Hepatitis Mnemonic
- Hepatitis is a systemic viral disease that affects the liver.
- Acute hepatitis can be caused by Epstein-Barr virus and Cytomegalovirus
- There are 6 types of Hepatitis (A,B,C,D,E,G)
Hepatitis has 4 Phases
- Incubation Phase (time of exposure to development of signs and symptoms)
- Prodromal Phase (time from initial onset of symptoms to onset of jaundice)
- Icteric Phase (usually last 1-3 weeks) The patient will have enlarged tender liver, enlarged spleen, jaundice, tea color urine, light or grey stools
- Recovery Phase (time it takes to recover) Depression and fatigue can last for weeks or months after the recovery phase
Hepatitis Mnemonic (A,B,C,D,E,G)
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) (Anal-fecal-oral route)
- Known as infectious hepatitis
- Transmitted by the fecal-oral route
- In feces, bile, and sera of infected people
Risk Factors: unsanitary, crowded living conditions & food/water contamination
Symptoms are flu like and less severe than hepatitis B
Incubation Phase 2-7 weeks
Prodromal symptoms: jaundice, RUQ pain, malaise, anorexia, nausea, low-grade fever
Diagnostic Tests: Serologic testing: Anti-HAV IgG (previous infection), IgM (acute infection)
Treatment: Supportive, avoid ETOH, acetaminophen, and hepatoxins
Prevention: hand washing, avoidance of undercooked food, safe water source
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) (Blood-Body fluids)
- Transmitted by contact with infected blood, body fluids, and contaminated needles
- Hepatitis B vaccine prevents the transmission and development of hepatitis
Risk factors: health care workers, transfusions, dialysis, acupuncture, tattooing, extended overseas travel, and residence in an institution
Incubation Phase: 2-6 months
Prodromal Period: ranges from no symptoms to very ill, rashes, arthritis, angioedema, serum sickness, glomerulonephritis, jaundice
Diagnostic Tests: Serologic testing: Surface antigen (HBsAg) early infection, Core antigen (HBsAg) chronic infection
Treatment: supportive but may be aggressive for fulminant hepatitis.
In pregnant women, transmission of hepatitis B to the fetus can occur if the mother is infected during the third trimester
Immunizations: HBV given at 0,1 & 6 months
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) (Chronic, Circulation)
- Spread through IV drug use and blood transfusions
- Most cases of hepatitis C result in chronic hepatitis
- Think C = Chronic
- Leading cause of end-stage liver disease with cirrhosis and has a low response to treatment
Symptoms: Usually asymptomatic in acute infections
Diagnostic Tests: assessed by viral load and viral genotype, liver biopsy to stage disease activity
Treatment: supportive and expectant
Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) (Delta)
- Depends on hepatitis B for replication (need to have hepatitis B to get hepatitis D
- Can occur at the same time the patient is infected with hepatitis B
- Transmitted parenterally and by sexual contact
Diagnostic Tests: Anti-HDV IgM and IgG enzyme linked immunosorbent assey (ELISA)
Treatment: No specific vaccine or treatment
Prevention: safe sexual practices, advoidence of IV drug use, vaccination with HBV vaccine
Hepatitis E Virus (HEV)
- Fecal-oral transmission (same as Hepatitis A)
- Occurs in developing countries
- In the US, cases are related to recent travel
Incubation period: 2-9 weeks
Prodromal and Icteric phase usually lasts for 2 weeks
Diagnostic Tests: none available
Treatment: supportive, no vaccine available
Prevention: hand washing, avoidance of undercooked food, safe water source
Hepatitis G Virus (HGV)
- A new category of hepatitis
- Parentally and sexually transmitted
Key Notes
****Signs and symptoms of All Hepatitis are: Jaundice, episodes of Fever, Elevated AST & ALT****
****HAV & HEV are Fecal-Oral transmission. The vowels hit your bowels****
The Viruses that cause Hepatitis: Hepatitis Mneumonic
“Private Hospitals Favor Rich Clients”
Picornaviridae Family= Hepatitis A
Hepadnaviridae Family= Hepatitis B
Flavivirus= Hepatitis C
RNA incomplete virus= Hepatitis D
Calcivirus= Hepatitis E