Hepatitis A Flashcards
What family is hepatitis A, a part of?
Picornaviridae
What similarities does hepatitis A have in common with polio virus?
They both are part of the picornaviridae family and are entero viruses
Name some characteristics of hepatitis A virus (HAV)
- they are a small single stranded RNA virus
-are non-enveloped - are resistant to harsh environmental conditions
What is the reservoir for HAV?
Humans are the only reservoir for HAV
What is the mode of transmission for HAV? *HINT Entero= GI tract
Fecal-oral - ingestion of contaminated food/water
Give an example on how someone can get infected with HAV
1.) Caregiver at a daycare does not wash their hands when changing diapers
2.) engaging in sexual activities such as oral-anal contact w/ an infected person
3.) infected person does not wash their hands after going to the restroom and then touches food/objects
What is the incubation period?
Approximately 28 days (month)
What are some signs & symptoms for HAV?
- fever
-GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting, etc) - joint pain
-jaundice - dark urine/ clay-colored stool
Since this virus can be transmitted via contaminated water where else can this virus wind up?
HAV can wind up in shellfish, in places where the sewage goes directly to the ocean
T/F signs & symptoms occur abruptly and last less than 2 months
True, S/Sx are not like the flue that go away in a week HAV S/Sx can last a while
Is Hepatitis A a chronic or acute infection?
Acute, most people will not die from it
What can we do to diagnose this virus?
- Detection of IgM antibodies in a serum sample
- Jaundice symptoms
- Elevation of aminotransferase levels
Briefly talk about what is aminotransferase
It is an enzyme that the liver makes when it is damaged, so high levels of aminotransferase indicate liver damage
Is there any treatment for HAV?
There is no cure, only supportive care
What happens if you recover from Hepatitis A virus?
If you recover then you are immune for life
