A 30-year-old man with recent high-risk exposure presents with acute jaundice. Serology: HBsAg negative, anti-HBs negative, anti-HBc IgM positive, HBeAg negative. This pattern corresponds to which phase of hepatitis B infection?
- A Early incubation period
- B Chronic inactive carrier state
- C Window period of acute infection ✓
- D Recovery with immunity
Correct answer: C. Window period of acute infection
Explanation
During the window period, HBsAg has fallen below detectable levels but anti-HBs has not yet appeared, leaving anti-HBc IgM as the only marker of active infection. Anti-HBc IgM is therefore the key to diagnosing acute HBV during this gap. Recovery would show anti-HBs positivity alongside anti-HBc IgG, and the chronic carrier state requires persistent HBsAg for over six months.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.