Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
8764102 Medicine 2018 4 Pages PDF
Abstract
Hepatitis is an important cause of infection in the returning traveller. Patients present with either a primary liver infection accompanied by jaundice, or a systemic febrile illness complicated by hepatitis (liver inflammation). Rarely, it can result in life-threatening fulminant liver failure. An accurate history narrows the differential diagnosis and allows the selection of appropriate investigations. Acute viral hepatitis A, B, C and E are endemic worldwide and often considered during initial investigations. However, it is important to rule out malaria and consider other important pathogens such as those for leptospirosis, infectious mononucleosis, yellow fever and dengue, as well as liver flukes. Despite the availability of effective vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, these are still important causes of illness in returning travellers. Hepatitis E is the most common cause of acute hepatitis in the UK and can cause severe disease in some population subgroups. The nature of travel is changing, with larger numbers of people visiting tropical and subtropical regions. This, combined with a growing interest in adventure sports, means that the myriad causes of hepatitis are likely to continue to be seen in travel clinics for the foreseeable future.
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