Micro & Immunology · single question
What marker is present in ACUTE Hepatitis B infection?
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Correct answer: A. Anti-HBc IgM
Anti-HBc IgM (A) is the marker of ACUTE HBV infection and appears as the first antibody response to the core antigen. It appears 1-2 months after exposure and persists for ~6 months.
HBV serological markers cheat sheet:
• HBsAg: Surface antigen = active infection (acute or chronic)
• Anti-HBc IgM: = ACUTE infection ('window period' marker)
• Anti-HBc IgG: = PAST infection or chronic carrier (persists for life)
• Anti-HBs: = IMMUNITY (from vaccination OR recovery from infection)
• HBeAg: = HIGH infectivity/active viral replication
• Window period: HBsAg falls, Anti-HBs not yet risen — only Anti-HBc IgM detectable. This is why IgM is the critical acute marker.
HBV serological markers cheat sheet:
• HBsAg: Surface antigen = active infection (acute or chronic)
• Anti-HBc IgM: = ACUTE infection ('window period' marker)
• Anti-HBc IgG: = PAST infection or chronic carrier (persists for life)
• Anti-HBs: = IMMUNITY (from vaccination OR recovery from infection)
• HBeAg: = HIGH infectivity/active viral replication
• Window period: HBsAg falls, Anti-HBs not yet risen — only Anti-HBc IgM detectable. This is why IgM is the critical acute marker.
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