral load can still maintain normal liver function.

Below is a blood test result of a patient infected with HBV; his viral count is extremely high and yet his liver function is completely normal (without any fibrosis or cirrhosis).

Dr. Howard Monsour stated in his book, “It seems that it is more important ‘how’ your body responds to the presence of the hepatitis C virus in your liver than ‘how much’ virus is in your liver that counts.” [1] When dealing with hepatitis virus, the immunity of the liver that is actually the most important aspect for hepatitis virus carriers and chronic hepatitis patients.

Killing and eliminating hepatitis virus is one way to reduce the risk of liver damage, another method is to boost up your body immunity, and this too can stop viruses from damaging liver cells and to ensure healthy normal liver function.

If you like to know more about how to protect your liver function and strengten liver recovery rate, please send us an email. You can also drop us your question below on our comment section.

Test Report 1:

31st July 2014 - Viral Load 368400000 IU/ml - ALT 12 IU/l

Hep B sample Report 2

Test Report 2:

6th March 2015 - Viral Load 403200000 IU/ml - ALT 12 IU/l

hep B sample report

Reference:

Monsour, H. (2001). Viral Counts - Do We Need Them?

Disclaimer:

* All research and clinical data should be used as reference purposes only, results may vary.

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