Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalance of B core antibody (anti-HBc) positivity which is seen in hepatitis B serology of the studied serum samples in İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty hospital serology/ELISA laboratory. We also aimed to identify the association of this atypical pattern with various clinical presentations.

Method: This study included 31.939 patients whose HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs hepatitis markers were analyzed between January 2014 and October 2019. The serological parameters of the cases were assessed retrospectively. HBV parameters from serum samples of the cases were analyzed in open and closed systems using commercial kits based on chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) and/or enzyme-linked Immune Assay (ELISA). HBV DNA quantitative levels were analyzed by Real Time PCR. Data collection was done through the ISHOP hospital automation system.

Results: Isolated anti-HBc positivity was detected in 1356 (4.24%) of a total of 31.939 samples. HBV-DNA- positivity was found in 65 (4.8%) of these 1356 cases. This profile was most frequently detected in general internal medicine clinic with a rate of 28.09%, followed by clinics of rheumatology (10.69%), oncology (10.54%), hematology (10.17%) and gastroenterology (8.84%).

Conclusion: While the rate of isolated anti-HBc seropositivity in our study was found similar to the studies conducted in our country, the rates we encountered especially in rheumatology, oncology, hematology and gastroenterology together with general internal medicine clinics were remarkable. It may be confronted with Isolated anti-HBc positivity may confront us as indicators of different clinical presentations from false reactivity to chronic HBV infection. Therefore, further examination and follow-up is important.