Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

"Liver-on-a-Chip" Cultures of Primary Hepatocytes and Kupffer Cells for Hepatitis B Virus Infection
10:25

"Liver-on-a-Chip" Cultures of Primary Hepatocytes and Kupffer Cells for Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Published on: February 19, 2019

The changing picture of hepatitis A in the United States

Hal B Jenson1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Center for Pediatric Research, Eastern Virginia Medical School and Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, Norfolk, 23507, USA. Hal.Jenson@EVMS.edu

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|February 6, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Routine childhood hepatitis A vaccination in high-incidence areas significantly reduces disease burden. This cost-effective strategy targets young children, the primary community reservoir for hepatitis A virus (HAV).

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Hepatitis A accounts for about half of all viral hepatitis cases in the U.S.
  • Young children with asymptomatic infections are recognized as the main community reservoir for hepatitis A virus (HAV).
  • Geographic variations in HAV incidence have been observed across the United States.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of routine hepatitis A immunization in high-incidence areas.
  • To assess the cost-effectiveness of childhood vaccination strategies for hepatitis A control.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of epidemiologic studies on hepatitis A incidence and transmission.
  • Review of updated control recommendations and vaccination strategies.

Main Results:

  • Recommendations were updated in 1999 to include routine vaccination of children in high-HAV-rate areas.
  • Routine hepatitis A vaccination of children in these areas is a cost-effective control strategy.
  • Significant geographic variations in hepatitis A incidence exist within the U.S.

Conclusions:

  • Enhanced understanding of HAV epidemiology and transmission has been crucial.
  • Effective hepatitis A vaccines have been developed.
  • These advancements have substantially reduced the burden of hepatitis A in the U.S.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks10:28

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

Published on: June 26, 2020

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA04:11

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA

Published on: December 15, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
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...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess the...
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...
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...