Hepatitis A
By- Alana Hill
Causes
Hepatitis A is highly contagious, and can be transmitted through eating food handled by someone with the virus who doesn't thoroughly wash his or her hands after using the toilet, drinking contaminated water, eating raw shellfish from water polluted with sewage, being in close contact with a person who's infected — even if that person has no signs or symptoms, or having sex with someone who has the virus.
Symptoms
Some symptoms are pain in the abdomen, joints, or muscles, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, itching, weight loss, or yellow skin and eyes
How Does it Replicate?
Hepatitis A replicates only using the lytic cycle. First, the virus attaches to the cell. Next, viral DNA Circularizes around the cell. After that, new Viral DNA and proteins are synthesized. Lastly, the cell lyses (busts) releasing viruses.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment other than getting rest and keeping hydrated. It is advised to stay away from alcohol and fatty foods.
The Immune Cells involved in immune response are T- Cells
Prevention
There is a vaccine available to prevent hepatitis A. This vaccine is a two dose vaccine, with one initial shot and one booster shot 6 months later.