Hepatitis Serology Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does a positive IgM anti-HAV result indicate?

Chronic infection with HAV
Previous immunization against HAV
Recent or acute infection with HAV (correct)
No indication of infection

What does a positive result for anti-HBs without HBsAg suggest?

Previous cleared infection or vaccination (correct)
Active infection
Chronic infection
Recent acute infection

How long can it take for HBsAg to appear in the serum after initial infection?

Up to 100 days (correct)
1-7 days
14-30 days
More than 6 months

What does the presence of anti-HBc indicate?

Previous or ongoing infection in an undefined timeframe (D)

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When is the IgG anti-HAV typically detectable after symptoms begin?

From 2 weeks to around 6 months (C)

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What does HBsAg seroconversion indicate?

Clearing of HBsAg and resolution of infection (A)

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What is a characteristic of IgM anti-HBc?

It appears at the onset of symptoms in acute hepatitis B (C)

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What does a positive HAV IgM suggest when interpreted with clinical symptoms?

Acute infection confirmation (D)

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Flashcards

IgG anti-HAV

An antibody produced in response to the Hepatitis A virus. It appears in the blood after an initial infection and persists for life, indicating immunity to Hepatitis A.

IgM anti-HAV

An antibody produced in response to the Hepatitis A virus. It appears in the blood during the initial infection, usually around two weeks after symptoms start.

HBsAg

A protein found on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus. It appears in the blood during the initial infection and remains for more than six months if the infection becomes chronic.

Anti-HBs

An antibody produced in response to HBsAg, indicating the body has cleared the Hepatitis B virus or has been successfully vaccinated.

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Anti-HBc IgG

An antibody produced in response to the core antigen of the Hepatitis B virus. It appears early in the infection and remains for life. This antibody can reveal past or ongoing infection but does not pinpoint the exact time frame.

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Anti-HBc IgM

An antibody produced in response to the core antigen of the Hepatitis B virus. It appears early in the infection and does not usually last for more than six months.

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HBsAg seroconversion

The process of developing antibodies against HBsAg that indicates clearance of the virus.

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Anti-HBs development

The development of antibodies against the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). It indicates immunity against Hepatitis B.

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Study Notes

Hepatitis Serology

Hepatitis A Serology
- IgM anti-HAV test: Detects IgM antibodies produced during initial hepatitis A infection, usually detectable 2 weeks after symptom onset.
- IgG anti-HAV test: Detects IgG antibodies that develop later in the infection and persist for life, providing long-term immunity and indicating past infection.
- A positive IgM result might indicate a recent infection, needing consideration for clinical symptoms and exposure history.
- A positive IgG result confirms immunity to hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B Serology

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg): Protein on the surface of HBV, the first detectable marker of infection, which sometimes takes up to 100 days to appear in the blood.
- HBsAg seroconversion: The development of antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs), signifying clearance of HBsAg and the resolution of the infection.
- Persistent HBsAg for more than six months signifies chronic active infection.
- Anti-HBs: The antibody produced by the body in response to HBsAg. A positive anti-HBs result without HBsAg signifies either a previous infection or successful vaccination for hepatitis B. Anti-HBs persists for life and signifies immunity to hepatitis B.
Antibody to Hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), IgM & IgG
- Appears during the onset of symptoms in acute hepatitis B and persists for life.
- Detecting anti-HBc indicates a previous or current hepatitis B infection.
- IgM anti-HBc appears during the initial infection, and its presence indicates recent infection within the last six months.
- Over time, IgM anti-HBc is replaced by IgG anti-HBc
- Anti-HBc, therefore, is seen in individuals with resolved infections or chronic hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C Serology

Anti-HCV: Indicates either a past or current HCV infection.
- A negative Anti-HCV test result: Suggests no prior or current HCV infection.
- A positive Anti-HCV test result: Suggests a current infection, or past infection.
HCV RNA: Indicates the presence of HCV in the blood.
- A negative HCV RNA test result: Suggests no current HCV infection.
- A positive HCV RNA test result: Identifies a current infection and viral replication.

Summary Table (Hepatitis B)

Condition	HBsAg	Anti-HBs	Anti-HBc
Susceptible	Negative	Negative	Negative
Vaccinated	Negative	Positive	Negative
Past Infection	Negative	Positive	Positive
Acute Infection	Positive	Negative	IgM Positive
Chronic Infection	Positive	Negative	IgG Positive