Our data suggest that subjects with a history of primary infection of HBV (anti-HBc positive) but absence of subsequent immunity (anti-HBs negative) might also be at an increased risk of HCC, although the risk level was an order of magnitude lower than those positive for HBsAg (OR=2.01; 95% CI=0.92–4.39). Here, KRT88P is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.