The hepatitis B marker predominantly seen in the acute phase but rarely in chronic infection is:

The hepatitis B marker predominantly seen in the acute phase but rarely in chronic infection is:

• A. Anti-HBs
• B. Anti-HBc IgM
• C. Anti-HBc IgG
• D. Anti-HBe

Answer: (B)

This question tests recognition of how hepatitis B markers differ between acute and chronic infection. During the acute phase, the immune system mounts a response to the core antigen, producing the IgM class of antibodies. Anti-HBc IgM appears early in infection and is a hallmark of a recent or ongoing acute HBV infection. In chronic infection, this IgM antibody is no longer present or is present only transiently, while IgG anti-HBc persists. Other markers have different patterns: anti-HBs signals immunity after recovery or vaccination; anti-HBc IgG indicates past or chronic infection; anti-HBe reflects infectivity status rather than the acute/chronic distinction. Therefore, anti-HBc IgM is the best answer because it is predominantly seen in the acute phase and rarely in chronic infection.

This question tests recognition of how hepatitis B markers differ between acute and chronic infection. During the acute phase, the immune system mounts a response to the core antigen, producing the IgM class of antibodies. Anti-HBc IgM appears early in infection and is a hallmark of a recent or ongoing acute HBV infection. In chronic infection, this IgM antibody is no longer present or is present only transiently, while IgG anti-HBc persists. Other markers have different patterns: anti-HBs signals immunity after recovery or vaccination; anti-HBc IgG indicates past or chronic infection; anti-HBe reflects infectivity status rather than the acute/chronic distinction. Therefore, anti-HBc IgM is the best answer because it is predominantly seen in the acute phase and rarely in chronic infection.