Hepatitis A virus causes a common infectious disease that occurs primarily in poorer regions of the world. According to the World Health Organization, a total of about 1.4 million people contract it each year. The consequences include headaches, nausea and fever. Preventive vaccinations are available.
What are hepatitis A viruses?
Hepatitis A virus is also called enterovirus 72 because it belongs to the enterovirus group. These do not have a viral envelope and are acid fast. The size of the viruses is about 25 nanometers. Hepatitis A viruses cause inflammation of the liver. Infection can be caused by contact with already infected persons or contaminated objects and food. Furthermore, hepatitis viruses also exist in the versions B, C, D and E. Unlike the hepatitis A virus, vaccination against the hepatitis C virus is not possible. Certain occupational groups are at increased risk of infection due to the transmission possibilities. These include employees in hospitals, care facilities and daycare centers, as well as in the food industry. There is also an increased risk for drug addicts and during blood transfusions. If symptoms occur, blood and liver values are examined as part of the diagnosis. The symptoms do not always have to be clearly noticeable. In many cases, they are mistaken for the signs of a flu-like infection. An illness caused by the hepatitis A virus does not progress chronically, in contrast to the course of the disease caused by virus types B, C and D.
Occurrence, distribution, and characteristics
Viral transmission is oral/fecal via smear or contact infection. Fecal-fertilized vegetables are therefore among the most common forms of disease transmission. In many cases, drinking water or use of ice cubes is the source of pathogen transmission. Consumption of washed salads or ice cream is also among the increased risks of possible infection with the virus. In addition, raw or inadequately cooked seafood can cause infection. Similarly, the risks of contracting the disease are associated with eating shellfish. Neglect of hygiene when handling food and drinking water leads to increased incidence of hepatitis A virus in many forms. Caution is advised when brushing teeth with tap water. Regular hand washing is of great importance. This should not only take place before eating food. Thorough hand washing also makes sense after touching door handles, stair railings and toilet flushes as well as grab handles on public transport. The Middle East, West Africa and Mexico, as well as Algeria, India and South America, are the main areas of frequent illness. In addition, hepatitis A virus infections are increasing in Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt, as well as Morocco. Similarly, hepatitis A viruses occur more frequently in Eastern Europe.
Diseases and symptoms
After infection, the first symptoms occur on average after approximately 25 to 30 days. These may include headache, loss of appetite, and nausea, as well as vomiting, fever, and pain in the area of the right costal arch. Occasional itching may also occur. In the further course, impairments such as light coloring of the stool, dark coloring of the urine and finally yellowing of the skin may develop. The extent of the symptoms occurring in the course of the disease can vary. Personal conditions such as age and state of health as well as the virus execution play a major role. The symptoms may persist for several weeks. As a rule, they then regress independently. The danger of transmitting the disease to other people is most pronounced in the first phase, before the first symptoms become apparent. The risk of infection then decreases significantly, and after about a week there is no longer any risk of transmission. After the decline of the disease, there is lifelong immunity to the hepatitis A virus. Due to the hygiene regulations in force in Germany and the practical observance in the food and catering industry, infection with the virus is unlikely. Drinking water controls also contribute to this. Nevertheless, preventive vaccination is advisable. This ensures a high level of protection.Many vacationers also fly to foreign countries and thus sometimes also to particularly endangered areas. In about 10 percent of cases, it can take several months for the symptoms to disappear before the disease is completely cured. In very rare cases, 0.01 to 0.1 percent of patients suffer from a severe course of hepatitis that can lead to liver failure. In the worst case, this course of the disease can lead to death. Patients who already suffer from chronic hepatitis B or C should in any case be vaccinated even if they are not planning to travel abroad. Otherwise, they run the risk of being exposed to a particularly severe course of the disease in the event of infection with the hepatitis A virus. The risk of a severe course of the disease is increased from the age of 50. The most effective preventive measure is active vaccination. Already after the 1st vaccination an effective protection occurs. After six months, the vaccination is repeated to extend the effectiveness to 10 years. As with all vaccinations, complications can occur in exceptional cases. In the case of neurological diseases or cardiovascular
cardiovascular problems, the question of vaccination should be weighed against the risks. If vaccination is not possible or desired, there are other possibilities for prevention. Fruits or vegetables should be cooked or peeled when self-catering on vacation. Drink combinations with ice cubes should be avoided. For consumption, seafood should be adequately grilled or cooked. Special treatment options for occurring hepatitis A infections are not known. It is helpful to treat the symptoms that occur in each case. To strengthen the immune system, the classic bed rest is useful.
