A laboratory receives a serum sample for hepatitis B profile with the following results: HBsAg negative, anti-HBs positive, HBeAg negative, anti-HBe negative, anti-HBc IgG positive. This pattern is most consistent with:
- A Acute hepatitis B infection
- B Successful vaccination against hepatitis B
- C Past resolved hepatitis B infection with natural immunity ✓
- D Chronic inactive (carrier) hepatitis B
Correct answer: C. Past resolved hepatitis B infection with natural immunity
Explanation
The pattern HBsAg−, anti-HBs+, anti-HBc IgG+ indicates past resolved natural HBV infection: the patient was infected, cleared HBsAg, and developed both anti-HBs (protective) and anti-HBc (marker of prior natural exposure). Vaccination produces anti-HBs positive but anti-HBc NEGATIVE (no natural infection occurred). Acute hepatitis B shows HBsAg positive with anti-HBc IgM. Chronic inactive carrier shows HBsAg positive, anti-HBc IgG positive, HBeAg negative, anti-HBe positive, anti-HBs negative.
Reference: Ananthanarayan & Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.
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