Hepatitis A

Question 1

How does Hep A spread?

Answer 1

Fecal oral transmission

Question 2

What is the most common ways of acquiring hep A?

Answer 2

From travelling to countries where Hep A is endemic

Question 3

What kind of rna is Hep A?

Answer 3

Positive sense single stranded RNA

Question 4

How is Hep A diagnosed?

Answer 4

It is diagnosed by Anti Hep A Ig M antibodies in serum by serological studies

Question 5

What are the Sx of hep A?

Answer 5

Non specific Sx like Fever, malaise, anorexia, nausea & vomiting

Later on jaundice, dark urine and pale stools and pruritis -itching of the skin excessively (due to bilirubinuria)

Question 6

Other labs done in hep A?

Answer 6

Increased alanine and aspartate aminotransferases levels typically more than 500 units/liter

Increased total and urine bilirubin levels

Hep A RNA can also be detected in stool sample via PCR (polymerase chain reaction) - can be detected earlier than IgM during infection

Question 7

What is the ddx for Hep A?

Answer 7

Hep E

Question 8

Treatment for Hep A

Answer 8

Treat non specific symptoms like fever with antipyretics eg. Ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen
Vomiting with antiemetics eg. Metoclopramide
Parenteral fluid therapy
Avoid alcohol
Caution with meds metabolized by the liver eg. Paracetamol