Hepatitis A MCQs With Answer

Hepatitis A MCQs With Answer

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Master Hepatitis A MCQs With Answer tailored for B.Pharm students to sharpen clinical knowledge, vaccine pharmacology, diagnostics, and public health strategies. This concise, Student-friendly guide covers HAV virology, transmission, incubation, serology (IgM/IgG), inactivated vaccines (Havrix, Vaqta, Twinrix), post-exposure prophylaxis with vaccine or immune globulin, and principles of outbreak control and patient counseling. Focused questions emphasize vaccine schedules, indications, adverse effects, and lab interpretation relevant to pharmacy practice and patient care. Whether studying for exams or clinical rotations, these targeted MCQs reinforce understanding of prevention, diagnosis, and management of Hepatitis A. Now let’s test your knowledge with 50 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. Which of the following best describes the Hepatitis A virus (HAV)?

  • Enveloped double-stranded DNA virus
  • Non-enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus
  • Enveloped, negative-sense RNA virus
  • Non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA virus

Correct Answer: Non-enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus

Q2. What is the primary route of transmission for Hepatitis A?

  • Blood-borne transmission via needles
  • Respiratory droplets
  • Fecal-oral route through contaminated food or water
  • Sexual transmission only

Correct Answer: Fecal-oral route through contaminated food or water

Q3. Typical incubation period for Hepatitis A infection is closest to:

  • 2–7 days
  • 15–50 days
  • 60–120 days
  • Over 6 months

Correct Answer: 15–50 days

Q4. Which serological marker indicates acute or recent Hepatitis A infection?

  • Anti-HAV IgG
  • Anti-HAV IgM
  • HbsAg
  • Anti-HBc IgM

Correct Answer: Anti-HAV IgM

Q5. Which serological marker indicates past infection or successful vaccination against Hepatitis A?

  • Anti-HAV IgM
  • HAV RNA by PCR
  • Anti-HAV IgG
  • HBeAg

Correct Answer: Anti-HAV IgG

Q6. Hepatitis A vaccines used in routine prophylaxis are of which type?

  • Live attenuated vaccine
  • Fractional subunit peptide vaccine
  • Formalin-inactivated whole-virus vaccine
  • DNA vaccine

Correct Answer: Formalin-inactivated whole-virus vaccine

Q7. Standard primary vaccination schedule for inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine in immunocompetent adults is:

  • Single dose only
  • Two doses given 6–12 months apart
  • Three doses at 0, 1, and 6 months
  • Annual booster doses

Correct Answer: Two doses given 6–12 months apart

Q8. For post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in a healthy 25-year-old household contact exposed to HAV within 2 weeks, the preferred intervention is:

  • Immediate antiviral medication
  • Single dose of hepatitis A vaccine
  • No intervention required
  • Lifetime prophylactic antibiotics

Correct Answer: Single dose of hepatitis A vaccine

Q9. Which of the following groups is routinely recommended to receive Hepatitis A vaccination?

  • Infants under 6 months in non-endemic areas
  • Travelers to areas with high or intermediate HAV endemicity
  • All elderly persons over 65 only
  • Patients with chronic tuberculosis only

Correct Answer: Travelers to areas with high or intermediate HAV endemicity

Q10. Which group is at higher risk for severe or fulminant Hepatitis A?

  • Young healthy children
  • Individuals with chronic liver disease
  • Those vaccinated within the last year
  • Children under 2 years only

Correct Answer: Individuals with chronic liver disease

Q11. In acute viral hepatitis, which liver enzyme is typically higher?

  • Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) > ALT
  • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > ALT
  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > AST
  • Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) > AST

Correct Answer: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > AST

Q12. Which of the following is a commercial inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine brand?

  • Engerix-B
  • Havrix
  • Gardasil
  • Fluarix

Correct Answer: Havrix

Q13. Twinrix vaccine provides combined immunization against which viruses?

  • Hepatitis A and influenza
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Hepatitis B and C
  • Hepatitis A and E

Correct Answer: Hepatitis A and B

Q14. For passive immunization after exposure, which product is used?

  • Monoclonal anti-HAV tablets
  • Human immune globulin (IG)
  • Antiviral protease inhibitors
  • Oral cholera vaccine

Correct Answer: Human immune globulin (IG)

Q15. How long does protection typically last after completing the two-dose Hepatitis A vaccine series in immunocompetent persons?

  • Less than 1 year
  • 1–5 years
  • At least 20 years and possibly lifelong
  • Only 6 months

Correct Answer: At least 20 years and possibly lifelong

Q16. Which of the following is the mainstay of treatment for uncomplicated Hepatitis A?

  • Ribavirin therapy
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Supportive care and symptomatic management
  • Immediate corticosteroids

Correct Answer: Supportive care and symptomatic management

Q17. Hepatitis A virus is characterized by how many major serotypes that are immunologically cross-reactive?

