prevalence of isolated anti-hbc in previously hbv infected individuals

background: 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.methods: 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. results: 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%). conclusion: 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.