Hepatitis Flashcards
What is hepatitis?
Inflammation of the liver
What are hepatitis viruses?
Viruses with replication specifically in hepatocytes which destroy hepatocytes
How many hepatitis viruses are there?
5
What are the hepatitis viruses?
Hep A Hep B Hep C Hep D Hep E
Which can cause chronic illnesses?
Hep B
Hep C
Hep D (with hep B)
What is the structure of hep A?
Single stranded positive strand non enveloped icosahedral RNA virus
What is the structure of hep B?
Double stranded enveloped DNA virus
What is the structure of hep C?
Single stranded positive strand enveloped icosahedral RNA virus
What is the structure of hep D?
Spherical enveloped virusoid
What is the structure of hep E?
Single stranded positive strand non enveloped icosahedral RNA virus
How is hep B transmitted?
Vertical transmission
Sexual contact
Blood exposure
What are the symptoms of acute hep B?
Jaundice Fatigue Abdominal pain Anorexia N+V Arthralgia
What is the incubation period for hep B?
6 weeks - 6 months
What is the serology of hep B?
- surface antigen HBsAg first
- followed by e-antigen HBeAg
- core antibody (IgM) appears
- followed by e-antibody HBeAb
- Surface antibody appears HBsAb
- Core antibody IgG persists for life
What is the definition of a chronic hep B infection?
Persistence of HBsAg after 6 months
Is there a cure for hep B?
No
How is hep B managed?
Life long antiretrovirals to suppress viral replication
Is there a vaccination for hep B?
Yes
- produces surface antigen response
What is the status if:
HBsAg +
HBcAb IgM +
HbsAb +/-
Acute infection
What is the status if:
HBsAg -
HBcAb IgG +
HbsAb +
Past infection - cleared
What is the status if:
HBsAg +
HBcAb IgG +
HbsAb -
Chronic infection
What is the status if:
HBsAg -
HBcAb -
HbsAb +
Never infected but vaccinated
How is hep C transmitted?
Drug use
Sexual contact
Needlestick injury
How many of those infected with hep C will become chronically infected?
80%
