Hepatitis A and B Infections

Hepatitis A virus causes acute viral hepatitis, presenting with jaundice, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms are self-limited and treated symptomatically. Routine vaccination of infants has greatly reduced the incidence in the United States. Vaccination is recommended for all infants and adults at increased risk. Hepatitis B virus can cause acute and chronic viral hepatitis. Acute hepatitis B is usually self-limited, but can develop into a chronic infection. Patients are at highest risk for developing chronic disease if they are infected at a younger age. Routine vaccination and universal screening of pregnant women has decreased the transmission of hepatitis B virus.