clinical variants
Hepatitis A
defining characteristics
viral prodrome (fatigue, n/v, arth/myalgias, headache) followed by jaundice 1-2 weeks later
pathogenesis
non-enveloped RNA virus that is transmitted via fecal-oral route and then replicates in the liver; most infectious during incubation period (minimal infectivity once jaundice occurs)
etiologies
contaminated food products (fecal-oral)
epidemiology
risk factors
poor hygiene, overcrowding, institutions, endemic countries (Latin America, Africa, Asia), food outbreaks
labimaging
"increased ALT (liver damage)
IgM - suggests new/acute infection
IgG persists to provide total immunity"
conventional treatment
complications
NO risk for chronic infection or cirrhosis!!!IgG antibody vaccination to protect against HepA
screeningeducation
IgG antibody vaccination to protect against HepA
