3.13.1. Liver + Biliary Tree Disease - Viral Hepatitis - A

Question 1

What causes Hepatitis A?

Answer 1

An Enteric Virus (HAV)

Question 2

How does the HAV enter into the Bloodstream?

Answer 2

It is an Enteric Virus (Absorbed through the Intestine) and so is Transmitted via the Faecal-Oral Route

Question 3

What is the Pathology of HAV infection?

Answer 3

This is a Self-Limiting Virus which causes Temporary Inflammation of the Liver, whilst the Virus is present

Question 4

Which age group most commonly presents with HAV infection?

Answer 4

5-14 year olds

Question 5

What is the Pattern of HAV infection?

Answer 5

It occurs Sporadically / Epidemically

Question 6

What are the Clinical Signs of HAV infection?

Answer 6

1. Hepatomegaly
2. Lymphadenopathy
3. Deranged Enzymes

Question 7

Why does Hepatomegaly occur?

Answer 7

Due to the Inflammation associated with the Infection of the Liver

Question 8

Why does Lymphadenopathy occur?

Answer 8

Due to the Immune Response to the Presence of a Viral Infection

Question 9

Why are Deranged Enzymes formed?

Answer 9

Due to the potential impairment of the Hepatic Function

Question 10

What are the Symptoms of HAV Infection?

Answer 10

1. Nausea and Vomiting
2. Anorexia
3. Jaundice
4. Pale Stools
5. Dark Urine

Question 11

Why does Nausea and Vomiting occur?

Answer 11

Due to the presence of an infection of the Accessory Pathway of the Alimentary Tract, this is the Body’s natural response

Question 12

Why does Anorexia occur?

Answer 12

Due to the Nausea and Vomiting associated with the Infection

Question 13

Why does Jaundice occur?

Answer 13

Due to the inability of the Liver to effectively deal with Bilirubin, due to the inflammation

Question 14

Why do patients get Dark Urine / Pale Stools?

Answer 14

Due to the Intrahepatic Cholestasis

Question 15

What investigations are required for HAV infection?

Answer 15

1. Serum ELISA to measure IgM / IgG antibody’s

2. Inflammatory Markers (PCR and ESR)

Question 16

When will the Serum Antibody IgM be present?

Answer 16

During, and Shortly after, the Disease, indicating current infection

Question 17

When will the Serum Antibody IgG be present?

Answer 17

After the course of the Disease, indicating recent infection

Question 18

What will the Inflammatory Markers show?

Answer 18

The presence of inflammation (although not specific to the Liver)

Question 19

What is the treatment of HAV infection?

Answer 19

1. None - it is a self-limiting Virus

2. Active immunization