Virology mnemonic

Hepatitis viruses by transmission route

The mnemonic

A and E enteric, B C D blood

What each word stands for

  • A, EFaecal-oral spread; usually acute and self-limited
  • B, C, DParenteral, sexual and vertical spread; can become chronic

Why it matters clinically

Quick sorting of acute outbreaks from chronic carriers and transfusion risk.

Where it stops being reliable

Hepatitis E can be severe in pregnancy and can become chronic in immunosuppressed patients, so the split is not absolute.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Virology mnemonic?

A and E enteric, B C D blood. It helps you recall: Hepatitis viruses by transmission route.

What does "A, E" stand for?

Faecal-oral spread; usually acute and self-limited

What does "B, C, D" stand for?

Parenteral, sexual and vertical spread; can become chronic

What are all the parts of the A and E enteric, B C D blood mnemonic?

A, E: Faecal-oral spread; usually acute and self-limited; B, C, D: Parenteral, sexual and vertical spread; can become chronic.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Virology in Microbiology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Hepatitis E can be severe in pregnancy and can become chronic in immunosuppressed patients, so the split is not absolute.

How is this useful clinically?

Quick sorting of acute outbreaks from chronic carriers and transfusion risk.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Microbiology question about Virology.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.