Explore the importance of vaccination for prevention and find out where to get tested for Hepatitis A in Delhi.
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) stands as a prominent global cause of acute hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver. Understanding how this virus spreads, its effects on the body, and the measures available for prevention are crucial for public health and individual well-being. Typically, HAV transmission occurs through the fecal-oral route, meaning the virus is ingested after coming into contact with the feces of an infected person. This can happen through consuming contaminated food or drinks or via close personal contact with someone who has the infection.
It's important to note that Hepatitis typically does not lead to chronic liver disease. The acute infection usually resolves on its own. A severe and life-threatening form known as fulminant hepatitis is rare. When symptoms do manifest, they often include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, a general feeling of being unwell (malaise), loss of appetite, and fever. The primary approach to managing Hepatitis A is supportive care, focusing on alleviating symptoms and allowing the body's immune system to clear the virus.
Fortunately, effective prevention through vaccination is available. Vaccination against HAV is recommended for all children starting at 12 months of age. Furthermore, it is strongly advised for individuals at increased risk of exposure, such as those traveling to countries where Hepatitis A is prevalent, homosexual men, illicit drug users, individuals with potential occupational exposure (like healthcare or sanitation workers), and those with chronic liver disease. Vaccination is also generally recommended for adults in these high-risk categories.
The Origins and Spread of Hepatitis A Virus
Hepatitis A virus is recognized as one of the most frequent causes of acute hepatitis infections worldwide. The WHO estimates that approximately 1.5 million new HAV infections occur globally each year.
In contrast, developed countries like the United States, Canada, and Western Europe report low infection rates. However, studies have identified a correlation between socioeconomic factors, such as income level, housing density, sanitation quality, and water quality, and the presence of high-risk groups even in low-endemic countries. These groups include individuals who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, people traveling to areas where Hepatitis A is common, and those living in isolated settings like nursing homes and daycare centers.
The introduction of widespread vaccination programs has dramatically reduced the incidence of HAV in countries like the United States. Notably, the rate of acute HAV infection in the U.S. plummeted by 92%, from 12 cases per 100,000 people in 1995 to just 1 per 100,000 in 2007.
The primary mode of HAV transmission is person-to-person, typically through close contact. It is exceedingly rare for a blood transfusion to cause Hepatitis A.
Several factors increase the risk of contracting HAV, including:
- Institutionalization: Living in close quarters in institutions.
- Close Personal Contact: Having close contact with an infected individual.
- International Travel: Traveling to regions with high HAV prevalence.
- Occupation: Certain professions with increased exposure risk.
- Parenteral Substance Abuse: Injecting drugs.
- Homosexuality: Men who have sex with men..
Diagnosis of Hepatitis A
Diagnosing acute Hepatitis A typically involves blood tests to detect specific antibodies produced by the body in response to the virus. The key diagnostic marker for acute infection is the presence of IgM (immunoglobulin M) antibodies against HAV. These antibodies appear early in the infection.
IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies against HAV develop shortly after the IgM antibodies and persist for life, indicating past infection and immunity.
A serological test that detects these HAV-specific IgM antibodies in the blood is the standard diagnostic procedure for acute Hepatitis
Routine blood tests may also reveal mild lymphocytosis (an increase in white blood cells called lymphocytes) and a normal prothrombin time (a measure of blood clotting ability). An increased prothrombin time should raise suspicion for more severe liver damage and the potential risk of encephalopathy (brain dysfunction due to liver failure). Hepatitis A is associated with elevated levels of the liver enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which usually returns to normal within 4 to 6 months. Bilirubin levels, a marker of jaundice, are also typically elevated and, if they remain high, may suggest cholestatic liver disease.
Ultrasonography (imaging of the liver using sound waves) is generally not required for diagnosing typical cases of HAV.
Other tests that can help to diagnose and detect HAV virus which are available at Ganesh Diagnostic:
- Liver Function Test (LFT) (book now)
- Liver Profile Package (book now)
- Liver Profile-2 Package (book now)
For more information about the liver disease test list click here
Treatment and Management
Most individuals with acute, uncomplicated Hepatitis A infection do not require specific antiviral treatment beyond supportive care. Symptoms can sometimes persist for several weeks or even months. Supportive care focuses on managing symptoms like nausea and fatigue, ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition, and allowing the liver to heal.
In rare instances where HAV infection leads to fulminant hepatitis (acute liver failure), liver transplantation can be a life-saving intervention. Any extrahepatic complications (problems outside the liver) that arise are treated as needed.
According to the WHO, the most effective strategy for preventing HAV infection involves improving hygiene practices, ensuring food safety, and implementing widespread immunization programs. In the United States, inactivated single-antigen vaccines against Hepatitis A (such as HAVRIX and VAQTA) and a combination vaccine against Hepatitis A and B (TWINRIX) are available.
The Ganesh Diagnostic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine vaccination for all children aged 12 months and older.
Immunoglobulin is also recommended for children under 12 months of age, individuals with chronic liver disease, and those with weakened immune systems following exposure to HAV.
Differential Diagnosis
When diagnosing Hepatitis A, it's important to consider other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including:
- Alcoholic hepatitis (liver inflammation due to excessive alcohol consumption).
- Other viral hepatitis infections (Hepatitis B, C, D, and E).
- Autoimmune hepatitis (a condition where the body's immune system attacks the liver).
Potential Complications
While most people recover fully from Hepatitis A without long-term consequences, some complications can occur, including:
- Prolonged cholestasis (persistent reduction in bile flow).
- Acute renal failure (sudden loss of kidney function).
- Autoimmune hepatitis (in rare cases, HAV infection can trigger autoimmune liver disease).
FAQs
Q. What is Hepatitis A virus?
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) stands as a prominent global cause of acute hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver.
Q. Where can you get hepatitis A test at lowest cost in Delhi?
You can get hepatitis A test at lowest cost at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre and you can book this test online from the website.
Q. What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Some common symptoms are follows as-
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Joint pain
- Fever
