What are Hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc)?
Hepatitis B core antibodies, anti-HBc, are antibodies produced when the immune system responds to an infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). These antibodies are directed against the virus's core antigen, HBcAg.
Anti-HBc develops after a natural hepatitis B infection and may remain detectable for a long time, sometimes for life. However, these antibodies are not produced as a result of hepatitis B vaccination alone.
Why are Hepatitis B core antibodies analysed?
Anti-HBc testing is used to assess whether a person currently has or has previously had an infection with the hepatitis B virus. A positive result can be seen in an ongoing acute or chronic infection, as well as after a previous infection that has resolved.
Anti-HBc is therefore interpreted together with other hepatitis B markers, such as HBsAg and anti-HBs, to provide a clearer picture of the current infection status and to help distinguish between ongoing infection, past resolved infection and immunity.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive anti-HBc result shows that the person has been exposed to the hepatitis B virus. The result can occur during an ongoing acute or chronic infection, but the antibodies may also remain detectable after the infection has resolved.
To determine whether the infection is active or resolved, anti-HBc needs to be interpreted together with other hepatitis B markers, such as HBsAg and anti-HBs. If necessary, HBV DNA may also be analysed to assess whether the virus is still present and replicating in the body.
What does a negative result mean?
A negative anti-HBc result usually indicates that the person has not previously been infected with the hepatitis B virus. However, early after infection, antibody levels may not yet have reached detectable levels.
If a recent or ongoing infection is suspected, other hepatitis B tests or repeat testing may therefore be needed.
What is the relationship between Hepatitis B core antibodies and IVF treatment?
Before in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and other forms of assisted reproduction, testing for hepatitis B and other transmissible infections is often included as part of the medical evaluation.
The aim is to establish infection status and, when necessary, take appropriate medical and infection-prevention measures before treatment. Anti-HBc is one of several markers that can be used to assess whether a person has previously been exposed to or currently has an infection with the hepatitis B virus.