Hepatitis A — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyHepatitisHepatitis ASCE Infectious Diseases

A 28-year-old woman with HIV (CD4 580, VL <50, well on DTG/TAF/FTC) develops a positive Hepatitis A IgM during investigation for acute transaminitis. She reports eating shellfish at a restaurant. What is the expected clinical course?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Full recovery with lifelong immunity; chronic Hepatitis A does not occur

Hepatitis A is an acute self-limiting infection that does NOT progress to chronicity in any patient group, including those with HIV. Patients develop lifelong immunity after natural infection. However, HAV in patients with pre-existing liver disease (including HBV/HCV co-infection) can cause more severe acute hepatitis. No specific antiviral treatment exists. This case reinforces the importance of HAV vaccination in all PLWH who are susceptible (anti-HAV negative).

Reference: BHIVA 2024 – Vaccination guidelines; NICE CKS 2024 – Hepatitis A