A 28-year-old healthcare worker is tested after a needlestick injury. Results show: HBsAg negative, anti-HBc IgM negative, anti-HBc IgG positive, anti-HBs positive. Which best describes this serologic profile?

• A Acute hepatitis B infection
• B Resolved past hepatitis B infection ✓
• C Prior hepatitis B vaccination
• D Chronic hepatitis B infection

Explanation

This pattern (HBsAg negative, anti-HBc IgG positive, anti-HBs positive) indicates resolved past infection with natural immunity. Vaccination alone produces only anti-HBs positivity without anti-HBc. Acute infection shows HBsAg positive with anti-HBc IgM positive. Chronic infection shows HBsAg positive for more than 6 months.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.