Hepatitis A: A preventable threat |
| |
Authors: | Alexander K C Leung FRCPC FRCP FRCPCH James D Kellner MD FRCPC H Dele Davies MD FRCPC |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary Alberta Children’s Hospital Calgary, Alberta, Canada;(2) Department of Pediatrics and Human Development Michigan, State University, East Lansing, Michigan |
| |
Abstract: | Hepatitis A is a major public health problem, particularly in the pediatric population. Although hepatitis A infection does
not cause chronic liver disease, it is associated with significant morbidity. The virus is transmitted primarily by person-to-person
contact via the fecal-oral route. The infection can be inapparent, subclinical, anicteric, or icteric. In general, the severity
of the disease is inversely correlated with the age of the child. Occasionally, fulminant hepatitis, which is associated with
a high mortality rate, may result. The diagnosis of acute hepatitis A is most commonly made through the detection of immunoglobulin
M (IgM) anti-hepatitis A antibody. Treatment is generally supportive. General preventive measures include improved standards
of hygiene and sanitation. Universal childhood vaccination is the most effective method for eradicating hepatitis A and preventing
its transmission. |
| |
Keywords: | hepatitis A morbidity transmission vaccination |
本文献已被 PubMed SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|