<prompt> Which of the following markers in the blood is the most reliable indicator of recent hepatitis B- infection?HBsAglgG anti - HBslgM anti - HBclgM anti - HBe  <response>: Ans. is c i.e. IgM anti-HBc You are sure to get questions on serological marker of Hepatitis in every PG exams particularly AIIMS AI. This topic has been thoroughly discussed.See Q. No 58 of Nov. 2001.Coming to the question; Hbs Ag is also present in recent hepatitis B infection but it is not a reliable marker because it can also be seen in carriers, whereas IgM anti- HBc is seen only in acute or recent hepatitis and is replaced by IgG anti Hbc in chronic infections. 