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Immunofluorescence to Monitor the Cellular Uptake of Human Lactoferrin and its Associated Antiviral Activity Against the Hepatitis C Virus
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Published on: October 1, 2015

Fecal excretion of hepatitis A virus in humans

J Rakela, J W Mosley

    The Journal of Infectious Diseases
    |June 1, 1977
    PubMed

    Insights

    Hepatitis A virus (HAV) shedding in stool is detectable early in illness, before liver enzyme changes. Viral excretion declines before peak liver enzyme levels, suggesting limited transmission risk from symptomatic patients.

    Area of Science:

    • Hepatology
    • Virology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a significant public health concern.
    • Understanding the viral shedding period is crucial for infection control.
    • Previous studies on HAV communicability have yielded varied conclusions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To precisely define the duration of fecal virus excretion in children with symptomatic hepatitis A.
    • To correlate viral shedding with specific clinical and biochemical markers of hepatitis A.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of 24 fecal samples from six children experiencing clinical hepatitis A during an epidemic.
    • Utilized immune electron microscopy (IEM) to detect and quantify viral presence.
    • Monitored serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (alanine aminotransferase) levels as a marker of liver injury.

    Main Results:

    • Detectable HAV in fecal samples occurred before or concurrent with the initial rise in serum alanine aminotransferase.
    • Viral excretion peaked early in the disease course.
    • Fecal virus levels became undetectable before serum enzyme levels reached their peak.

    Conclusions:

    • Symptomatic individuals with hepatitis A are unlikely to be significant transmitters of the virus.
    • Immune electron microscopy is a valuable tool for identifying the period of HAV communicability.
    • Standard fecal precautions may not be routinely necessary for hospitalized hepatitis A patients.

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