Analysis index

Serology: 1 ml serum

PCR: Bean-sized fresh stool sample (external service)

IgG: negative
IgM: negative
PCR: negative

Suspicion of hepatitis A infection, hepatitis A immunization status

Direct and indirect demonstration is reported to the health department by the laboratory by stating the patient’s name. Suspicion of an acute hepatitis A as well as illness and death have to be reported by the treating physician.

In Germany, hepatitis A is mainly seen as a travel-infection (Endemic areas: the Mediterranean, the Orient, Tropics and Subtropics). Mode of transmission is fecal-orally. Around 4 weeks after infection, quite often there is icterus with transaminase increase. Chronic courses of illness are not known; in case of pre-existent hepatitis B or C infection there may be fulminant courses with high lethality (rare). In case of an infection during pregnancy, a transplacental transmission is largely impossible. In approximately 15 % of cases, there is a prolonged and often cholestatic course of illness. At the start of a fresh hepatitis A, both IgG- and IgM antibodies can be seen at the same time. Prior to a planned vaccination, testing of anti-HAV-IgG is useful in younger patients. Following vaccination, a 10 – 15 year immunization protection can be assumed. Currently there is no experience as to the protection period in dependence on anti-HAV-IgG concentration. A virus demonstration in stool confirms a fresh hepatitis A and correlates with the infectiosity.

MVZ Prof. Dr. med. Gisela Enders & Kollegen Stuttgart