Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a small, unenveloped, symmetrical RNA virus (picornavirus). The HAV was first isolated by Purcell in 1973. Since the 1980s, specific antibody tests have helped reveal the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and natural history of HAV infection. Infection with the virus ranges from mild symptoms of nausea to, in very rare cases, liver failure. Symptoms are usually worse and the illness more often severe in older patients.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://patient.info/doctor/gastroenterology/hepatitis-a-pro