  • Multiple serotypes with frequent antigenic variation
  • Single serotype
  • Dozens of serotypes requiring strain-specific vaccines
  • No serotypes, only genotypes matter

Correct Answer: Single serotype

Q18. Which of the following foods is classically associated with Hepatitis A outbreaks if contaminated?

  • Pasteurized milk
  • Raw or undercooked shellfish
  • Well-cooked poultry
  • Bottled water from sealed containers

Correct Answer: Raw or undercooked shellfish

Q19. The primary site of Hepatitis A replication in the human body is:

  • Lymph nodes
  • Intestinal epithelium only
  • Hepatocytes (liver cells)
  • Red blood cells

Correct Answer: Hepatocytes (liver cells)

Q20. Molecular detection of active HAV infection is most reliably performed by detecting:

  • Anti-HAV IgG in serum
  • HAV RNA in blood or stool by PCR
  • Hepatitis B surface antigen
  • Anti-HAV IgM only in urine

Correct Answer: HAV RNA in blood or stool by PCR

Q21. Which adjuvant is commonly used in inactivated Hepatitis A vaccines to enhance immune response?

  • Aluminium salts (aluminium hydroxide)
  • AS03 oil-in-water emulsion
  • CpG oligodeoxynucleotides
  • No adjuvant is used

Correct Answer: Aluminium salts (aluminium hydroxide)

Q22. Post-exposure prophylaxis (vaccine or IG) is most effective if given within what time frame after exposure?

  • Within 48 hours only
  • Within 2 weeks
  • Within 2 months
  • Only after symptoms appear

Correct Answer: Within 2 weeks

Q23. Routine childhood Hepatitis A vaccination in many national schedules begins at what age?

  • At birth
  • 6 months
  • 12 months
  • 6 years

Correct Answer: 12 months

Q24. A laboratory report showing positive anti-HAV IgG and negative anti-HAV IgM most likely indicates:

  • Acute recent infection
  • Past infection or successful vaccination (immunity)
  • Vaccination failure
  • False-positive result only

Correct Answer: Past infection or successful vaccination (immunity)

Q25. Which physical property contributes to HAV’s ability to persist in the environment and resist inactivation?

  • Enveloped structure with lipid membrane
  • Non-enveloped capsid making it acid-stable
  • Sensitivity to gastric acid
  • Dependence on an insect vector

Correct Answer: Non-enveloped capsid making it acid-stable

Q26. Hepatitis A virus belongs to which viral family?

  • Flaviviridae
  • Picornaviridae
  • Herpesviridae
  • Hepadnaviridae

Correct Answer: Picornaviridae

Q27. Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of acute Hepatitis A?

  • Jaundice
  • Anorexia and nausea
  • High-grade chronic productive cough
  • Right upper quadrant abdominal discomfort

Correct Answer: High-grade chronic productive cough

Q28. Hepatitis A infection differs from hepatitis B and C in that it typically:

  • Leads to chronic infection in most cases
  • Causes persistent carrier state
  • Does not progress to chronic hepatitis and rarely causes chronic infection
  • Is best treated with long-term antivirals

Correct Answer: Does not progress to chronic hepatitis and rarely causes chronic infection

Q29. The most important public health measures to prevent community spread of Hepatitis A are:

  • Widespread antibiotic prophylaxis
  • Vaccination and improved sanitation (water and hygiene)
  • Monthly mass screening of all citizens
  • Elimination of all shellfish consumption

Correct Answer: Vaccination and improved sanitation (water and hygiene)

Q30. Which marker typically appears first in the course of Hepatitis A infection?

  • Anti-HAV IgG
  • Anti-HAV IgM
  • Hepatitis B core antibody
  • Anti-HAV IgA

Correct Answer: Anti-HAV IgM

Q31. Which population is specifically recommended to receive Hepatitis A vaccination due to increased risk?

  • Men who have sex with men (MSM)
  • People who avoid travel
  • Persons exclusively drinking bottled water
  • Individuals with no sexual activity

Correct Answer: Men who have sex with men (MSM)

Q32. Recommended storage conditions for most inactivated Hepatitis A vaccines are:

  • Room temperature (15–25°C)
  • Frozen at −20°C
  • Refrigerated at 2–8°C
  • Stored in direct sunlight

Correct Answer: Refrigerated at 2–8°C

Q33. A contraindication to receiving Hepatitis A vaccine includes:

  • History of severe allergic reaction to a prior dose or vaccine component
  • Mild upper respiratory infection
  • Family history of allergy to eggs
  • Age over 40 years

Correct Answer: History of severe allergic reaction to a prior dose or vaccine component

Q34. For infants less than 12 months of age exposed to Hepatitis A, the recommended post-exposure prophylaxis is:

  • Single dose of inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine
  • Oral antibiotics
  • Human immune globulin (IG)
  • No prophylaxis is effective

Correct Answer: Human immune globulin (IG)

Q35. Peak shedding of HAV in stool and highest infectivity typically occurs:

  • Several months after recovery
  • 1–2 weeks before symptom onset and early in illness
  • Only after symptoms resolve
  • Only in chronic carriers

Correct Answer: 1–2 weeks before symptom onset and early in illness

Q36. Which environmental control measure effectively inactivates HAV in contaminated water?

