Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 26, 2026

A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
10:28

A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks

Published on: June 26, 2020

Is hepatitis A vaccination necessary in Indian patients with cirrhosis of liver?

Saju Xavier1, K Anish

  • 1Al shifa Hospital, Perintalmanna, Kerala 679 322. xsaju@yahoo.com

Indian Journal of Gastroenterology : Official Journal of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology
|April 17, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Most Indian patients with liver cirrhosis already have hepatitis A virus antibodies. Routine hepatitis A immunization without prior screening may not be necessary for this population in India.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Patients with chronic liver disease, including liver cirrhosis, face high mortality from acute hepatitis A infection.
  • Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for individuals with chronic liver disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hepatitis A virus antibodies in Indian patients with liver cirrhosis.
  • To assess the necessity of hepatitis A vaccination recommendations in India.

Main Methods:

  • A study was conducted on consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis at two South Indian hospitals.
  • Antibodies to hepatitis A virus were measured using Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA).
  • Age-matched non-cirrhotic adults served as controls.

Main Results:

  • 51 out of 52 patients with liver cirrhosis tested positive for hepatitis A antibodies.
  • All 50 control subjects also tested positive for hepatitis A antibodies.
  • The difference in antibody prevalence between patients and controls was not statistically significant (p=ns).

Conclusions:

  • A high prevalence of hepatitis A virus antibodies exists in Indian patients with liver cirrhosis.
  • Screening for hepatitis A antibodies before vaccination may not be necessary in this cohort.
  • The current vaccination recommendations may require re-evaluation for the Indian context.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Induction of Drug-Induced, Autoimmune Hepatitis in BALB/c Mice for the Study of Its Pathogenic Mechanisms11:36

Induction of Drug-Induced, Autoimmune Hepatitis in BALB/c Mice for the Study of Its Pathogenic Mechanisms

Published on: May 29, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Yellow Fever01:18

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the yellow fever virus (YFV), a member of the Flaviviridae family. It is transmitted primarily by Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. After transmission through a mosquito bite, the virus initially replicates in skin-resident immune cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages. These cells then migrate to the lymph nodes, where viral replication increases, eventually leading to...
Cirrhosis I: Introduction01:23

Cirrhosis I: Introduction

Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder01:26

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...