Viral Hepatitis Flashcards
What are the 3 most common causes of viral hepatitis?
HAV (Hep A)
HBV (Hep B)
HCV (Hep C)
Acute Viral Hepatitis
A short-term infection that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the virus. If the initial attack is not severe and not prolonged, the liver will heal itself with no long-term damage.
An extensive, severe acute hepatitis infection can cause the liver to be totally destroyed. The common term for this is “acute fulminant hepatitis,” acute liver failure, or acute hepatic failure
Hepatitis A
A single strand RNA virus; Picornavirus
Most people feel sick for several months, but usually recover completely with no lasting liver damage
How is Hep A transmitted?
The fecal-oral route is most common
Can be transmitted through blood (needle sharing) but is rare
Can be detected in saliva with some animals, but not humans
How long can Hep A survive outside of the body?
Months
Can Hep A develop into chronic infection?
No
Is there a vaccine for Hepatitis A?
Yes
Hepatitis B
A double strand DNA virus; Orthohepadnavirus
How is Hep B transmitted?
HBV is transmitted by percutaneous or mucous membrane exposure to infectious blood or body fluids that contain blood
Can be spread from mother to infant at birth
Where is Hep B found in the body?
Highest concentrations found in blood and lower concentrations in semen, vaginal secretions, and wound exudates
How long can Hep B survive on inanimate surfaces?
days
Can Hep B develop into a chronic infection?
Yes
Can Hep B be prevented through vaccination?
Yes
Hepatitis C
Single strand RNA virus; Hepacivirus
Which Hepatitis is the most common in the US?
Hep C
How is Hep C transmitted?
Transmitted most efficiently through percutaneous exposure to infected blood (transfusion, drug injections). Less frequently through perinatal and sexual exposures
Can Hep C develop into chronic infections?
Yes
Can Hep C be prevented?
No vaccine exists
Can Hep C be treated?
Yes, through safe, effective, and curative therapies
Hepatitis D
Single strand RNA virus; Deltavirus
Only occurs among people who are infected with HBV. Needs the helper function of HBV to replicate
Is Hep D common in the US?
No
How is Hep D transmitted
Through percutaneous or mucosal contact with infectious blood
Is there a vaccine for Hep D?
No, but it can be prevented in persons who are not already HBV infected by getting the Hep B vaccine (since Hep D needs Hep B to replicate)
What are signs and symptoms of Viral hepatitis infections?
- fever
- fatigue
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- dark urine
- clay-colored stool
- join pain
- jaundice
Is viral hepatitis always symptomatic?
No, it can be asymptomatic and people can still be infectious.
When does the CDC recommend Hep A vaccination?
For all children at age one
What is the incubation period of Hep A?
approximately 28 days, with a range of 15-50 days
When does Hep A shed in high concentrations?
Sheds in high concentrations in feces from 2 weeks before to 1 week after onset of clinical illness. This is the most likely period to transmit HAV, but people remain infectious for up to several weeks afterwards. For practical purposes, people are considered infectious 2 weeks before to one week after onset of clinical illness
Does HAV produce symptoms?
HAV produces symptoms in around 80% of adults. Most infants and children are asymptomatic, presumably because their less mature immune system responds to the infection with less inflammation
How long do HAV symptoms last?
Usually less than 2 months, but 10-15% of symptomatic persons have prolonged or relapsing disease for up to 6 months
Can you be reinfected with HAV?
No. Once HAV resolves, protective antibodies develop and give lifelong immunity and protection against reinfection
Hep A Vaccination info
- A 2 dose series given 6 months apart
- licensed in the US for persons 12 months of age and older
- Vaccine is preferred for post-exposure in most individuals
- Vaccine provides immunity for at least 25 years in adults and at least 14-22 years in children
- Can be given to immunocompromised patients
HAV Immune globulin
Immune Globulin (IG) may be used for short-term protection (approximately 1 month), both pre and post exposure. Must be administered within 2 weeks after exposure for maximum protection
Hep A vaccine for infants 6-11 months traveling outside US
Travel sized dose should be given. Does not affect the need for the 2 dose Hep A vaccination at age 1
Postexposure Prophylaxis for Hep A
The hep A vaccine should be used after exposure for those over age 12 months.
For those over age 40 and those immunocompromised, IG may be given in addition to the vaccine