Which serological profile indicates immunity to hepatitis B acquired through vaccination rather than through natural infection?
- A Anti-HBs positive, anti-HBc negative ✓
- B Anti-HBs positive, anti-HBc positive
- C Anti-HBc positive, anti-HBs negative
- D HBsAg positive, anti-HBc positive
Correct answer: A. Anti-HBs positive, anti-HBc negative
Explanation
The recombinant vaccine contains only surface antigen, so vaccinated individuals mount anti-HBs alone. Anti-HBc appears only after true infection with whole virions because core antigen is never encountered by the immune system during vaccination. Anti-HBs plus anti-HBc therefore indicates natural infection followed by clearance, while isolated anti-HBs defines post-vaccination immunity. This distinction between the two antibody patterns is a repeatedly tested examination point.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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