NCLEX Hepatic and Biliary Practice Exam

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1 / 20

If anti-HAV and IgM are detected, what does that indicate?

Active infection

Anti-HAV IgM signals a current or very recent hepatitis A infection. IgM antibodies appear early in the immune response and are present at the onset of symptoms, indicating acute infection that is still active. In contrast, IgG anti-HAV reflects past infection or vaccination and confers lasting immunity. Therefore, detecting HAV with IgM means active infection, not past immunity. The preicteric and icteric phases describe clinical stages, but the IgM pattern specifically defines an acute infection.

Past infection and immunity

Preicteric phase

Icteric phase

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