- Both HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) positive and immunoglobulin M antibody to HBV core antigen (anti-HBc IgM) positive in the context of compatible clinical history or probable exposure; OR
- Clearance of HBsAg in a person who has prior positive HBsAg test result documented within the last 6 months in the context of a compatible clinical history or probable exposure.
- Acute clinical illness in a person who is epidemiologically linked to a confirmed case.
- HBsAg positive for more than 6 months; OR
- Detection of HBsAg in the documented absence of anti-HBc-IgM; OR
- Detection of HBV DNA for more than 6 months.
Note: In the absence of prior lab testing in British Columbia (BC), documentation received from other jurisdictions should be confirmed. When a client who has immigrated to BC from a HBV endemic country presents with a HBsAg positive test result and has no history of acute symptoms, there is a high likelihood that this client has chronic HBV infection.
- Does not fit the case definition for either an "acute" case or "chronic" infection;
AND
- HBsAg positive; OR
- Detection of HBV DNA.
Note: This may be the case with occult blood infection.
- Even with positive HBsAg and anti-HBc IgM test results, a compatible clinical history or probable exposure is necessary. Clients with chronic HBV infection can experience a rise in anti-HBc-IgM related to reactivation or a flare.
For more information on the case definition of hepatitis B, please refer to the Communicable Disease Control Manual, Hepatitis B: Section 2.0 .
