A patient with chronic hepatitis B infection will have positive results for which of the following?

In the context of chronic hepatitis B infection, the presence of HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface Antigen) and HBcAb (Hepatitis B core Antibody) is indicative of an active infection. HBsAg is a biomarker of active viral replication and indicates that the virus is present in the blood. This protein is typically detectable in cases of acute or chronic hepatitis B infection.

On the other hand, HBcAb is produced in response to the core antigen of the virus and indicates that the individual has been exposed to the virus at some point. In chronic hepatitis B, HBcAb will be positive as the immune system has responded to the ongoing presence of the virus.

In contrast, HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface Antibody) reflects recovery and immunity from hepatitis B infection and is not typically present in individuals with chronic hepatitis B, as they are still carrying the virus. Therefore, if HBsAb is detected, it suggests that the individual has cleared the infection or has been vaccinated, which does not align with chronic infection.

Thus, for a patient with chronic hepatitis B infection, the markers that would be positive are HBsAg and HBcAb. This combination clearly defines the chronic nature of the infection