Viral Hepatitis Flashcards
what is the main clinical manifestation of the hepatitis viruses?
causing liver disease
what do you need to do if someone presents with hepatitis?
inform public health
how is hepatitis A transmitted?
faeco-oral route
what two things is spread of hepatitis A linked with?
poor hygiene
overcrowding
in which groups of people might clusters of hepatitis A cases occur?
gay men
PWID
is hepatitis A an acute or chronic infection?
acute
when does peak incidence of symptomatic hep A occur?
in older children and young adults
what two tests are done to confirm acute hep A infection?
clotted blood for serology
hepatitis A IgM
how is spread of hep A controlled?
good hygiene
vaccine as prophylaxis (takes ten days to take effect, gives long term protection)
where is hepatitis E most common?
in countries with tropical climates
which is more common in the UK, hepatitis A or E?
E
how can hepatitis E be transmitted?
faeco-oral route
zoonosis
what is hepatitis D always foung alongside?
hepatitis B
what is the clinical significance of hepatitis D?
exacerbates a hepatitis B infection
how is hepatitis B transmitted?
sex
mother to child
blood
what makes chronic hep B infection more likely?
being exposed to hep B during childhood
what is present in the blood of all patients with hep B?
hep B surface antigen (HBsAg)
how long is HBsAg present for in chronic infection?
over 6 months
what is also usually present in highly infectious hep B patients?
hep B e antigen (HBeAg)
hep B virus DNA
what is likely to be present in someone who has recently been infected with hep B?
hep B IgM
what is given as post-exposure prophylaxis for hep B?
vaccine
HBIG (hyperimmune hep B immunoglobulin)
which hepatitis virus most commonly leads to chronic infection?
hep C
describe how hep C may present
asymptomatic for DECADES
develop signs of chronic liver disease
what is given to manage chronic viral hepatitis?
antivirals
vaccinations for other hep viruses
when should chronic hep B receive antivirals?
when ALT is raised
high HBV DNA
when should chronic hep C receive antivirals?
ASAP
prioritised if they have advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis
what drug is given for chronic hep infections?
interferon alfa
how is interferon alfa administered?
injected as peginterferon
what side effects can interferon alfa have?
flu like symptoms
thyroid disease
autoimmune disease
what are the two treatment options for chronic hep B?
antivirals
peginterferon
name two antivirals that may be given for chronic Hep B?
entecavir
tenofovir
