Occult hepatitis B is:: (A) HBV DNA < 104 copies/ml with HBsAg negative, (B) HBV DNA < 104 copies/ml with HBsAg positive, (C) HBV DNA < 104 copies/ml with HBeAg negative, (D) HBV DNA < 104 copies/ml with HBeAg positive
Answer is A. Occult hepatitis B is defined by the presence of HBV DNA in serum or liver in the absence of HBsAg. Serum HBV level is usually less than 104 copies/ml. Occult HBV infection has been found in patients with HCC, past HBV infection, or chronic hepatitis C, and individuals without HBV serological markers.