Secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with acute viral hepatitis A - A case series

Suprabhat Giri1, Chandramauli Mishra2, Prasanna Gore3

  • 1Associate Professor, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India.

Tropical Doctor
|June 4, 2025
PubMed

Hepatitis A-associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an uncommon but severe complication that arises from an exaggerated immune response triggered by multiple aetiology. HLH is characterised by excessive inflammation and tissue destruction due to abnormal immune activation, often leading to multi-organ failure and high mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Although HLH is more commonly associated with other viral infections, its occurrence with hepatitis A virus (HAV) is rare and primarily documented through case reports. The present case series aims to report the clinical presentations, diagnostic challenges, treatment strategies and outcomes of five cases of HAV-associated HLH.

Related Concept Videos

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...