Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an acute liver infection caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV), usually transmitted by the fecal–oral route. It does not cause chronic infection, and most people recover fully.

Hepatitis A virus: Hepatitis A virus is a nonenveloped RNA virus in the genus Hepatovirus that infects liver cells. This virus causes the infection and is shed in stool before and after symptoms begin.
Anti-HAV IgM: Anti-HAV IgM is an antibody detected in blood during recent or current hepatitis A infection. It is the principal serologic marker used to confirm acute infection.
Stephen Feinstone: Stephen Feinstone is an American virologist who helped identify hepatitis A virus in 1973. His electron-microscopy work provided early direct evidence of the virus in human stool.
Foodborne illness: Foodborne illness is disease caused by consuming food contaminated with infectious organisms or harmful substances. Contaminated food can spread HAV and trigger outbreaks beyond close-contact networks.
Viral hepatitis: Viral hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by viruses that primarily infect or damage the liver. Hepatitis A is one distinct infection within this broader group.
Fecal–oral route: The fecal–oral route transmits pathogens when material contaminated with feces enters another person’s mouth. HAV commonly spreads this way through contaminated hands, food, or water.
Liver function tests: Liver function tests are blood tests that measure enzymes, bilirubin, and proteins associated with liver health. They help assess the liver injury and jaundice associated with hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A virus discovery: The discovery of hepatitis A virus was the 1973 identification of virus particles in stool from infected people. Identifying HAV distinguished the cause of this infection from other forms of viral hepatitis.
Hepatitis A outbreak: A hepatitis A outbreak is an increase in linked HAV infections within a community or population. Shared food, water, or close-contact exposure can produce clusters of cases.
Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by hepatitis C virus, usually transmitted through blood exposure. Its frequent progression to chronic infection contrasts with hepatitis A’s self-limited course.

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