Hepatitis Virus Transmission and Features

What is the primary mode of transmission for Hepatitis A and E?

What distinguishes Hepatitis B from Hepatitis C regarding chronic disease?

Which statement is true regarding Hepatitis E infection in pregnant women?

Which diagnostic test is specifically used to confirm Hepatitis C infection?

Which of the following comments regarding Hepatitis A is incorrect?

What is a consequence of Hepatitis D infection in relation to Hepatitis B?

In the acute stage of Hepatitis B infection, which serologic marker is the first to rise?

Which statement accurately differentiates chronic hepatitis from acute hepatitis?

What does the presence of HBSAB indicate after vaccination against Hepatitis B?

What defines a chronic state of Hepatitis B infection?

What type of hepatitis is most likely to be asymptomatic despite elevated liver enzymes?

Which of the following is a symptom commonly associated with acute hepatitis?

What is the significance of the presence of HBV DNA in a resolved Hepatitis B infection?

Hepatitis Virus Transmission and Features

Hepatitis A (HAV) and Hepatitis E (HEV): Transmitted through the fecal-oral route. HAV is commonly acquired by travelers, and HEV from contaminated water or undercooked seafood.
Hepatitis B (HBV): Transmitted through parenteral routes, including childbirth, unprotected sex, intravenous drug use (IVDA), and needle sticks.
Hepatitis C (HCV): Parenteral transmission is the primary route, including IVDA, unprotected sex. Transfusion risk is minimal due to blood screening.
Hepatitis D (HDV): Depends on HBV for infection. Superinfection (infection with HBV and HDV) is worse than coinfection (infection with both at the same time).

Hepatitis Virus Comments

HAV and HEV: Acute hepatitis; no chronic state. Anti-virus IgM marks active infection; IgG indicates prior infection or immunization. HEV infection in pregnant women is associated with potentially fatal fulminant hepatitis.
HBV: Acute hepatitis but also results in chronic infection in 20% of cases.
HCV: Acute hepatitis often progressing to chronic infection in the majority of cases. HCV-RNA confirms infection, reduced RNA levels suggest recovery, and persistent levels indicate chronic disease.
HDV: Infection is dependent on prior or simultaneous HBV infection.

Additional Notes (Table 11.3)

Chronic hepatitis is indicated when symptoms last more than six months.
Inflammation predominantly affects portal tracts.
Hepatitis can cause jaundice, fever, malaise, and elevated liver enzymes. Jaundice is due to increased bilirubin.
Inflammation affects liver lobules and portal tracts, resulting in potentially serious conditions like cirrhosis. Some acute hepatitis cases may be asymptomatic.
Serologic markers (like HBSAG, HBEAG, HBcIgG) are used to detect specific antibodies and antigens.

Test your knowledge on the transmission routes and features of different hepatitis viruses, including HAV, HEV, HBV, HCV, and HDV. Understand the differences in their transmission methods and the implications for public health. This quiz is essential for anyone studying infectious diseases or public health.