A 24-year-old hospital phlebotomist comes to the occupational health clinic after sustaining a needlestick injury while drawing blood from a hepatitis B-positive patient. She has no medical history and received the complete hepatitis B vaccination series prior to her hospital employment a year ago. She is closely monitored over the next 6 months with repeat hepatitis B serologies and does not develop clinical or laboratory evidence of infection. Which of the following mechanisms most likely explains her immunity?

Question

A 24-year-old hospital phlebotomist comes to the occupational health clinic after sustaining a needlestick injury while drawing blood from a hepatitis B-positive patient.  She has no medical history and received the complete hepatitis B vaccination series prior to her hospital employment a year ago.  She is closely monitored over the next 6 months with repeat hepatitis B serologies and does not develop clinical or laboratory evidence of infection.  Which of the following mechanisms most likely explains her immunity?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Immunization against hepatitis B virus uses recombinant HBsAg to generate anti-HBs antibodies.  These antibodies prevent infection by binding to the envelope of circulating virus and inhibiting viral entry

A 24-Year-Old Hospital Phlebotomist Comes to the Occupational Health Clinic