Viral hepatitis A is an acute anthroponotic viral disease characterized by inflammation of the liver parenchyma, which is accompanied by necrosis of hepatocytes with impaired liver function. Viral hepatitis A refers to an intestinal infection. The reservoir and source of infection is a person in prejaundice, jaundice period, as well as asymptomatic and inapparent forms of infection. The mechanism of transmission is fecal-oral. Transmission of infection by water, food and household contact.

Viral hepatitis A is more often registered among pre-school and school-age children, which is associated with poor personal hygiene, use of unboiled water, and frequent eating in fast food outlets.

To prevent viral hepatitis it is necessary to carry out prevention of viral hepatitis A. The main preventive measures are: the use by the population of good quality boiled water, according to hygienic requirements, compliance with the rules of food storage in the preparation of food, which is subject to heat treatment, ensuring control in institutions of general nutrition among children and adults, identification of the source of infection and early laboratory diagnosis (ELISA JgM), among children of preschool and school age, identification of patients with virus.

Immunoglobulin prophylaxis is effective during the pre-seasonal increase of the disease, providing protection for 3-4 months. Vaccination coverage provides a 2-3 fold reduction in the incidence of the disease.

Vaccine prophylaxis is currently used, which forms active immunity in 21-28 days for a long time. Vaccination against hepatitis A provides reliable protection against infections.

Pachajanova H.N., Khakimova Z.F., Senior lecturers of the department at the infectious diseases department 

of the SEI “Avicenna Tajik State Medical University”

translated Ismoilov R.