Viral hepatitis Flashcards
1
Q
Hepatitis A?
A
faecal-oral spread
acute hepatitis only (not chronic)
diagnosis: Hep A IgM
2
Q
Hepatitis E?
A
faecal-oral transmission
chronic infection in pigs
3
Q
How is Hepatitis B virus transmitted?
A
sex
mother to child
blood
4
Q
How is Hepatitis B diagnosed?
A
- Infectious individuals: Hep B surface antigen (HBsAg)
- Highly infectious: Hep B e antigen (HBeAg)
- highly infectious: Hep B virus DNA
- recent infection: Hep B IgM
- immunity: Anti-HBs antibody
5
Q
What is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in the UK?
A
Hepatitis E
6
Q
How is Hepatitis C diagnosed?
A
- test for Hep C antibody if chronic liver disease possible
2. If positive, check for Hep C viral RNA by PCR
7
Q
What patients receive anti-viral therapy?
A
Those with:
- HCV RNA present
- HBsAg and Hep B DNA present
- cirrhotic patients are prioritised
- liver cancer is a contraindication
8
Q
What is INF-alpha?
A
- part of the immune response to viral infection
- used as anti-viral therapy in Hepatitis
9
Q
Side effects of INF-alpha therapy?
A
flu-like (chills, myalgia, malaise)
10
Q
List some Hep C antiviral drugs:
A
Peginterferon alpha
Ribavirin
Simeprevir
Sofosbuvir
