A 28-year-old woman presents with acute hepatitis. Serological profile: HBsAg positive, Anti-HBs negative, IgM Anti-HBc positive, HBeAg positive, Anti-HBe negative, HBV DNA 10^8 IU/mL. What does this serological profile indicate?
- A Acute hepatitis B with high replication and high infectivity ✓
- B Chronic HBV infection, HBeAg-negative phase (pre-core mutant)
- C Resolved hepatitis B with immunity
- D Core window period — neither HBsAg nor Anti-HBs detectable
Correct answer: A. Acute hepatitis B with high replication and high infectivity
Explanation
IgM Anti-HBc is the hallmark of ACUTE hepatitis B infection (positive within the first 6 months). HBeAg positivity with high HBV DNA (≥10^5 IU/mL) indicates active viral replication and high infectivity. In chronic HBeAg-negative phase (pre-core mutant), HBsAg persists, IgM Anti-HBc is absent (only IgG), and HBV DNA may fluctuate. Resolved infection shows Anti-HBs and Anti-HBc positive with HBsAg negative.
Reference: Ananthanarayan & Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.