Which of the following is true regarding the viral infection hepatitis A?

• A. It is caused by a DNA virus.
• B. It commonly leads to chronic liver disease.
• C. It is typically treated with antibiotics.
• D. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of hepatitis A virus (HAV). Recognize that HAV is an RNA virus, not a DNA virus. This helps eliminate the option stating it is caused by a DNA virus.
2. Step 2: Consider the disease progression of hepatitis A. Unlike hepatitis B or C, hepatitis A does not commonly lead to chronic liver disease; it usually causes an acute, self-limiting infection.
3. Step 3: Review treatment options for viral infections. Antibiotics target bacteria, not viruses, so hepatitis A is not treated with antibiotics.
4. Step 4: Identify the primary mode of transmission for hepatitis A. It is well-known that hepatitis A spreads mainly through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated food or water.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct statement about hepatitis A is that it is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, based on the virus type, disease course, treatment, and transmission mode.