Gastroenterology & Hepatology — Flashcards

Flashcard 521: What are the primary serologic tests for Hepatitis A diagnosis? Acute infection = _____ Past infection/Immunity = Anti-HAV IgG

Answer: Anti-HAV IgM

Extra: Hepatitis A is a self-limiting viral infection transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Serology is the primary method of diagnosis: - **Anti-HAV IgM**: Detectable at the onset of symptoms, peaks early, and disappears within 3-6 months. Indicates **acute infection**. - **Anti-HAV IgG**: Appears shortly after IgM and persists for life, providing immunity. Indicates **past infection or vaccination**. - **HAV RNA (PCR)**: Can detect the virus in blood/stool before IgM appears, but is not standard clinical practice.

Flashcard 522: Hepatitis B serology: _____ is positive when there is immunity from previous infection or vaccination

Answer: Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs)

Flashcard 523: Hepatitis B can be transmitted during child birth due to infected bodily fluids (_____)

Answer: vertical transmission

Flashcard 524: There are 3 main types of hepatitis B; _____ & Fulminant, Chronic

Answer: Acute

Flashcard 525: Hepatitis A is transmitted via the _____

Answer: faecal-oral route

Flashcard 526: Hepatitis A serology with +ve HAV-IgM & +ve HAV-IgG indicates _____

Answer: acute hepatitis A infection

Flashcard 527: Hepatitis B serology: HbsAg _____ Anti-HBs -ve Anti-HBc -ve = susceptible

Answer: -ve

Flashcard 528: _____ is a self-limiting infection with hepatitis A virus that causes inflammation of the liver

Answer: Hepatitis A

Flashcard 529: What investigatory result helps distinguish between alcoholic hepatitis and viral hepatitis?

Answer: AST:ALT ratio. - **Alcoholic hepatitis**: Ratio > 2:1 (AST is usually <300-500 IU/L). - **Viral hepatitis**: Ratio ~ 1:1 (Both AST and ALT are markedly elevated, often >1000 IU/L, with ALT > AST).

Flashcard 530: Hepatitis B serology: _____ is positive when there is previous or current infection

Answer: Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc)