Yes, it can happen. You probably just have an awesome immune system. My
nextdoor neighbor has the same story. She tested positive, but has
cleared herself of all virus

On 20 Sep 2005 21:21:50 -0700, "hepmeplz" <pbv1488@hotmail.com>, in
message ID <1127276510.755069.129280@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com>, in
the newsgroup alt.support.hepatitis-c wrote:

Apparently, it happens like this about 20% of the time so it's not
exactly a rare event.  Just be grateful I suppose.  Maybe get it
checked again sometime if you feel nervous about it.  I personally
know a few people who have never been on interferon yet they have
antibodies but no detectable virus.

It's very possible.

The number 20% is sometimes used but there could be even more, people
who don't show symptoms and then clear on their own.

It also seems to make a difference it got into you, and how strong an
initial reaction you have.

I'd have the test redone by another lab just to be sure.

G

Spontaneous clearance is the outcome for roughly 20% of all HCV acute-stage
infections, so sure, it's possible you're showing antibodies but no active
virus.

Chalk it up to genetic luck - both the genetics of the virus strain you were
exposed to, and the genetics of your immune system that refused to allow the
virus to thrive....

Cheers

/greyhackles
ps: This would be a fine day to buy a handful of Lottery tickets :-)

In fact, Kiaks brother did the same thing, has the antibodies and no VL, I
forgot about that.

I know a guy, him and his brother both have the antibodies and no viral
load, but his 3rd brother has the virus. I have read anywhere from 15-20% of
people infected with HCV have killed it on their own.

Of those exposed to HCV, the immune system of 15% will destroy the virus
within six months. Antibodies remain for life.

Waterspider

<quote>

Hi All, I just went to my Dr. today to get my results [...]

</quote>

Hi hepmeplz,

 I was diagnosed with HepC in 1997 and I probably was in the acute
phase, then, as I think I know how I got it and I am quite sure about
the  circumstances.
Anyway, I had anti-HCV antibodies and slightly elevated LFTs at the
time.
Doctors decided to wait for just few weeks or months, I don't remember
well, and then try and look for viral load.
Results were negative, meaning that it seemed that I was exposed to the
virus but I had no detectable HCV-RNA in my bloodstream.
I had LFTs and PCR determinations redone several times, even after the
acute phase period (6 months) expired, and they always came back
undetectable.
Just _once_ labs showed elevated LFTs again, but the PCR still remained
undetectable.
That fact made the doctors think that I probably had the virus cleared
by myself and that I didn't need any treatment.
Years went by, and I kept checking LFTs every one year or so, always
good.
I even had the joy to have a son in 2003.
Then, in 2004 I checked for LFTs as usual, they were elevated again
(100), asked for a PCR and quantitative determination and it came back
detectable, with a low viral count.
It's important to say that in that period, between 1997 and 2004, I
hadn't any previously intended (drug related) hazardous behavior,
always had safe sexual intercourses and no surgery (but few dental
ones) or transfusions.
I had to do treatment and I finished it one week ago.

I minded to post this, I didn't want you to be worried by my reply.
Probably PCR determination had an higher cut-off by that time and,
probably, I had a small, hidden amount of virus that kept on
replicating and showed up later.
But, in your case, I would suggest another accurate (I have heard about
10 or 5 viral units/ml sensibility kits) PCR determination, in another
lab.
Just to be on the safe side.

"My two cents", hope this helps,
jeeb.