A patient presents with elevated levels of IgG anti-HAV while IgM anti-HAV is nondetectable. This patient is likely to:

A patient presents with elevated levels of IgG anti-HAV while IgM anti-HAV is nondetectable. This patient is likely to:

• A. Have an acute infection of HAV
• B. Have a chronic infection of HAV
• C. Have an immunity to HAV
• D. Be a carrier of HAV

Answer: (C)

Having IgG anti-HAV with no detectable IgM anti-HAV shows immunity rather than current infection. IgM appears early during an acute hepatitis A infection and fades as the illness resolves, while IgG emerges later and persists, providing lasting protection whether from past infection or vaccination. So this pattern indicates prior exposure or vaccination and an immune, noninfectious status at the moment. An acute infection would typically show IgM present. Chronic infection and carrier states are not characteristic for hepatitis A—HAV infections are usually self-limited and do not establish a chronic carrier state.

Having IgG anti-HAV with no detectable IgM anti-HAV shows immunity rather than current infection. IgM appears early during an acute hepatitis A infection and fades as the illness resolves, while IgG emerges later and persists, providing lasting protection whether from past infection or vaccination. So this pattern indicates prior exposure or vaccination and an immune, noninfectious status at the moment.

An acute infection would typically show IgM present. Chronic infection and carrier states are not characteristic for hepatitis A—HAV infections are usually self-limited and do not establish a chronic carrier state.