A 42-year-old man experiences malaise and increasing icterus for 2 weeks. Physical examination shows jaundice, but there are no other significant findings. Serologic test results are positive for IgM anti-HAV and negative for anti-HCV, HBsAg, and IgM anti-HBc. Which of the following outcomes is most likely to occur in this man?
The detection of IgM anti-HAV indicates acute infection. Progression of HAV infection to chronic hepatitis does not occur, but a few cases are complicated by fulminant hepatitis. HAV viremia is transient, so blood-borne transmission of HAV is rare. HAV is spread by the fecal-oral route, such as raw shellfish from a bay in which raw sewage is dumped.
Chronic active hepatitis
Complete recovery
Fulminant hepatitis
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Liver & Biliary Tract