In a patient with past hepatitis B infection that has cleared, which serologies will be positive?

In a patient with past hepatitis B infection that has cleared, which serologies will be positive?

• A. HBsAg and HBsAb
• B. HBsAb and HBcAb
• C. HBcAb and HBsAg
• D. All hepatitis B serologies

Answer: (B)

When a patient has had a past hepatitis B infection that has cleared, the serological profile reflects the immune response to the virus, as well as the resolution of the infection. In this case, the presence of Hepatitis B Core Antibody (HBcAb) indicates that the individual had a previous exposure to the virus, as this antibody is produced during the acute or chronic phases of hepatitis B infection and persists even after the infection resolves. Additionally, the presence of Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (HBsAb) indicates recovery from the infection and immunity. This antibody arises after the virus has been cleared and signifies that the immune system has responded effectively to the infection by producing antibodies against it. Therefore, in a patient who has cleared a hepatitis B infection, the expected positive serologies would be HBcAb, indicating past infection, and HBsAb, confirming recovery and immunity. The absence of HBsAg, which indicates current infection, further supports the idea that the infection has cleared. Thus, the combination of HBcAb and HBsAb is the hallmark of a resolved hepatitis B infection, which is why this answer is correct.

When a patient has had a past hepatitis B infection that has cleared, the serological profile reflects the immune response to the virus, as well as the resolution of the infection. In this case, the presence of Hepatitis B Core Antibody (HBcAb) indicates that the individual had a previous exposure to the virus, as this antibody is produced during the acute or chronic phases of hepatitis B infection and persists even after the infection resolves.

Additionally, the presence of Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (HBsAb) indicates recovery from the infection and immunity. This antibody arises after the virus has been cleared and signifies that the immune system has responded effectively to the infection by producing antibodies against it.

Therefore, in a patient who has cleared a hepatitis B infection, the expected positive serologies would be HBcAb, indicating past infection, and HBsAb, confirming recovery and immunity. The absence of HBsAg, which indicates current infection, further supports the idea that the infection has cleared.

Thus, the combination of HBcAb and HBsAb is the hallmark of a resolved hepatitis B infection, which is why this answer is correct.