CEA Nursing Practice Exam

Which of the following immunoglobulins are the first to be elevated in the serum after a diagnosis of Hepatitis A?

1. IgD.

2. IgG.

3. IgA.

4. IgM.

The correct answer is: IgM.

In the context of Hepatitis A infection, IgM immunoglobulins are the first antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the virus. When a person is infected with Hepatitis A, the body recognizes the virus as a foreign invader and initiates an immune response. The production of IgM antibodies usually begins within a few weeks after infection and serves as an early indicator of acute Hepatitis A. The presence of IgM in the serum is significant because it helps in diagnosing a recent infection. Healthcare providers often rely on serological testing to detect these antibodies when establishing a diagnosis of Hepatitis A. The elevation of IgM levels indicates that the body is actively responding to a new infection. Other immunoglobulins like IgG, IgA, and IgD serve different roles in the immune response. IgG is typically produced later, indicating past infection or immunity, whereas IgA is important for mucosal immunity. IgD is less understood and plays a minor role in the immune response compared to IgM and IgG. Therefore, the prominence of IgM in the early stages of Hepatitis A infection highlights its critical role in the immediate immune response and diagnosis.