What is the characteristic aminotransferase pattern in hepatitis A?

In hepatitis A infection, the typical aminotransferase pattern observed is characterized by elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) that exceed those of aspartate aminotransferase (AST). This pattern, where ALT is greater than AST, is indicative of hepatocellular injury and is particularly common in viral hepatitis, with hepatitis A being no exception.

ALT is found predominantly in the liver, making it a more specific marker for liver injury compared to AST, which is present in various tissues including the liver, heart, and muscles. In cases of acute viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis A, ALT levels can increase significantly and often exceed AST levels by more than a 2:1 ratio. This pattern can help differentiate hepatitis A from other causes of liver inflammation.

The other potential patterns do not represent the characteristic elevation of aminotransferases seen specifically in hepatitis A. In other forms of liver disease, such as alcoholic liver disease or chronic hepatitis, AST may be greater than ALT or both may remain at similar levels, but such patterns are not typical for hepatitis A specifically.