What is Microbiology - Hepatitis A

​Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is caused by hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A virus is detected via HAV specific IgM antibody. 

Hepatitis A virus is a form of picornavirus. Hepatitis A virus will be transmitted via fecal oral route. The ingestion of hepatitis A virus will infect the oropharynx and gastrointestinal tract before spread to the liver. 

Cytotoxic T cells will be activated which lead to injury of the hepatocytes. Hepatitis A virus later will be excreted in the feces. 

Proper sanitation and personal hygiene is recommended to prevent the spread of hepatitis A virus which is a food borne or water borne infection. 

The common symptoms and signs of hepatitis A are fever, nausea, vomiting and anorexia. Patient may also suffer from jaundice with dark urine ( bilirubinuria). 

The treatment may include HAV immune globulin passive immunization for post exposure prophylaxis and inactivated HAV vaccine for at risk individual for hepatitis A virus infection. 

Rare complications of hepatitis A may include fulminant hepatitis, liver failure and death.