If patient serology shows Anti-HAV and IgM, what does this indicate?

The presence of Anti-HAV (antibody to hepatitis A virus) along with IgM indicates an active infection with hepatitis A. IgM antibodies are the first type of antibody the body produces in response to a recent infection, and their presence signifies a current, acute phase of infection.

In cases of hepatitis A, this serological marker helps differentiate between recent infections and past infections. While Anti-HAV indicates exposure to the virus, the presence of IgM specifically points toward an active ongoing infection rather than a chronic state or risk of future infection.

Chronic hepatitis A does not occur; the infection is usually self-limiting, and once a person recovers, they will have developed IgG antibodies, which signify past infection. Therefore, the presence of IgM alongside Anti-HAV demonstrates that the individual is currently experiencing hepatitis A.