This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Virology, Subject name: Microbiology
Infection with hepatitis D virus (HDV; delta agent) can occur simultaneously with infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or in a carrier of hepatitis B virus because HDV is a defective virus that requires HBV for its replicative function. What serologic test can be used to determine whether a patient with HDV is an HBV carrier? 
Select and explain. 
A. image_question, B. image_question, C. image_question, D. image_question
B: image_question
Answer: B: image_question 
Explanation: In a chronic HBV carrier, there would be no HB core IgM antibody, whereas it would be present in a new HBV infection. The HBe antigen could be present in either an HBV carrier or in acute infection. HBsAg would be present in either a new infection or in the carrier state, while HBsAb would not be present in either case. Reference: Ananthanarayan and Paniker&;s Textbook of Microbiology Tenth edition