Hepatitis A, D, E



Hepatitis A, D, E





HEPATITIS A


Definition:



  • A hepatotrophic virus; the liver is the primary site of infection, replication and cellular damage


Epidemiology:



  • Undeveloped countries: Africa, Asia, etc. In U.S., most are predominant in western states (especially American Indians)


  • Causes 40% of cases of acute viral hepatitis in the U.S.


Etiologies:



  • Transmission: fecal-oral route; contaminated food, water, shellfish; day-care center outbreaks



    • HAV is the most infectious and transmittable viral hepatitis of all viral hepatitis


  • Incubation: 2-6 weeks


Pathophysiology:



  • Virus: RNA, linear gene shape, no envelope, 28 nm in size


Clinical Manifestations/Physical Exam:



  • Natural History: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, abdominal pain, mild fever, jaundice, dark urine, light stools


  • Children, especially under age 14, rarely have symptoms


Laboratory Studies:



  • Acute hepatitis: +IgM anti-HAV; Persist for 3-6 months


  • Past exposure or vaccination: + IgG anti-HAV (− IgM); Note: ‘Total’ tests are both IgM and IgG


Treatments:

Tags:
Aug 24, 2016 | Posted by in GASTROENTEROLOGY | Comments Off on Hepatitis A, D, E

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