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Interpretation of Isolated Hepatitis B Core Antibody

You answered:

A finding of isolated anti-HBc most likely represents a weak response to hepatitis B vaccine, and the patient probably just doesn't remember that he's been vaccinated.

This answer is incorrect. HBV vaccine consists of recombinant HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and the HBsAg stimulates production of anti-HBs. The vaccine does not contain any hepatitis B core viral particles or hepatitis B core antigens (HBcAg) that might elicit anti-HBc responses. Thus, the measurable immune response to HBV vaccine consists of anti-HBs, not anti-HBc.

Choose another answer:

	A finding of isolated anti-HBc may represent either acute or past infection with hepatitis B.
	The isolated anti-HBc test has a greater than 95% likelihood of representing a false positive result, and thus the patient should be considered negative for acute or prior HBV infection.
	Persons with HIV and chronic HCV infection have the lowest prevalence of isolated anti-HBc because they generate enhanced levels of anti-HBs that remain elevated on a long-term basis.

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