Hepatitis Viruses

Question 1

What is the transmission mode of Hepatitis A and E?

Answer 1

Fecal-oral transmission. HAV is commonly acquired by travelers. HEV is commonly acquired from contaminated water or undercooked seafood.

Question 2

What does anti-virus IgM indicate? IgG? What does its presence indicate? What is HEV infection in pregnant women associated with?

Answer 2

IgM indicates active infection. Anti-virus IgG is protective and its presence indicates prior infection or immunization. HEV infection in pregnant women is associated with fulminant hepatitis (liver failure with massive liver necrosis)

Question 3

What is the transmission mode of Hepatits B? What does it result in?

Answer 3

Parenteral transmission (childbirth, unprotected intercourse, IV drug abuse and needle stick). Results in acute hepatitis. Chronic disease occurs in 20% of cases.

Question 4

What is the transmission mode of Hepatits C? What does it result in? How is infection confirmed? How is recovery monitored?

Answer 4

Parenteral transmission (unprotected intercourse, IV drug abuse). Results in acute hepatitis. Chronic disease in most cases. HCV-RNA test confirms infection. Decreased RNA levels indicate recovery.

Question 5

What is the transmission mode of Hepatits C? What does it result in? How is infection confirmed? How is recovery monitored?

Answer 5

Parenteral transmission (unprotected intercourse, IV drug abuse). Results in acute hepatitis. Chronic disease in most cases. HCV-RNA test confirms infection. Decreased RNA levels indicate recovery.

Question 6

What does Hepatitis D infection depend on? Which type is more severe (super infection or coinfection)?

Answer 6

Hepatitis B. Superinfection with Hepatitis B is more severe.