Final answer:
The presence of hep B surface antigen and total antibody to hep B core antigen without IgM hepatitis B core antibody suggests a chronic hepatitis B infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The presence of hep B surface antigen (HBsAg) and total antibody to hep B core antigen (anti-HBc total) without IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen is indicative of chronic hepatitis B infection. In an acute infection, you would expect to see IgM anti-HBc, as it is the first class of antibody to appear in response to a hep B infection. However, the ongoing presence of HBsAg and anti-HBc total without IgM suggests that the body's initial immune response did not clear the virus, leading to a chronic infection.