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World J Hepatol. May 27, 2026; 18(5): 117837
Published online May 27, 2026. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v18.i5.117837
Published online May 27, 2026. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v18.i5.117837
Hepatitis A virus-induced autoimmune hepatitis: A case-based review
Jakub Janczura, Michał Brzdęk, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce 25-516, Poland
Michał Brzdęk, Department of Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 92-213, Poland
Kinga Brzdęk, Department of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Nicolaus Copernicus Memorial Hospital, Lodz 93-513, Poland
Piotr Lewitowicz, Nina Zbylut, Krystyna Dobrowolska, Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce 25-317, Poland
Dorota Zarębska-Michaluk, Piotr M Stępień, Department of Infectious Diseases and Allergology, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce 25-516, Poland
Author contributions: Janczura J, Brzdęk M, Brzdęk K, Zarębska-Michaluk D, and Dobrowolska K contributed to the writing and editing of the manuscript; Janczura J, Zarębska-Michaluk D, and Dobrowolska K additionally responsible for the study concept and literature review; Janczura J further undertaking graphic design; Lewitowicz P and Zbylut N performed the histopathological description of liver biopsy specimens and prepared the images; Stępień PM contributed to the editing of the manuscript; and all authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
AI contribution statement: The author only used Grammarly to edit the text, solely for language polishing. This manuscript was not generated by an AI. No part of the manuscript was created by an AI (abstract, materials and methods, results, discussion, conclusion). No AI was used for data analysis, research design, or data interpretation. No images were generated by AI.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Dorota Zarębska-Michaluk, Department of Infectious Diseases and Allergology, Jan Kochanowski University, Radiowa 7, Kielce 25-516, Poland.
Received: December 17, 2025
Revised: January 4, 2026
Accepted: February 24, 2026
Published online: May 27, 2026
Processing time: 160 Days and 12.6 Hours
Revised: January 4, 2026
Accepted: February 24, 2026
Published online: May 27, 2026
Processing time: 160 Days and 12.6 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: This article explores the emerging link between acute hepatitis A virus infection and the onset of autoimmune hepatitis, integrating current evidence with clinical experience. It highlights the immunopathogenic mechanisms potentially responsible for hepatitis A virus-triggered autoimmunity and discusses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in distinguishing post-viral hepatitis from de novo autoimmune hepatitis. Emphasizing the importance of early recognition and guideline-based management, the review underscores how awareness of this rare but significant association can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.