Viral Hepatitis Flashcards
What do hepatitis viruses do?
infect and damage the liver
cause icteric sxs of jaundice
release of liver enzymes due to tissue damage
Acute hepatitis types
hepatitis A
hepatitis E
Possible courses of viral hepatitis (4)
- Subclinical
- Typical acute icteric hepatitis (incubation period, prodrome, icteric, convalescent)
- Fulminant hepatitis
- Chronic hepatitis
Typical acute icteric hepatitis phases
- Incubation Period (dif. length dpnding on type)
- Prodrome/pre-icteric: fatigue, malaise, anorexia
- Icteric phase: jaundice, dark urine, elevated ALT, AST
- Convalescent phase: disappearance of jaundice & other sxs
Fulminant hepatitis description
rapid progression, high fatality rate
Chronic hepatitis (which types)
ONLY B, C and D type viruses
Hepatitis A virus causes what?
causes infectious hepatitis
does NOT become chronic
HAV epidemiology
Virions excreted in feces
food and water born transmission
major risk factor for dz-contact with infected family member
HAV Clinical Manifestation
Entry of virus is through intestine after ingestion.
The disease is typically mild, but the course may be prolonged
HAV dx
in laboratory
IgM antibody demonstration by ELISA
many asymptomatic infections occur, finding antibody is common
HAV Tx
(HAV=acute viral hepatitis)
bed rest, reduction of activities
stay hydrated
avoid hepatotoxins (EtOH, drugs, anesthesia)
if liver deterioration or IV fluids needed->hospitalize
HAV prevention (4)
- Proper handwashing
- avoidance of contaminated food (uncooked shellfish) & water chlorination
- Post exposure prophylaxis with immune serum globulin, early in infection
- killed virus vaccine is available
Hepatitis B Virus is:
the most common & widespread cause what?
and
can be an infectious cause of what?
most (C) cause of CHRONIC HEPATITIS
infectious cause of PRIMARY HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA
Which viral molecules are imp in dx and state of HPV-infected patient
HBsAg – HBV surface antigen
HBcAg - HBV core antigen
HBeAg - surface antigen fragment – presence indicates patient is infectious
Which antigen remains high in chronic hepatitis B but not acute HBV?
HBsAg
What is the major reservoir of HBV?
Chronic hepatitis patients are a major reservoir of HBV
Serological screening of blood has reduced risk of infection from blood and blood products
Virus is shed during asymptomatic periods
How is HBV spread?
needle sharing, acupuncture, ear piercing tattooing, (peri-natal-congenital infection also possible with HBeAg positive mother)
HBV is present in:
serum, blood, semen
High Risk patients HBV infection (6)
Healthcare workers IV drug users Homosexuals Promiscuous heterosexuals Institutionalized persons Family contacts of infected individuals
Where does HBV replicate
almost exclusively in the liver
HBV incubation period
50-180 days
HBV clinical manifestation
slow and insidious onset
Prodrome: fever, rash (urticarial), arthralgias (symmetrical)
Subclincial HBV infection possible, recognized only by presence of anti- HBsAg
Self-limited infection is normal
Complications of HBV
Chronic HBV (5-10%)-(U) after innaparent infection &detected by increased serum liver enzymes
10% of chronic HBV will develop cirrhosis & liver failure
Dx of HBV is based on
Clinical symptoms
Serum – presence of liver enzymes from destruction of hepatic cells; course of the disease may be followed by serology
Which viral antigens are secreted into the blood stream during HBV infections
HBsAg and HBeAg
What does IgM anti-HBc indicate?
hallmark of a new, ongoing HBV infection if present with HBsAg
What does IgG anti-HBc indicate?
past infection, if present with HBsAg indicates chronic infection
What is the best correlate to the presence of infectious HBV?
detection of HBeAg