Which marker is most specific for acute hepatitis A infection?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $9.99Unlock all

Study for the Stevens Immunology-Serology Test. Explore detailed questions with explanations to master immunology concepts and serological methods. Prepare for your test with confidence and enhance your understanding of complex immunological principles!

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.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy