Anti-HBcAg-IgM

A specific immunoglobulin to the nuclear antigen indicates the active reproduction of the hepatitis B virus in the body. Antibodies to the hCG antigen of class M begin to be produced during the first appearance of clinical symptoms of hepatitis B and persist until the recovery period. Anti-HBc antibodies appear shortly after infection with the hepatitis B virus and can be detected in the blood serum following the appearance of HBsAg. Anti-HBc antibodies (total) persist both in people who have recovered from hepatitis B and in those who acquire the status of HBsAg carriers. Accordingly, they are a sign of both current and past hepatitis B disease. IgM class anti-HBc antibodies are a marker of the acute phase of infection. The determination of anti-HBc antibodies along with other hepatitis B tests is necessary for the diagnosis and control of infections. In the absence of other hepatitis B markers (HBsAg negative individuals), anti-HBc antibodies may be the only sign of an existing hepatitis B virus infection.