Hepatitis A

Acute Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)
*Picornaviridae Hepatovirus

*single stranded ssRNA(+) genome of 7.48 kb
*3 different genotypes (I, II, III)
*spherical virion 27-30 nm
*non-enveloped

R: Humans
POI: digestive tract
MOT: fecal-oral route, contaminated food and water, virus is infectious for months in some environments, person to person

2-7 wks

*ingested virus infects liver
*virus replicates in hepatocytes and released into bile (elliminated via feces)
*cellular damage and acute inflammation interfers with normal liver function

*duration 2-3 wks
*dark urine (bilirubinemia)
*jaundice (yellow color in skin and eyes)
*clay colored feces
*enlarged liver
*mild flu-like symptoms

*relapsing hepatitis
*autoimmune hepatitis
*loss of bile production (cholestatic hepatitis)
*severe liver damage or failure (rare) fulminant hepatitis

*vaccination
*good hygiene practices
*safe food handling procedures
*effective sanitation

*rest
*fluids
*adequate nutrition