Vaccines & Acute Hep.A.

[DJ Trance AZ, BSN, RN]

OK I am trying to put together a hepatitis brochure. However, while during the research, I have come across this question:

1). When one is going thru. an acute Hep.A infection, why can't they get a shot of immunoglobulins to help neutralize the virus? As from my sources, current treatments for acute Hep.A is bedrest+nutritional+fluids support. This question came up to me when I was reading the vaccines for Hep.A. One section in my textbook stated that for post-exposure of hep.A virus, you can have a shot of immunoglobulins...but they don't include this as the treatment for acute Hep.A infection.

Can somebody pls. help me out? I am kinda confused, thanks!

.Eric

[NurseNat]

You can only give immunglobulin 14 days post-exposure accoriding to our CDC manual.

[DJ Trance AZ, BSN, RN]

Hmm, thanks for your response, NurseNat. So I think time is the main issue for those immunoglobulins eh.

Anyway, I have put together a hepatitis brochure for people with hepatitis; it still needs revisions. If you are interested in checking out my brochure, please let me know :)

.ERiC

[NurseNat]

Yep, timing is critical.

According to the Red Book on Communicable Diseases (2003) "Immune Globulin for IM administration, when given within 2 weeks after exposure to HAV, is greater than 85% effective in preventing symptomatic infection. The use of IG more than two weeks after the most recent exposure is not indicated." Doesn't say why, but I assume it is related to the incubation period, which is approx. two weeks.

[larrystaton]

Yep, timing is critical.

According to the Red Book on Communicable Diseases (2003) "Immune Globulin for IM administration, when given within 2 weeks after exposure to HAV, is greater than 85% effective in preventing symptomatic infection. The use of IG more than two weeks after the most recent exposure is not indicated." Doesn't say why, but I assume it is related to the incubation period, which is approx. two weeks.

If the exposure is after 14 days then Immune Gloubulin is not effective, because the virus will have already infected the body. Immune globulin will only be effective if given before infection has taken place. The incubation period for Hep A infection is 15-50 days with an average of 28-30 days. Once a person is infected, the virus has to run its course. There is no specific treatment that's effective. And as a public health worker for the past 13 years, I can tell you that this disease usually makes people (especially adults) very very sick. I've seen AST/ALT levels go as high as 10,000 in some clients. Luckily though, long-term immunity lasts after a single infection. If you ever eat out in restaurants and haven't received your Hepatitis A vaccine, please do so. You do not want this virus!!