Which marker is most specific for acute hepatitis A infection?

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Study for the Stevens Immunology-Serology Test. Explore flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations and hints. Get exam ready now!

Multiple Choice

Which marker is most specific for acute hepatitis A infection?

Explanation:
Acute hepatitis A infection drives a rapid IgM antibody response to HAV. IgM anti-HAV appears early and is short-lived, making it highly specific for a recent or current HAV infection. In contrast, IgG anti-HAV indicates past exposure or vaccination and persists for life, so it doesn’t distinguish acute from prior infection. HBsAg would indicate hepatitis B, not HAV, and anti-HCV indicates hepatitis C exposure. Therefore, IgM anti-HAV is the marker that most specifically signals an acute HAV infection.

Acute hepatitis A infection drives a rapid IgM antibody response to HAV. IgM anti-HAV appears early and is short-lived, making it highly specific for a recent or current HAV infection. In contrast, IgG anti-HAV indicates past exposure or vaccination and persists for life, so it doesn’t distinguish acute from prior infection. HBsAg would indicate hepatitis B, not HAV, and anti-HCV indicates hepatitis C exposure. Therefore, IgM anti-HAV is the marker that most specifically signals an acute HAV infection.

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