Question

What may be seen in a case of acute hepatitis B infection?

• A. Dane particle
• B. HBsAg
• C. IgM anti-HBc
• D. Anti-HBe

Hint:

Dane particle, HBsAg and anti-HBe can occur at multiple stages, but IgM anti-HBc is specific to the acute phase.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The question asks which of these four hepatitis B findings is the one that actually confirms the case is acute, not just present somewhere during the illness.

1. Dane particle: This is the name for the complete, infectious hepatitis B virus itself. It circulates during active viral replication in both acute and chronic hepatitis B, so seeing it does not prove the case is acute.
2. HBsAg: Rises during acute infection but also stays positive for years in chronic carriers, so its presence alone cannot separate acute from chronic disease.
3. IgM anti-HBc: Rises within weeks of infection and clears within about six months. Its presence is what specifically marks the infection as acute, and it is the go to test when HBsAg has already dropped during the window period.
4. Anti-HBe: Tends to appear later, as the disease is settling down or in an inactive carrier, and does not by itself mark a fresh, acute infection.

Since Dane particle, HBsAg and anti-HBe can all be seen outside the acute window as well, only IgM anti-HBc specifically confirms acute hepatitis B infection.

Let's summarize:

• Dane particle is just the complete virus, seen whenever replication is active.
• HBsAg can persist for years in chronic carriers.
• IgM anti-HBc is short lived and is the specific marker of acute infection.

The finding specifically seen in acute hepatitis B infection is IgM anti-HBc.