seroconversion

Seroconversion is the process where a person's immune system develops detectable antibodies in response to an infection or vaccination. This means that, initially, a person may not have these antibodies, but over time, as the immune system recognizes the invader, it produces antibodies that can be measured through blood tests. Seroconversion indicates that the body has responded to the infection or vaccine, providing evidence of immunity. It helps determine if someone has been exposed to a pathogen or has built protection after vaccination.