skip to main content

HBV Functional Cure — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardGastroenterology & HepatologyHBV Functional CureRACP Adult Medicine

A patient receiving tenofovir alafenamide for chronic hepatitis B has sustained undetectable HBV DNA, loses HBsAg and develops anti-HBs. What does this outcome represent?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — A functional cure, although intrahepatic viral persistence and residual liver-cancer risk may remain

The best answer is “A functional cure, although intrahepatic viral persistence and residual liver-cancer risk may remain”. HBsAg loss with or without anti-HBs seroconversion is termed functional cure and is the ideal finite-treatment endpoint. It does not prove eradication of intrahepatic cccDNA, and cirrhosis or other risk factors may still require hepatocellular-carcinoma surveillance. Whether antiviral treatment can stop is a specialist decision based on regimen, fibrosis and durable confirmation.

Reference: ASHM: National hepatitis B testing policy: https://testingportal.ashm.org.au/national-hbv-testing-policy/