Item C132.

Interpretation of the Serologic Markers of Hepatitis B

in Common Situations.
Serologic Marker
Total IgM
HBsAg HBcAb HBcAb HBsAb Interpretation
− − − − No prior infection, not immune
− − − + Immune after hepatitis B vaccina-
tion (if concentration ≥10 mIU/mL
or passive immunization from HBIG
administration)
− + − + Immune after recovery from HBV
infection
+ + + − Acute HBV infection
+ + − − Chronic HBV infection
HBsAg, hepatitis B surface antigen; HBcAb, antibody to hepatitis B core antigen; HBsAb, antibody to
hepatitis B surface antigen; HBIG, hepatitis B immune globulin.
Reprinted with permission from Davis A, Rosenthal P. Hepatitis B in children. Pediatr Rev.
2008;29(4):11.