Match the following Hepatitis B serologic laboratory panels with their most accurate corresponding clinical status.
- HBsAg (+), Anti-HBc IgM (+), Anti-HBs (-)Acute Hepatitis B infection
- HBsAg (-), Anti-HBc IgG (+), Anti-HBs (+)Immunity due to natural infection
- HBsAg (-), Anti-HBc (-), Anti-HBs (+)Immunity due to vaccination
- HBsAg (+), Anti-HBc IgG (+), Anti-HBs (-)Chronic Hepatitis B infection
Answer
Panel 1 matches Acute Hepatitis B infection; Panel 2 matches Immunity due to natural infection; Panel 3 matches Immunity due to vaccination; Panel 4 matches Chronic Hepatitis B infection.
Correct interpretation of a Hepatitis B panel requires analyzing three main components systematically. First, the presence of HBsAg denotes an active infection. Second, the type of Anti-HBc antibody defines the timeframe of natural exposure: IgM for acute and IgG for chronic or resolved infections. Third, the presence of Anti-HBs denotes immunity. Therefore, a patient with HBsAg and IgM core antibodies is acutely infected. A patient with persistent HBsAg and IgG core antibodies is chronically infected. A patient with Anti-HBs but no core antibodies has been vaccinated. A patient with both Anti-HBs and IgG core antibodies has recovered from a natural infection.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
In Hepatitis B serology, HBsAg indicates active infection, Anti-HBc differentiates natural exposure from vaccination, and Anti-HBs indicates protective immunity. The specific class of core antibody (IgM vs. IgG) differentiates acute from chronic or past infection.