If a patient tests positive for anti-HAV and IgG, what is the appropriate interpretation?

• A. The patient has recovered from a previous Hepatitis A infection and is now immune.
• B. The patient currently has an active Hepatitis A infection.
• C. The patient is in the preicteric phase of viral hepatitis.
• D. The patient is in the icteric phase of viral hepatitis.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that HAV IgG marks immunity, not active infection. When a patient has anti-HAV IgG present (and no IgM detected), it means they have immunity from a prior Hepatitis A infection or from vaccination. This pattern shows protection going forward, not current viral activity.

In contrast, acute or active Hepatitis A infection is indicated by anti-HAV IgM appearing in the serum, often with symptoms and liver-test abnormalities. The preicteric and icteric phases describe stages of an active hepatitis illness, which would align with IgM positivity rather than IgG alone.

So, a positive HAV IgG antibody signifies immune status—the patient has recovered or was vaccinated and is not currently infectious.