What does anti-HBc indicate in relation to hepatitis B infection?

The presence of anti-HBc, or antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen, signifies that an individual has been infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) at some point in their life, whether the infection is acute or chronic. This antibody typically remains detectable for life, making it a reliable marker for past or ongoing infection.

While other markers such as HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) are used to indicate active hepatitis B infection or viral replication, anti-HBc specifically does not indicate current active disease alone; it reflects exposure to the virus and subsequent antibody development. Therefore, individuals with anti-HBc can be either recovering from an acute infection or living with chronic hepatitis B.

In summary, the detection of anti-HBc provides crucial information regarding a person's immunological history with respect to hepatitis B and confirms that they have experienced exposure to the virus, which, in most cases, remains detectable throughout the person's life.