Hepatitis A Flashcards
Etiology:
HAV
Genetic material of HAV:
Single-stranded RNA
Transmission:
Fecal-oral
Serotypes:
Only one
Incubation period:
2-6 weeks
contacts of recently infected individuals, foreign travelers (particularly those to developing nations), male homosexuals, childcare workers, institutionalized individuals, and those living in poverty:
High-risk groups
General prognosis:
Excellent
The single most important determinant of illness severity:
+50 years old
Complications:
Prolonged Cholestasis and Fulminant Hepatic Failure
Jaundice + 3 months:
Prolonged Cholestasis
May shorten the period of cholestasis:
Corticosteroids and Ursodeoxycholic acid
Jaundice, pruritus, fever, diarrhea and weight loss:
Cholestatic Viral Hepatitis A
Avoid uncontrolled water sources, raw shellfish, and uncooked food. Boiling water or adding iodine inactivates the virus. All fruit should be washed and peeled:
Patient Education
Mild flulike symptoms:
Prodrome
Dark urine, Pale stool, Jaundice, Pruritus and Abdominal pain:
Icteric phase