LAUSR

The serological diagnosis of acute HBV infection after recent exposure has been established by the HBsAg and anti-HBcIgM detection in serum, sometimes accompanied by the detection of HBeAg. Despite this characteristic serological profile, the misdiagnosis can occur in cases of unexpected or atypical behavior of the serological markers in the bloodstream, or if the true meaning of its expression is not properly investigated, or even if there is a possibility of interference from factors not necessarily linked to the infectious process, in the detection of these markers. This review discusses the influence of these variables on laboratory results for these two serological markers and, therefore, the potential risk of these variables compromising the correct diagnosis of acute infection after recent HBV exposure. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.