Which laboratory test indicates recovery from Hepatitis B infection and non-infectivity?

The presence of Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) is a crucial indicator of recovery from Hepatitis B infection and signifies a non-infectious state. When a person has cleared the virus, usually following an acute infection, the immune response leads to the production of these antibodies. This reflects that the individual has successfully resolved the infection and has developed immunity against future infections of Hepatitis B.

The detection of anti-HBs after the initial infection indicates that the body has mounted an appropriate immune response, thereby reducing the risk of transmission and establishing a status of non-infectivity. This immunity can be either from a past infection or due to vaccination, but in the context of this question, it signifies recovery and immunity post-infection.

In contrast, other options do not signify recovery or immunity. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) indicates active infection and the presence of the virus, while Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) is also associated with active infection and does not provide insights about recovery or the individual’s infectivity status. Hepatitis A antibody (anti-HAV) is irrelevant in this context, as it relates to a different viral infection entirely, namely Hepatitis A, and does not provide information about Hepatitis