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.