Prevalence of isolated anti-HBc in previously HBV infected individuals

The outcome of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is chronic or resolved HBV infection. Over the time, the levels of HBsAg or Anti-HBs declined and were not detectable in their sera and was named as isolated anti-HBc. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of isolated anti-HBc in previously HBV infected individuals. From April 2000 to September 2008, the results of HBV markers on 2036 cases of previously infected individuals were recorded. Those who were HBsAg or anti-HBs negative but anti-HBc and anti-HBe positive was named as isolated anti-HBc. The prevalence of isolated anti HBc in both males and females was determined. Among the 1160 males with past HBV infection, isolated anti-HBc was seen in 35 (3%) cases. The mean age of these cases was 33.8±13 years. Isolated anti-HBc was seen in 44 (5%) cases of 876 females with previous HBV infection (p=0.014). The prevalence of isolated anti-HBc was 79 (3.9%). The result of this study emphasizes on the differentiation of occult or resolved HBV infection in isolated anti-HBc cases in endemic regions of HBV.