Little is known about host defenses against this agent but immune serum does not seem to be an effective prophylactic remedy. Probably a combination of humoral and cell-mediated defenses are important. HAV has a low mortality but patients may be incapacitated for several weeks. It is spread via the fecal-oral route, person to person and reflects conditions of poor sanitation and overcrowding. The virus may be shed in the feces but there is no carrier state or progression to chronic liver disease.
Serology is the best method for determining infection.
A vaccine for HBV is available and effective. A vaccine against HCV is under study. 1997-2001 Douglas F. Fix. All rights reserved. Click here for information.