Question

A patient presents to you with a fever, jaundice, and malaise. What is the most likely diagnosis based on the serology reports given below?
Anti-HBc (IgM):Positive
HBsAg: Positive
Anti-HBs: Negative
Anti-HCV antibodies: Negative

• A. Acute hepatitis B
• B. Acute hepatitis C
• C. Chronic hepatitis B
• D. Chronic hepatitis C

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The given serology reports and clinical presentations help us identify the correct diagnosis. Below is the analysis of serological markers and symptoms to reach the diagnosis.

• Anti-HBc (IgM): Positive - The presence of IgM antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen (Anti-HBc IgM) is indicative of an acute or recent infection with hepatitis B virus.
• HBsAg: Positive - The presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) confirms an active Hepatitis B infection, which could be either acute or chronic.
• Anti-HBs: Negative - The lack of antibodies against the Hepatitis B surface antigen (Anti-HBs) indicates that there is no immunity developed, ruling out recovery or vaccination.
• Anti-HCV antibodies: Negative - This confirms that there is no evidence of Hepatitis C virus infection.
• Symptoms: Fever, jaundice, malaise - These are classic symptoms of acute hepatitis.

Considering these serological markers and symptoms, the most consistent diagnosis is:

Acute hepatitis B

Explanation: The presence of Anti-HBc IgM and HBsAg with the absence of Anti-HBs, combined with symptomatic presentation, strongly points to an acute phase of Hepatitis B infection.