Hepatitis A virus (HAV) (HAV)

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the Picornaviridae family and is the causative agent of hepatitis A, an acute inflammatory liver disease (StatPearls, 2023). The virus is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, leading to symptoms such as jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain (WHO, 2023). Inactivated Hepatitis A viral antigens serve as the target for prophylactic vaccines, which are designed to elicit a robust and long-lasting immune response (CDC, 2023). Upon administration, these antigens are processed by the host's immune system to generate neutralizing antibodies that specifically target the viral capsid, preventing the virus from infecting hepatocytes (PubMed, PMID: 10843387). This mechanism of action provides effective protection against subsequent exposure to the wild-type virus. The use of these antigens in global vaccination programs has significantly reduced the incidence of HAV-related morbidity and mortality (NIH, 2022).

Other names

HAVHepatitis A virusInfectious hepatitis virusEnterovirus 72

Induction of active immunity through the production of neutralizing IgG antibodies against the Hepatitis A virus capsid.