Hepatitis Flashcards
What is the cause of Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B virus, Hepadnavirus - partially double-stranded virus
What is the incubation period of Hepatitis B?
1-6 months
Define chronic Hepatitis B
Chronic Hepatitis B infection is the persistence of serum HBsAg for more than 6 months
How long does acute Hepatitis B generally lasts for?
1-3 months
What type of virus causes Hepatitis C?
Hepacivirus, ssRNA flaviviridae
How is Hepatitis B transmitted?
Hepatitis B is transmitted via blood or body fluids, such as through the sharing of needles, receiving of infected blood products during blood transfusions, tattoos and body piercings or acupuncture, sexual intercourse or mother-to-baby transmission.
Not transmitted by social contact such as kissing or through sharing towels. There is a small risk of infection from sharing of toothbrushes and razors.
What is a complication of Acute Hepatitis B infection?
Fulminant Hepatitis, which can progress rapidly into life-threatening liver failure with coagulopathy, encephalopathy and cerebral oedema.
What are the Extra-hepatic manifestations?
Glomerulonephritis, Vasculitis or Polyarteritis
Who are those at high risk of HepB infection?
People who are more likely to be exposed to the virus, such as IV drug users and sex workers, or immigrants from places with high prevalence.
Those who are sexually assaulted, have sustained a needle-stick injury, or are HIV positive.
What are the prodromal symptoms of Hepatitis B? Around how many weeks before jaundice will these symptoms present itself?
Prodromal symptoms: Fever, arthralgia and/or rash
These symptoms can occur 2 weeks before the onset of jaundice.
Are there any changes to the following in a Liver Function Test?
- ALT
- AST
- Alkaline phosphatase
- bilirubin and albumin levels
- Prothrombin time
ALT and AST will increase (~1000-2000IU/L in acute hepatitis, or mildly in chronic hepatitis)
ALT usually more than AST
Alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and albumin levels, and prothrombin time will not change unless liver disease is severe or advanced.
How is Hepatitis B tested?
Serological testing involves detecting hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc)
What is the normal vaccination schedule against Hepatitis B infection?
Vaccination for Hepatitis B is given at 0, 1, and 6 months in three doses
What is the rapid immunization schedule? What is the very rapid schedule? When will these schedules be necessary?
0, 1, and 2 months. or within 21 days if very rapid protection is needed.
Usually very rapid protection is needed if there is a needlestick injury or imminent travel to highly endemic areas.
rapid immunisation is needed in babies born to infected mothers.
What is done at the same time as Hepatitis B immunisation for those who are at high risk of being infected?
Serology testing for immunity to Hepatitis B and immunoglobulin prophylaxis is given at the same time as vaccination