Classification: ICD-9 070.1; ICD-10 B15.

Synonyms: Epidemic hepatitis, infectious hepatitis, infectious jaundice, catarrhal jaundice.

Agent: Hepatitis A virus (HAV), a single stranded RNA virus, genus Hepatovirus in the family Picornaviridae.

Reservoir: Humans are the main reservoir; non-human primates can be infected, rarely.

Transmission: Person-to-person transmission via fecal–oral route (hands, food, water, sexual contact).

Cycle: After ingestion, the virus infects hepatocytes, resulting in periportal necrosis. The virus is shed via bile into the stool and contaminates the environment, leading to new infections in susceptible exposed individuals.

Incubation period: Commonly 28–30 days, ranging from 15 to 50 days.

Clinical findings

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