Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

A chronic active state of Hepatitis B is characterized by specific serological markers, and the presence of positive Hepatitis B core antibodies (HbcAB) is an important indicator of active infection and immune response. In a chronic active infection, the individual's immune system has recognized the presence of the virus and has mounted a response, which is reflected by the presence of HbcAB. This marker indicates that the individual has been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus and suggests a current or past infection with the virus.

The presence of HbsAG (Hepatitis B surface antigen) typically indicates active viral replication and is commonly found in individuals with acute or chronic Hepatitis B. However, a positive HbcAB indicates that the infection is not only present but that the body is responding to it, which is a key feature of chronic active Hepatitis B. The absence of HbsAB (Hepatitis B surface antibodies) aligns with chronic active infection, as HbsAB would typically indicate recovery or vaccination. Similarly, a positive HbeAB (Hepatitis B e antibody) is usually associated with lower levels of viral replication, indicating lower infectivity, which does not typically correlate with a chronic active state. Thus, the presence of Hbc