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HAV with Background HBV Serology — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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EasyHepatitisHAV with Background HBV SerologySCE Infectious Diseases

A 30-year-old woman develops acute viral hepatitis. Her serology shows: HBsAg negative, anti-HBs positive (250 mIU/mL), anti-HBc IgM negative, anti-HBc IgG positive, anti-HCV negative, HAV IgM positive. What is the diagnosis?

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Correct answer: E — Acute hepatitis A in a patient with prior resolved hepatitis B (or prior HBV vaccination plus natural infection)

The serological profile shows: acute hepatitis A (HAV IgM positive), no active HBV (HBsAg negative, anti-HBc IgM negative ruling out acute HBV), evidence of prior HBV exposure/resolved infection (anti-HBs positive, anti-HBc IgG positive), and no HCV. The acute hepatitis is caused by HAV. The HBV markers indicate previous natural infection with clearance (or vaccination with subsequent natural exposure). This case tests the ability to interpret complex viral hepatitis serology panels.

Reference: NICE CKS 2024 – Hepatitis A; EASL 2024 – HBV serology interpretation