Hepatitis A is a liver infection that is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). The virus primarily spreads when an uninfected (and unvaccinated) person ingests food or water that is contaminated with the feces of an infected person. The infection is highly contagious, but not typically serious, and can be prevented through vaccination. The presence of HAV IgM antibodies in the blood indicates a recent infection with Hepatitis A.
HAV IgM antibodies are the first antibodies that are produced by the body in response to a Hepatitis A infection. They can usually be detected in the blood about 2-3 weeks after you catch the virus and can last about 2-6 months. The presence of these antibodies can be used to detect and diagnose an active or recent Hepatitis A infection.
The HAV IgM test is crucial for the timely diagnosis of a recent or ongoing Hepatitis A infection. Early detection allows for the appropriate medical intervention, reducing the severity of symptoms, and preventing the spread of the infection to others.
A positive result for HAV IgM antibodies indicates that you have an active or recent Hepatitis A infection. It suggests that the infection occurred recently, as IgM antibodies are generally produced early in the infection.