A 30-year-old phlebotomist presents with fever, persistent fatigue, and joint pain. she reports that a needle in a plastic garbage bag nicked her finger about 2 months ago. her physical examination was within normal limits. her laboratory data, however, revealed elevated liver serum enzyme levels and total bilirubin levels. additional laboratory data included positive hbsag and positive igm anti-hbc. her igm anti-hav and anti-hcv tests were negative. the serologic marker of a low-level hepatitis b(hbv) carrier is:
