What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is one of the most common infections of the liver, caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It mainly affects the age group 1-14 years and is often asymptomatic. However, the severity increases with the growing age. This virus is transmitted through contaminated water & food via the feco-oral route. It can spread through poor sanitation or close contact with another infected person.

What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis A?

• Fatigue, Nausea & Vomiting
• Pain or discomfort in the Abdomen, especially in the right area beneath the Lower Ribs
• Clay-colored Bowel Movements
• Loss of Appetite
• Low-grade fever
• Dark Urine
• Joint Pain
• Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes (jaundice).

How is Hepatitis A diagnosed?

Hepatitis A can be detected by observing typical symptoms. Doctors can detect if you are infected with the hepatitis A virus by a simple blood test. Our body develops an antibody, IgM Anti HAV (Elisa), against the virus which becomes positive within weeks and is the choice of investigation.

What is the treatment?

The particles of Hepatitis A virus shed in the stool (faeces) for 5 days, which is practically diagnosable. Treatment is always symptomatic but requires hospitalization whenever a patient is facing recurrent symptoms such as nausea, dehydration, prolonged jaundice, encephalopathy, and/or coagulopathy. In cases of Fulminant Hepatic failure due to hepatitis A, liver transplantation is required.