A patient returns from a tropical forest area with fever, myalgia, and jaundice. Serology shows: HBsAg negative, anti-HBc IgM negative, anti-HAV IgM positive. The antibody profile indicates:

• A Chronic hepatitis B
• B Window period hepatitis B
• C Prior hepatitis A vaccination
• D Acute hepatitis A ✓

Explanation

Anti-HAV IgM is the gold standard marker for acute hepatitis A infection, appearing at the onset of symptoms and persisting for 3–6 months. Anti-HAV IgG indicates prior infection or vaccination (immunity). HBsAg and anti-HBc IgM being negative excludes acute or chronic hepatitis B. The window period of hepatitis B shows disappearance of HBsAg with absent anti-HBs but presence of anti-HBc IgM/IgG.

Reference: Ananthanarayan & Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.