What does the term “resolved infection” indicate in hepatitis B serology?

The term "resolved infection" in hepatitis B serology refers to the situation where an individual has successfully cleared the virus from their system after an acute infection. This is typically indicated by a negative Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test, which shows that there is no active virus present in the bloodstream.

When an infection is resolved, the body has mounted an immune response, which is often characterized by the presence of antibodies that could protect against future infections. In this context, the absence of HBsAg is significant because it suggests that the virus is no longer replicating and that the infection has been cleared.

Following the resolution of hepatitis B infection, it's common for individuals to develop antibodies such as Hepatitis B surface antibodies (Anti-HBs) and, in some cases, antibodies to the core antigen (Anti-HBc). However, the definitive marker for a resolved infection remains the negativity of HBsAg.

This concept is critical in clinical practice, as it helps differentiate between acute infections, chronic infections, and resolved infections, which can guide treatment decisions and inform patients about their immunity status.