137 MCQs in Pathology Answer

The Correct option is E


In a typical case of acute HBV infection, you can detect the surface antigen (HBsAg) early in time – the incubation period is 4-12 weeks – this is one of the events that happens early. HBsAg appears early in the serum, peaks, then DISAPPEARS. Can detect in some patients the E antigen (unreliable marker – not all patients have this during this phase) – appears about the same time, peaks and disappears about the same time as HBsAg. You don’t get the core antigen in the serum (stays in the hepatocytes).

Antibody is formed against E antigen, and against the core antigen (IgM).

The IgM against the core antigen does disappear and then you can detect IgG antibody against the core antigen for an indefinite period of time. Between the disappearance of the IgM and appearance of the IgG to the surface antigen and E antigen is the core window, where you can detect antibody to the core antigen.

Category: Pathology MCQs