What does IgG signify in hepatitis markers?

When discussing hepatitis markers, the presence of IgG antibodies is significant because they indicate a person's immune response to the hepatitis virus. Specifically for hepatitis B, the presence of IgG antibodies signifies that the individual has developed immunity to the virus, either through past infection or vaccination.

IgG antibodies typically appear after the acute phase of infection, indicating that the immune system has responded to the virus, and they can remain in the body for a long time, suggesting long-term immunity. This immunity can arise from either recovering from a prior infection or from being successfully vaccinated against hepatitis B.

In contrast, indicators of active infection or recent vaccinations would involve the presence of IgM antibodies or other markers that reflect an ongoing response. Thus, the identification of IgG signifies a protective response rather than an active or acute infection, making it an essential marker for assessing immunity against hepatitis B.