Hepatitis A Virus FREE

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is one of several viruses that specifically target the liver. Infection with HAV generally leads to a self-limited illness that causes temporary liver inflammation (damage to cells) but does not require specific treatment. However, in rare cases, the infection may result in a more serious illness, leading to liver failure (loss of liver functions) or death. As many as 30% of individuals in the United States have evidence of past infection with the virus. The virus is found in the feces of infected persons and is most commonly transmitted through person-to-person contact and through the ingestion of water or food that has been contaminated with feces from infected individuals. Infection with HAV is more common in developing countries where poor hygiene may be more common. The July 13, 2005, issue of JAMA includes an article about trends in HAV infection in the United States over the past decade.

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, your doctor will order blood tests to detect HAV infection and to measure liver function. Your doctor may also order blood tests to look for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus (see below) infection because these viruses can cause similar symptoms.

Routine vaccination against HAV is currently recommended for children older than 2 years living in states with particularly high rates of HAV infection. Vaccination is also recommended for any person with an increased risk of becoming infected with HAV, including travelers to countries where HAV is common, persons who use illegal drugs, and men who have sex with men. It is also important to contact your doctor if you think you may have been exposed to someone with the virus because a special type of immunization is available that may prevent the infection from developing.

Unlike HAV infection, infection with the other hepatitis viruses can cause chronic (long-lasting) infection leading to cirrhosis (liver scarring) and liver cancer.

To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. A previous Patient Page on hepatitis B infection was published in the November 10, 1999, issue; and one on hepatitis C infection was published in the May 14, 2003, issue.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 718/946-7424.

TOPIC: INFECTIOUS DISEASES