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Hepatitis A > Diagnosis Author: Catherine M. Dentinger, FNP, MS; Brian J. McMahon, MD, MACP
Editorial changes - 2009-11-04
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Rationale:

  • Most persons with hepatitis A report no known source of HAV.
  • Early diagnosis allows for prompt public health intervention.

Evidence:

  • Surveillance data for HAV infections in the U.S. indicate that approximately 60% of persons with hepatitis A for whom risk factor data are available have no identifiable risk factor for their infection (1; 83).
  • Up to 70% of children under age 6 and some older persons with HAV infection are asymptomatic (3).

Comments:

  • Approximately 12% of reported cases of hepatitis A in the U.S. result from sexual or household contact with another person with hepatitis A; thus, consider the patient's contacts, including potential asymptomatic contacts (83).
  • Hepatitis A is a reportable disease in all states (American Public Health Association).
  • Hepatitis A vaccine or immunoglobulin is recommended for close contacts of persons with hepatitis A (26).

FAQs
Brian J. McMahon, MD, MACP has no financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies, biomedical device manufacturers, or health-care related organizations. Catherine M. Dentinger, FNP, MS has no financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies, biomedical device manufacturers, or health-care related organizations.
Steven E. Weinberger, MD, FACP, Acting Editor, PIER, has stock holdings in Glaxosmithkline and Abbott.

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