Hepatitis A Differential Diagnoses

  • Author: Richard K Gilroy, MBBS, FRACP; Chief Editor: Julian Katz, MD   more...
 
Updated: Aug 25, 2011
 
 

Diagnostic Considerations

The main condition to be considered in the differential diagnosis for acute hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. The 2 viruses have a similar clinical presentation and the same mode of transmission, and both are common in developing countries. Dual infection is believed to occur. Data on this implication (ie, prognosis, disease course) are not available.

See the following for more information:

Other problems to be considered include the following:

  • Acute drug-induced liver injury (eg, acetaminophen, Ecstasy)
  • Acute HIV infection[13]
  • Drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions (eg, sulfasalazine hypersensitivity)

Differential Diagnoses

Proceed to Workup
 
 
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Richard K Gilroy, MBBS, FRACP  Associate Professor, Medical Director of Liver Transplantation and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kansas University Medical Center

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Sandeep Mukherjee, MB, BCh, MPH, FRCPC  Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center; Consulting Staff, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Veteran Affairs Medical Center

Sandeep Mukherjee, MB, BCh, MPH, FRCPC is a member of the following medical societies: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Disclosure: Merck Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Ikaria Pharmaceuticals Honoraria Board membership

Specialty Editor Board

George Y Wu, MD, PhD  Professor, Department of Medicine, Director, Hepatology Section, Herman Lopata Chair in Hepatitis Research, University of Connecticut School of Medicine

George Y Wu, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American Gastroenterological Association, American Medical Association, American Society for Clinical Investigation, and Association of American Physicians

Disclosure: Springer Consulting fee Consulting; Gilead Consulting fee Review panel membership; Gilead Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Bristol-Myers Squibb Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Springer Royalty Review panel membership

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Chief Editor

Julian Katz, MD  Clinical Professor of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine

Julian Katz, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Physicians, American Gastroenterological Association, American Geriatrics Society, American Medical Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics, American Trauma Society, Association of American Medical Colleges, and Physicians for Social Responsibility

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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  2. Kaplan G, Totsuka A, Thompson P et al. Identification of a surface glycoprotein on African green monkey kidney cells as a receptor for hepatitis A virus. EMBO J. Aug 15 1996;15(16):4282-96. [Medline].

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  13. Mofenson LM, Brady MT, Danner SP, et al. Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections among HIV-exposed and HIV-infected children: recommendations from CDC, the National Institutes of Health, the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. MMWR Recomm Rep. Sep 4 2009;58:1-166. [Medline].

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  17. Klevens RM, Miller JT, Iqbal K, Thomas A, Rizzo EM, Hanson H, et al. The evolving epidemiology of hepatitis a in the United States: incidence and molecular epidemiology from population-based surveillance, 2005-2007. Arch Intern Med. Nov 8 2010;170(20):1811-8. [Medline].

  18. Costas L, Vilella A, Trilla A, et al. Vaccination strategies against hepatitis A in travelers older than 40 years: an economic evaluation. J Travel Med. Sep-Oct 2009;16(5):344-8. [Medline].

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