Overview

• HAV ⇒ RNA picornavirus. HEV ⇒ calcivirus. Both transmitted via faecal-oral route.
  • HAV → endemic in the developing world. Infection often occurs sub-clinically. Better sanitisation in developed world means it is less common.
  • HEV → endemic in Asia, Africa and Central America.
• Hep A = particularly associated with travellers
• Both have incubation period of 3-6 weeks.

<aside> 💡 Severe Hepatitis in pregnant woman ⇒ Hepatitis E

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Making Diagnosis

Clinical Features:

Acute

• Prodromal Period → malaise, anorexia, fever, N&V
• Hepatitis → dark urine, pale stools, jaundice, itching
• RUQ Abdominal Pain
• Pyrexia
• Hepatomegaly

85% of people make full recovery within 3 months.

Investigations:

• LFT’s → raised AST, ALT, ALP, GGT and bilirubin