Viral hepatitis Flashcards
Phases of infection revision
1
Q
Describe inoculation phase.
A
Virus enters bloodstream via direct contact or across intestine.
Acute viral hepatitis often resolves spontaneously after 4-8 weeks from symptom onset.
2
Q
Describe incubation phase.
A
Virus multiplies but the patient is asymptomatic.
3
Q
Describe pre-icteric phase.
A
Non-specific systemic symptoms appear. (N&V, fever, RUQ pain)
4
Q
Describe icteric phase.
A
Occurs after 3-10 days.
Jaundice develops, with yellow discolouration skin, pale stools and dark urine.
Peak jaundice at 1-2 weeks. Hepatosplenomegaly develops in some people.
5
Q
Describe recovery phase.
A
Lasts 2-4 weeks.
Jaundice fades. This stage is unlikely to occur if it is HCV (as it just becomes chronic and does not ‘recover’)
6
Q
Describe phases of viral hepatitis infection.
A
- Inoculation
- Incubation
- Pre-icteric
- Icteric
- Recovery
