[A case of type B chronic hepatitis showing rapid progression to liver cirrhosis with prolonged positive IgM anti-HBc].

We reported a case of type B chronic hepatitis with high titer of IgM anti-HBc continuously, which progressed to liver cirrhosis rapidly. The patient was a 37-years-old man, and was diagnosed as chronic type B hepatitis with severe activity by laparoscopy and liver biopsy. The titer of IgM anti-HBc persisted high level for more than 2 years. Then the second liver biopsy showed the progression to liver cirrhosis within only about 2 years. It is a very rare case to prolong positive IgM anti-HBc for such a long time. Anti-HBc production of PBMC was enhanced remarkably in this case. We considered that HBc antigens released into serum from hepatocytes with severe exacerbations had enhanced the anti-HBc producing activity of B lymphocytes. And the rapid progression in this case would be due to the episodes of severe exacerbations.