Risk Factors of Isolated Antibody Against Core Antigen of Hepatitis B Virus: Association With HIV Infection and Age but not Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Abstract

Isolated anti-HBc seropositivity was significantly associated with HIV infection, and older age. HCV infection was not associated with isolated anti-HBc in a country hyperendemic with HBV infection, even in populations with a high prevalence of HCV infection. The majority was not attributable to occult HBV infection, but rather, low level of anti-HBs, suggesting that HBV vaccination may not be required.