Infectious diseases Flashcards
Mode of transmission of each hepatitis vaccine
A = Food and drink contaminated with faeces of an infected individual. B = blood transmission. C = blood transmission. D = blood or sexual contact. E = raw/undercooked meat.
Which hepatitis’ are there vaccines for?
A, B (some protection over D)
Non hepatitis virus causes of hepatitis
Autoimmune
Alcohol
EMV and CMV
Short term/acute symptoms of hepatitis
Nausea Right upper quadrant abdo pain Fatigue + malaise Jaundice Myalgia and arthralgia
Which hepatitis virus’ cause acute and which cause chronic hepatitis and what time scale defines which it is?
Acute = All can occur as acute symptoms. Chronic = B, C, D.
Chronic = infection longer than 6 months.
Complications of chronic hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Liver failure
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Investigation for immunity to hepatitis B
HBsAb - Hepatitis B surface antibody (either from vaccine or previous infection). Vaccine injects HBsAg which mounts immune response and produces HBsAb to give immunity (as no HBeAg or HBcAg injected no chance of acquiring chronic viral hepatitis).
Investigation to show current Hep B infection
Abnormal LFTs Positive: HBsAg HBeAg (from replication) Viral load high on PCR HBcAb with esp high IgM
Treatment of acute hepatitis B
Self-limiting so no treatment.
Ways to spread Hep B
Risky sexual behaviours (HBV > HCV for sexual transmission)
Vertical - mother to newborn.
Sharing needles.
Blood transfusions and dialysis.
Treatment for hepatitis B
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Tenofovir or Entecavir.
Prevent DNA replication (can still produce cell proteins). Reduces HBeAg. Potentiates seroconversion and limits liver damage.
Ways to spread Hep C
Needle sharing
Needle injuries at work
Tattooing needles
Bloodstained toothbrushes
Symptoms of acute hep C
None, flu-like not worth seeing doctor about.
Extra-hepatic manifestations of hepatitis C
Glomerulonephritis Cryoglobinaemia Autoimmune thyroid disease Porphyria cutanea tarda Lichen planus
Ix for Hep C
Enzyme immunoassay and immnoblot assay for Hep C antibodies.
PCR for HCV RNA.
How many genotypes fo Hep C are there?
6🤙
Chronic liver disease with Hep C
1 in 3 with chronic HCV infection will get end stage liver disease.
Need close follow up for cirrhosis and HCC.
Tumour marker for hepatocellular carcinoma
AFP - alpha fetoprotein.
Treatment for Hep C
Is curative! Novel = Direct acting antiviral drugs. NS3/4A protease inhibitors e.g. Grazoprevir. NS5A inhibitors e.g. Velpatasvir. NS5B inhibitors e.g. Sofosbuvir.
Who are most at risk for chronic Hep B infection
Perinatal or early childhood infected patients.
Investigations for suspected viral hepatitis
LFTs - elevated ALT/AST, alk phos and bilirubin, low albumin. FBC - microcytic anaemia Coagulation - can have high INR/PT Serology Ultrasound of liver AFP for HCC Liver biopsy
Hep B = Serum HbSAg, HbS IgM antibodies
Investigations to show chronic Hep B infection
Positive: HBsAg HBeAb HBcAb esp high IgE Viral load lower on PCR
No HbsAb as they obviously cant clear the virus and HBsAb is the only antibody to resolve virus.
‘Resolved’ Hep B infection pathophysiology and investigations
4% a year resolve. This can occur after a chronic infection of many years or after an acute infection.
The only resolves when complete seroconversion from HBsAg to HBsAb.
Ix: positive for
HBcAb esp high in IgE
HBeAb
HBsAb
Difference between Hep B and Hep C
Hep B is a DNA virus and is harder to treat - never cured only resolved.
Hep C is a RNA virus so able to cure patients.