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Hepatitis B: HB Core Antibodies (HBc Total)

Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) is a non‑glycosylated protein (p22) which forms the nucleocapsid (virus core) of the hepatitis B virus. During an infection with the hepatitis B virus, antibodies to HBcAg are generally formed, which often persist for life. Anti‑HBc appears shortly after the onset of infection with hepatitis B virus and can usually be detected in serum soon after the appearance of HBsAg. IgM antibodies to HBcAg occur in serum during proliferation of active hepatitis B virus and can still be detected weeks to months after viral proliferation has ceased. High anti‑HBc IgM concentrations can be found in acute hepatitis B and in attacks during chronic hepatitis B.

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