What marker is the first to appear in hepatitis B infection?

What marker is the first to appear in hepatitis B infection?

• A. Anti-HBc (IgM)
• B. HBsAg
• C. Anti-HBs
• D. Anti-HBc (IgG)

Answer: (B)

In hepatitis B infection, the first marker to appear is the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). This antigen is present in the blood during acute and chronic hepatitis B infections and serves as an indicator of active viral replication and infection. The presence of HBsAg denotes that the virus is detectable and actively replicating in the host, which is critical for diagnosing an ongoing infection. Following HBsAg, anti-HBc (IgM) develops as the immune response rises, suggesting recent infection, but it is not the initial marker. Anti-HBs emerges later as the immune system clears the infection and indicates recovery or successful vaccination, but it does not appear until after HBsAg has been present and the infection is being resolved. Anti-HBc (IgG) represents prior exposure but also appears after HBsAg during the course of the infection. This understanding of serological markers is essential for appropriate diagnosis and management of hepatitis B infections.

In hepatitis B infection, the first marker to appear is the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). This antigen is present in the blood during acute and chronic hepatitis B infections and serves as an indicator of active viral replication and infection. The presence of HBsAg denotes that the virus is detectable and actively replicating in the host, which is critical for diagnosing an ongoing infection.

Following HBsAg, anti-HBc (IgM) develops as the immune response rises, suggesting recent infection, but it is not the initial marker. Anti-HBs emerges later as the immune system clears the infection and indicates recovery or successful vaccination, but it does not appear until after HBsAg has been present and the infection is being resolved. Anti-HBc (IgG) represents prior exposure but also appears after HBsAg during the course of the infection.

This understanding of serological markers is essential for appropriate diagnosis and management of hepatitis B infections.