  • Standard household refrigeration
  • Proper chlorination and boiling of water
  • Freezing water to −5°C
  • Exposure to sunlight for 10 minutes

Correct Answer: Proper chlorination and boiling of water

Q37. The most common adverse reaction after inactivated Hepatitis A vaccination is:

  • Severe anaphylaxis in most recipients
  • Persistent high fever requiring hospitalization
  • Local injection-site pain or soreness
  • Renal failure

Correct Answer: Local injection-site pain or soreness

Q38. Is a routine booster dose recommended for immunocompetent adults after completing the standard Hepatitis A vaccine series?

  • Yes, annually
  • Yes, every 5 years
  • No routine booster is recommended
  • Only if traveling annually

Correct Answer: No routine booster is recommended

Q39. A key laboratory indicator of severe liver dysfunction in fulminant hepatitis A would be:

  • Normal INR
  • Decreased bilirubin with normal enzymes
  • Prolonged INR indicating coagulopathy
  • Low serum creatinine only

Correct Answer: Prolonged INR indicating coagulopathy

Q40. To reduce the risk of foodborne Hepatitis A from shellfish, the safest consumer practice is to:

  • Eat raw oysters frequently
  • Thaw shellfish at room temperature
  • Cook shellfish thoroughly before consumption
  • Rinse shellfish briefly with cold water

Correct Answer: Cook shellfish thoroughly before consumption

Q41. In which phase of infection is Hepatitis A most likely to be transmitted to others?

  • During the chronic carrier state
  • Before symptom onset and in early illness
  • Only after full recovery
  • Transmission is only by mother-to-child at birth

Correct Answer: Before symptom onset and in early illness

Q42. The Hepatitis A vaccine contains which of the following:

  • Live attenuated HAV
  • Inactivated (killed) HAV antigen
  • Conjugated polypeptide from HAV
  • No viral antigen, only toxin

Correct Answer: Inactivated (killed) HAV antigen

Q43. Serologic testing for immunity after vaccination is usually measured by the presence of:

  • Anti-HAV IgM
  • Anti-HAV IgG (protective antibody)
  • Hepatitis B surface antibody
  • Elevated ALT only

Correct Answer: Anti-HAV IgG (protective antibody)

Q44. Which statement about Twinrix is correct?

  • It is a live-attenuated combined vaccine
  • It contains inactivated hepatitis A and inactivated hepatitis B antigens
  • It protects against hepatitis A and hepatitis C
  • It is given as a single lifetime dose

Correct Answer: It contains inactivated hepatitis A and inactivated hepatitis B antigens

Q45. In regions of high HAV endemicity, the epidemiologic pattern typically shows:

  • Most symptomatic disease in adults due to lack of childhood exposure
  • Early childhood infection with many asymptomatic cases and lifelong immunity
  • Very low seroprevalence in adults
  • No fecal-oral transmission

Correct Answer: Early childhood infection with many asymptomatic cases and lifelong immunity

Q46. During an outbreak, molecular sequencing of HAV isolates is used primarily to:

  • Determine antiviral susceptibility
  • Track transmission chains and identify outbreak source
  • Measure liver enzyme levels
  • Replace the need for serology

Correct Answer: Track transmission chains and identify outbreak source

Q47. Which statement about antibiotic use in Hepatitis A infection is correct?

  • Antibiotics are essential to treat viral HAV infection
  • Antibiotics reduce HAV replication
  • Antibiotics are not indicated for Hepatitis A unless there is a bacterial co-infection
  • All patients with HAV require prophylactic antibiotics

Correct Answer: Antibiotics are not indicated for Hepatitis A unless there is a bacterial co-infection

Q48. Clearance of Hepatitis A virus from infected hepatocytes is primarily mediated by:

  • B cells producing IgE
  • Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (cell-mediated) immune response
  • Neutrophil extracellular traps
  • Complement activation only

Correct Answer: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (cell-mediated) immune response

Q49. Administration of immune globulin (IG) can interfere with the response to which type of vaccines if given concurrently?

  • Inactivated vaccines only
  • Live vaccines such as MMR and varicella
  • All toxoid vaccines
  • Topical vaccines

Correct Answer: Live vaccines such as MMR and varicella

Q50. Long-term public health control of Hepatitis A is best achieved by:

  • Relying solely on antibiotics during outbreaks
  • Combining targeted vaccination programs with improved water, sanitation, and hygiene
  • Isolating all food handlers permanently
  • Vaccinating only after symptomatic cases emerge

Correct Answer: Combining targeted vaccination programs with improved water, sanitation, and hygiene

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