Which hepatitis virus is known for causing acute but not chronic infections?

Hepatitis A virus (HEP A) is known specifically for causing acute infections that are usually self-limiting and do not progress to chronic conditions. This is significant because HEP A is typically transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often associated with contaminated food or water. Individuals infected with HEP A can experience symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort, but the infection does not remain in the body long-term.

In contrast, HEP B and HEP C can lead to chronic infections in some individuals. HEP B can cause both acute and chronic liver disease, and some people can remain carriers of the virus indefinitely. HEP C typically progresses to a chronic state in a significant number of cases, leading to long-term liver issues. HEP D, on the other hand, can only occur in conjunction with HEP B and similarly can lead to chronic infections.

Thus, HEP A is uniquely recognized for its acute nature without the risk of chronic infection, distinguishing it clearly from the other hepatitis viruses.