Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)
πΈCauses: Hepatitis A πΈTransmission: Through ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces from an infected person (fecal-oral route) Disease Characteristics πΈAcute phase: Most cases resolve spontaneously πΈDoes not become chronic πΈPrevention: Vaccination provides effective immunity and is widely used Laboratory Testing 1.Serological Tests πΈAnti-HAV IgM: Detects acute infection. Appears 1–2 weeks before symptom onset and persists for about 3–6 months. πA Positive result indicates an ongoing acute HAV infection. πΈAnti-HAV IgG: Indicates immunity to HAV. Appears after infection or vaccination and persists lifelong. πA Positive result indicates previous infection or successful vaccination and provides long-term immunity. Summary : πΈAnti HAV IgM → Recent infection πΈAnti HAV IgG → Long-term immunity 2. Molecular Tests πΈHAV RNA detection (RT-PCR): Detects viral genetic material in blood or stool. πΈUsed to confirm acute infection, especially when IgM is not yet dete...