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 HBs Ag 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 result 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 name as isolated anti-HBc. The prevalence of isolated anti HBc in both males and females was determined. Result: 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.

کلیدواژه ها:

past HBV infection ، isolated anti-HBc ، Prevalence