How are Hepatitis A and E diagnosed?
The diagnosis of hepatitis A and hepatitis E depends, to a large extent, upon a comprehensive clinical history and physical examination, with particular attention paid to risk factors. Risk factors include: recent travel, exposure to contaminated shellfish, sexual promiscuity, hepatotoxic drugs, and intravenous drug use. Hepatitis A is diagnosed by a simple blood test that identifies the IgM antibody. Hepatitis E viral particles may be detected in the stool, or the disease may be diagnosed through the detection of IgM and IgG antibodies in the blood.
