Mycology and Virology (5021)

Viral Infections of
Hepatitis
Submitted by:
Julianna Viktoria F. Tumibay
Submitted to:
Sir Leonard John Bulan, RMT
 Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)
Morphology (HAV) is a member of the family Picornaviridae in the genus Enterovirus.
The virus possesses single-stranded RNA, + sense, icosahedral symmetry,
and no envelope and ranges in size from 24 nm to 30 nm.

Diagnosis Diagnosis most frequently is accomplished through clinical signs and

serological testing. If acute hepatitis is suspected, a differential diagnosis
must be made to identify the type of hepatitis virus.

Signs and Fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine,
Symptoms clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Treatment There is no specific antiviral treatment for acute HAV infection.

Supportive care is provided, including rest, adequate hydration, and
managing symptoms.

Prevention Hepatitis A vaccine is available for long-term protection to HAV. Immune

globulin may be given for short-term protection during the early incubation
period.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

Morphology (HBV) is a member of the family Hepadnaviridae and is a DNA-containing
virus with a complex capsid and icosahedral arrangement. HBV is a 42-
nm to 47-nm envelope with circular DNA, which is partially double-
stranded and partially single-stranded.

Diagnosis Currently, six HBV markers can be used in the diagnosis of infection. Tests
for HAV also may be necessary if a differential diagnosis is to be made.
The serological tests available for the diagnosis of HBV infection currently
are HBsAg, HBeAg, Anti-HBsAg, Anti-HBcAg-IgM, Anti-HBcAg, Anti-
HBeAb, and HBV-DNA

Signs and Many people with acute HBV infection may be asymptomatic. Symptoms
Symptoms can include fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, and dark
urine.
Treatment Antiviral medications may be prescribed to suppress viral replication and
reduce liver damage. In chronic cases, long-term management and
monitoring are required

Prevention Hepatitis B infection is controlled through carefully screening blood

donors, sterilization of dental and medical instruments, the practice of
blood-borne or standard precautions, and passive immunization through
the HBV vaccine. Other preventive measures include adherence to blood
and body fluid precautions; the use of personal
protective equipment, including gloves and eye protection; and precautions
when exposed to blood or body fluids, needles, and other sharps.
Disinfection of surfaces with 10% bleach is a suitable surface disinfectant
 Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
Morphology (HCV) is an RNA-containing virus with a lipid envelope, positive
(+) sense, and a size of 30 nm to 60 nm. HCV is in the viral family
Flaviviridae and in the genus Hepaciviral.
Diagnosis: Enterovirus infections can be diagnosed through PCR-based tests or
elevation of the liver enzyme ALT and the presence of anti-HBcAg
was used as a marker for HCV infection. infection. In 1990, the first
ELISA test to detect antibodies to HCV was made available.

Signs and Symptoms Many people with acute HCV infection are asymptomatic.
Symptoms, when present, can include fatigue, abdominal pain, loss
of appetite, jaundice, and dark urine.

Treatment Antiviral medications are used to target HCV and aim for viral
eradication. Treatment options have significantly improved in recent
years.

Prevention Avoiding sharing needles, using sterile medical equipment,

practicing safe sex, and taking precautions to prevent exposure to
contaminated blood.

Hepatitis D Virus (HDV)

Morphology It is a small virus with a size of 35 nm to 37 nm, which possesses
single-stranded RNA and is infective only in the presence of HBV.

Diagnosis Serological testing to detect HDV antigen, IgM antibody to HDV,

and total antibody to HDV is available.

Signs and Symptoms HDV infection can cause symptoms similar to those of HBV, ranging
from mild to severe liver disease.

Treatment There is no specific antiviral treatment for HDV. Management

focuses on controlling HBV infection and preventing liver damage.

Prevention Hepatitis B vaccination can prevent HDV in those persons who are
not infected with HBV.

Hepatitis E Virus (HEV)

Morphology It possesses single-stranded RNA and has a size of 32 nm to 34 nm.

Diagnosis: The infection is diagnosed clinically and through demonstration of

HEV RNA or by identifying antibodies to HEV. HEV also should be
considered in cases of hepatitis that cannot be attributed to serologic
markers for hepatitis A, B, or C in someone who has traveled to an
endemic area for HEV. Other laboratory diagnostic methods include
Western blot assays, PCR, and electron microscopy.
 Signs and Symptoms The disease resembles HAV, and symptoms include fever, fatigue,
loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice.

Treatment Treatment includes Supportive Care, hospitalization, and antiviral

therapy

Prevention Safe water and food practices, personal hygiene, vaccination, and
awareness and education.

References:

https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Microbiology/Microbiology

Introduction to Diagnostic Microbiology for the Laboratory Sciences