Viral Heptatitis Flashcards
What is viral hepatitis?
Viral infection of the liver.
Name 2 things viral hepatitis is associated with.
Persistent infection. Chronic liver disease. Hepatocellular carcinoma.
Which hepatitis viral infections are chronic?
B, C and D.
Which hepatitis viral infections are not chronic?
A and E (usually).
Name 3 investigations to diagnose hepatitis.
Liver function test (aminotransferases - enzyme leaks out following liver damage).
Serology - IgM, IgG, alpha fetoprotein (hepatocellular carcinoma).
Histopathology - liver biopsy
Imaging - fibroscan and ultrasound (assess liver fibrosis, fatty deposits.
Give 3 clinical presentations of viral hepatitis.
Malaise, fever, headaches. Anorexia, nausea, vomiting. Jaundice. Right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Dark urine and clay coloured faeces.
Name 2 treatments for hepatitis?
Anti-viral agents. Infection prevention and control - vaccines. Immunomodulation e.g. activating and suppressing the immune system.
Name a way hepatitis A is transmitted.
Faeco-oral transmission. Common source outbreaks. Rare parenteral transmission - blood transfusion.
Name a way hepatitis E is transmitted.
Foodborne zoonosis e.g. undercooked meat product. Sporadic and epidemic forms.
What is ribavirin, and what is it used to treat?
Anti-viral agent. Hepatitis E.
What is interferon, and what is it used to treat?
Immunomodulator. Hepatitis E.
Name 2 ways hepatitis B is transmitted.
Sexual intercourse. Blood and blood products. Injecting drug use. Tattoos. Body piercing.
Lamirvudine, adefovir, entecavir and emtricitabine are viral agents used to treat which hepatitis?
Hepatitis B.
Name 2 routes of transmission for hepatitis C.
Injecting drug users. Blood and blood products. Contaminated needles is tattooing. Body piercing.
What is the difference between anicteric and icteric hepatitis?
Anicteric hepatitis is not accompanied or characterized by jaundice, where as icteric hepatitis is.
