Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A infection is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Humans are the only known reservoir. HAV infection is usually a self-limited illness that does not become chronic. Fulminant hepatic failure occurs in less than 1 percent of cases. Infection confers lifelong immunity and is preventable via vaccination. HAV is a member of the genus Heparnavirus in the family Picornaviridae family. Two clinical forms of hepatitis were recognized in 1947 and designated hepatitis A and hepatitis B; subsequently, the virus that causes hepatitis A was identified in 1973. Other terms previously used for hepatitis A virus infection include epidemic jaundice, acute catarrhal jaundice, and campaign jaundice.