Unveiling the clinical impact of hepatitis B core antibody
- VernacularTitle:正确理解抗-HBc的临床意义
- Author:
Jing XIE
1
;
Robert G. GISH
2
;
Jidong JIA
3
Author Information
- Publication Type:News
- Keywords: Hepatitis B Core Antibody; Hepatitis B Virus Screening; Reinfection
- From: Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(10):1994-1998
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
- Abstract: Hepatitis B core antibody （anti-HBc） is an important marker of prior HBV exposure and potential viral persistence. During acute HBV infection， anti-HBc IgM is the earliest antibody to appear shortly after HBsAg， usually lasting for 6 — 12 months， followed by anti-HBc IgG. In patients with chronic infection experiencing acute hepatitis flares， anti-HBc IgM may reappear， though typically at lower titers than in acute infection. “Isolated anti-HBc positivity” may indicate resolved/functional cure of prior HBV infection or occult HBV infection， and there is still a risk of HBV reactivation or transmission during chemotherapy， immunotherapy， blood transfusion， or organ transplantation. Therefore， accurate recognition of the clinical significance of anti-HBc is essential for comprehensive evaluation and individualized management of HBV infection.
