Viral hepatitis

Question 1

What is hepatitis and its causes

Answer 1

Inflammation of the liver parenchyma (liver tissues)

Causes:

• viruses that target the liver
• autoimmune disorders
• reactions to drugs & toxins

Question 2

Hep A.

1. what is it
2. symptoms
3. incubation period
4. transmission

Answer 2

1. single stranded RNA
2. abrupt onset of symptoms: fever, malaise, nausea, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, dark urine & jaundice
3. brief incubation period of 2-7 wks
4. fecal-oral transmission

Question 3

Hep B.

1. what is it
2. symptoms
3. incubation period
4. transmission

Answer 3

1. partially double stranded DNA
2. similar to hep A
3. longer incubation than hep A of 2-6 mnths
4. parenteral contact with infected blood through contaminated needles & sexual contact

Question 4

In hep B: ____ appears first then ____

Answer 4

HBcAg (active infection) appears first then HBcAb (immune to Hep B virus)

Question 5

Hep C.

1. what is it
2. symptoms
3. incubation period
4. transmission

Answer 5

1. RNA
2. similar to hep A, symptoms vary
3. 2-26 wks
4. similar to hep B (contaminated blood)

Question 6

What is the most common cause of CHRONIC hepatitis?

Answer 6

hep c infection

Question 7

Hep D : what is it?

Answer 7

defective RNA, depends on concomitant infection with Hep. B w similar routes of transmission

Question 8

Hep E.

1. what is it
2. symptoms
3. incubation period

Answer 8

1. RNA
2. similar to Hep A
3. similar to Hep A but lasts only 2 wks

Question 9

Hep E: high mortality in ________

Answer 9

pregnant women

Question 10

What is the most common cause of ACUTE hepatitis?

Answer 10

hep e infection

Question 11

Drugs to treat hep. B (chronic)

Answer 11

Antiviral meds eg.:

• Lamivudine (Epivir)
• Adefovir (Hepsera)
• Tenofovir (Viread)
• Entecavir (Baraclude)

Question 12

Drugs to treat hep. C

Answer 12

(protease inhibitors) Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) eg.
simeprevir
ombitasvir
ritonavir

Question 13

Drugs to treat hep. E

but:

Answer 13

• ribavirin
• PEGylated interferon-𝛼

but note that both have side effects that are not acceptable for prophylaxis or treatment of mild infections

Question 14

Hep A is best treated through ________

___________ to be given as post-exposure prophylaxis

Answer 14

immunization

Hep A immunoglobin or HAIg to be given as post-exposure prophylaxis

Question 15

Hep B (recent exposure) is best treated through ________

___________ to be given as post-exposure prophylaxis

Answer 15

immunization

Hep B immunoglobin to be given as post-exposure prophylaxis