Hepatitis A antibodies IgG and IgM
Hepatitis A is an acute, short-term disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is commonly transmitted by through food or water which has been contaminated by faeces from someone who is already infected by the virus. This type of hepatitis is most common in countries where the sanitation is poor. IgM antibodies are involved in the very early stages of an immune response and first to be made by the body when fighting a new infection, providing short-term protection. A positive IgM result indicates a recent HAV infection. IgG provides antibody-based immunity. IgG antibodies form the basis of long-term protection against microorganisms and in those with a healthy immune system, sufficient IgG antibodies are produced to prevent re-infection. A positive IgG indicates a past HAV infection & immunity to the virus.
