| Theme |
Acute Liver Injury ： Drug-induced and Viral Liver Injuries |
| Title |
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatitis A |
| Author |
Hiroshi Yatsuhashi |
Department of Therapeutic Research, Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center |
| Author |
Koji Yano |
Department of Therapeutic Research, Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center |
| Author |
Yoko Tamada |
Department of Therapeutic Research, Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center |
| [ Summary ] |
Hepatitis A is an acute infectious disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus(HAV). This virus is most commonly transmitted by the fecal-oral route via contaminated food or drinking water. The average incubation period is from two to six weeks. Hepatitis A infection causes no clinical signs or symptoms in most infected children. Since the infection confers lifelong immunity, hepatitis A does not have a chronic stage, is not progressive, and does not cause permanent liver damage. Following infection, the immune system produces antibodies against HAV which confer immunity to future infection. The disease can be prevented by vaccination, and hepatitis A vaccine has been proven effective in controlling outbreaks worldwide. |