Which virus is most commonly responsible for causing acute jaundice?

- The Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis presenting with jaundice.
- It is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and typically causes an acute, self-limiting hepatitis characterized by sudden onset of symptoms such as fever, malaise, and jaundice.
- Unlike Hepatitis B and other viruses, HAV does not cause chronic infection.
- The incubation period of HAV is short (2-6 weeks), leading to rapid development of symptoms and jaundice.
- In contrast, hepatitis B virus is more frequently associated with chronic liver disease, and Epstein-Barr virus or cytomegalovirus typically cause mild or subclinical hepatitis without prominent jaundice.
- Therefore, the clinical presentation of acute jaundice is most commonly attributable to Hepatitis A virus.

Reference: Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 24th Edition, Chapter: Diseases of the Liver, Gall Bladder and Pancreas, Page 1061.