Virology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 24-year-old man presents with acute hepatitis. Vital signs: BP 118/76 mmHg, HR 92/min, RR 16/min, Temp 38.2°C, SpO2 98% on room air. Laboratory studies reveal elevated ALT (840 U/L) and AST (920 U/L), positive anti-HBc IgM, negative HBsAg, and negative anti-HBs. Abdominal ultrasound shows no cirrhotic features. He denies acetaminophen use. Which serologic pattern best explains this clinical presentation?
Answer choices
- AHe has been successfully immunized against hepatitis B
- BHe is in the window period of acute hepatitis B infectionCorrect answer
- CHe has resolved hepatitis C infection
- DThe test results are most consistent with hepatitis A infection
- EHe has chronic hepatitis B infection
- FHe has acute hepatitis B reactivation in a previously infected individual
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