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Definition
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus.
Hepatitis
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Causes
Hepatitis A virus is usually found in the stool (bowel movement) of people who have the infection. It is spread by:
- Putting something in your mouth that has been infected with the hepatitis A virus
- Drinking water contaminated by raw sewage
- Eating food contaminated by the hepatitis A virus, especially if it has not been properly cooked
- Eating raw or partially cooked shellfish contaminated by raw sewage
- Sexual contact with a partner infected with the hepatitis A virus, particularly anal sex
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
- Having close contact with an infected person although the virus is generally not spread by casual contact
- Using household items that were used by an infected person, but were not properly cleaned
- Having sex with multiple partners
- Having sex with a partner who has hepatitis A
- Traveling to or spending long periods of time in a country where hepatitis A is common or where sanitation is poor
- Injecting drugs, especially if you use shared needles
- Working as a childcare worker, changing diapers or toilet training children
- For children, being in daycare centers
- Being institutionalized
- For hemophiliacs, receiving plasma products
Symptoms
Hepatitis A does not always cause symptoms. Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children.
Symptoms include: TirednessLoss of appetiteFeverNauseaAbdominal pain or discomfortJaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin) Darker colored urineLight or chalky colored stoolsRashItchingMuscle pain DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include: Blood testto look for hepatitis A antibodies (proteins that your body has made to fight the hepatitis A virus)Liver function studies Liver biopsy removal of a sample of liver tissue to be examined, only done in severe cases Treatment There are no specific treatments for hepatitis A. The goals of hepatitis A treatment are to: Keep the patient as comfortable as possiblePrevent the infection from being passed to othersPrevent more liver damage by helping the patient avoid substances (eg, medications, alcohol) which might stress the liver while it's healingThe disease generally will go away without treatment within 2 to 5 weeks. However, about 15% of people who are infected by hepatitis A will have relapsing symptoms for up to 9 months. In almost all cases, once you recover, there are no aftereffects, and you are immune to the virus.
In rare cases, hepatitis A infection will be so severe that a liver transplant may be needed. Prevention Proper Sanitary HabitsWash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing a diaper.Wash your hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food.Carefully clean all household utensils after use by a person infected with hepatitis A virus.Avoid using household utensils that a person infected with hepatitis A may touch.Avoid sexual contact with a person infected with hepatitis A.Avoid injected drug use, especially with shared needles.If you travel to a high risk region, take the following precautions: drink bottled water, avoid ice chips, wash the fruits well, and eat well-cooked food. Immune (Gamma) GlobulinThis is a preparation containing antibodies that provides temporary protection from hepatitis A (about 1 to 3 months). It must be given before exposure to the virus or within two weeks after exposure. Hepatitis A VaccineThis vaccine is made from inactive hepatitis A virus and is highly effective in preventing infection. It provides full protection four weeks after the first injection. (The hepatitis vaccine takes a month to become fully effective.) A second injection provides protection lasting up to 20 years.
The vaccine is recommended for: People who have a chronic liver disease or a clotting factor disorderPeople who have close physical contact with those who live in areas with poor sanitary conditionsPeople traveling to countries where sanitary conditions are poorChildren who live in areas that have repeated hepatitis A epidemicsPeople who inject illicit drugsMen who have sex with menCheck with your doctor to see if you should receive the vaccine, and if so, when and how many injections you should have. RESOURCES: American Liver Foundationhttp://www.liverfoundation.org Hepatitis Foundation Internationalhttp://www.hepfi.org CANADIAN RESOURCES Canadian Institute for Health Informationhttp://www.cihi.ca/cihiweb/ Canadian Liver Foundationhttp://www.liver.ca/Home.aspx References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov . Hepatitis Foundation International website. Available at: http://www.hepfi.org . The Merck Manual of Medical Information . Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed November 2007 by David L. Horn, MD, FACPPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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