22.
The severity and course of hepatitis B infections depends upon several factors,
including the initial d__e of virus, i___cy of the host, and overall h__h of the
individual prior to infection.
The most frequent response is an a____-_ic infection. In this case, the patient's
symptoms are so m__d that the patient is un___e of the infection or considers the
illness as minor. Anti-HBs and anti-HBc levels are detectable and lasting immunity
results.
The period of acute infection usually lasts one to six (weeks) (months). The
symptoms may be mild to quite severe. The infection is considered resolved with
the production of anti-HB_.
The classic definition of chronic hepatitis is a person who exhibits HBsAg p__ty
and/or elevated liver e_s for more than six months. It can last as little as one
(month) (year) or as long as several d___s. Chronic HBV can be mild or quite
s___e. Two classifications of chronic hepatitis B exist: chronic p____t hepatitis
(CPH) and chronic a___e hepatitis (CAH).
One to three percent of acute HBV infections progress to the stage f____t
infection. The diagnosis of fulminant hepatitis is reserved for patients with signs
and symptoms of l___r failure during the course of acute hepatitis. Serum bili___n
and liver e_____s are extremely high and immunological markers are similar to
those in typical acute hepatitis. Death usually results from the destruction of at
least (50, 70, and 90 percent of the body's liver.
23.
Little is known as to the true structure and classification of the hepatitis _ virus. It
is thought to be a s___e-stranded RNA virus and is considered to be a d____ve
agent since it requires the presence of HBsAg in order to r____e.
The HDV is transmissible via the p______l route. Persons with frequent and repeated
24.
blood exposures (drug a____s, hemophiliacs, multiple blood t_____ns, and so forth)
appear to be at higher risk for contacting this virus. Since HDV requires the
presence of H__, contact with body fluids contaminated with HBV may also result
in the transmission of H__. Delta infection should be suspected in patients with
fulminant hepatitis and in c___c HBV carriers who have a sudden deterioration in
clinical course.
25.
Considering HDV immunological assays, anti-HDV IgM indicates
(acute) (chronic) infection. Anti-HDV indicates r____t HDV infection or
progression to c_____c infection.
MD0838
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