/anti-HBc+ and HBV-DNA was detected in 57/352 (16.1%) of the HBsAg-/anti-HBc+
samples. Our results showed that the IL-10 and IL-17A serum levels increased significantly
in the OBI cases in comparison to the controls (P< 0.001). Conclusions According to the
results of this study the higher level of IL-10 production may suppress the functioning of the
immune system against HBV in OBI patients. The elevated IL-17A serum level also indicates …