Hepatitis A virus infection: Is it an important hazard to public health?

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection usually spreads through the fecal-oral route. It is an acute, self-limiting disease with a mild course that is often silent in pediatric cases. However, this infection can be more severe and even fatal in older individuals. It usually has an uncomplicated course; however, complications such as cholestatic hepatitis, relapsing hepatitis, extrahepatic manifestations, or rarely, fulminant hepatitis and even death may occur. These complications are more prevalent in adults, especially those more than 40 years of age. Superimposed infection in patients with chronic liver disease, particularly hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection, may accentuate the disease course and cause acute liver failure (1). The rate of spread and prevalence of infection in each community depends on the hygiene conditions and sanitation status. Because the virus sheds as early as 2 weeks prior to the onset of jaundice, the disease can be transmitted by asymptomatic persons during the incubation period of the virus. Three strategies for HAV prevention have been suggested in high-risk groups. The c 2011 Kowsar M.P.Co. All rights reserved. Please cite this paper as: Saberifiroozi M. Hepatitis A virus infection: Is it an important hazard to public health? Hepat Mon. 2011;11(4):235-7. Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education: In order to emphasize the importance of HAV prevalence in normal population, we invite all researcher to read this article especially who are involved for making health policies.