What does the presence of anti-HBs indicate in Hepatitis B infection?

The presence of anti-HBs, or hepatitis B surface antibodies, indicates that an individual has been exposed to the hepatitis B virus and has developed immunity against it. This immunity can result from either a past infection that has been cleared or successful vaccination against the virus.

When an individual is immunized against hepatitis B through vaccination, the body produces anti-HBs in response to the hepatitis B surface antigens present in the vaccine. This indicates a protective immune response, suggesting that the person has a lower risk of contracting hepatitis B in the future.

In the context of hepatitis B infection, anti-HBs typically appears after the resolution of acute or chronic hepatitis B, signifying that the infection has been overcome and that the individual is no longer infectious. Therefore, while anti-HBs can also indicate resolved infection, its presence is most clearly associated with immunized status when discussing vaccinated individuals.

Overall, the presence of anti-HBs is a favorable marker in the assessment of hepatitis B status, as it reflects a protective immune response.