Serology for chronic active state of HepB

• A. -HbsAB
• B. +HbsAG +HbcAB
• C. +HbsAB
• D. +HBeAG

Answer: (B)

Chronic hepatitis B is defined by the persistence of the surface antigen (HBsAg) for more than 6 months. When an infection becomes chronic, you typically see HBsAg present along with antibodies to the core (HBcAb), indicating a long-standing exposure to the virus. The combination of HBsAg positive and anti-HBc positive most clearly signals chronic active HBV infection because it shows ongoing infection (HBsAg) with evidence of prior or continuing immune response to the core antigen (anti-HBc).

Having anti-HBs would indicate immunity—either from vaccination or recovery—and does not reflect an active chronic infection. HBeAg signals viral replication and infectivity but can be present in both acute and chronic phases and does not on its own define a chronic active state.