Transmission, Pathology, and Prevention Strategies of Hepatitis A Virus

Abstract

Hepatitis A virus (HAV), a gastrointestinal virus primarily transmitted through food and water sources, poses a significant threat to global public health. HAV is mainly spread through the fecal-oral route, and transmission occurs in environments with contaminated food, unsafe drinking water, and poor sanitation. HAV infection damages liver cells and leads to a range of clinical symptoms, including jaundice, nausea, and fatigue. Prevention and control strategies for hepatitis A mainly encompass vaccination, health education, and improving environmental hygiene. Additionally, considering the distribution of HAV genotypes, tailored prevention and control strategies are necessary for different regions and populations. This review article aims to systematically summarize the transmission routes, pathological characteristics, and prevention strategies of HAV. It contributes to a deeper understanding of HAV transmission, pathological mechanisms, and multi-layered preventive measures, thus providing a scientific foundation for raising public awareness and strengthening disease prevention and control.