What is the significance of a positive hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) test result?

• A. The individual has a natural hepatitis B infection.
• B. The individual is fully immune from vaccination.
• C. The individual has immunity from prior vaccination but no natural infection.
• D. The individual is not exposed to hepatitis B.

Answer: (A)

Anti-HBc positivity indicates exposure to hepatitis B from a natural infection rather than vaccination. Anti-HBc appears after HBV infection and remains detectable for life, while the hepatitis B vaccine does not induce this antibody (it provokes anti-HBs instead). Therefore, a positive anti-HBc shows that the person has had a real HBV infection at some point. It does not by itself reveal whether the infection is current or has resolved; to determine that, you’d also assess other markers like HBsAg (current infection) and anti-HBs (immunity).