What test results would you expect for a patient with chronic Hepatitis B infection?

In the context of chronic Hepatitis B infection, the expected test results include the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the presence of Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) with negative IgM anti-HBc.

When a patient is chronically infected with Hepatitis B, HBsAg will remain positive for at least six months or longer, indicating that the virus is actively replicating in the body. The presence of anti-HBc shows prior or current infection, as it is produced in response to Hepatitis B virus infection. Importantly, in chronic Hepatitis B, IgM anti-HBc will be negative, as this subtype of antibody indicates recent or acute infection. The chronic phase typically shifts the immune response away from producing IgM and towards producing IgG anti-HBc.

In summary, the combination of HBsAg positive, anti-HBc positive, and IgM anti-HBc negative is characteristic of chronic Hepatitis B infection, confirming the ongoing nature of the infection and an established immune response.