Elaborate Study On Viral Hepatitis

by Lena Burkut Writer

Hepatitis is often known as an inflammation of the liver. In this condition, the vital organ: liver, that processes nutrients, filters blood and fights infection gets affected and its function tends to get slow. Hepatitis can either be caused by a hepatitis virus, or by alcohol, medications and certain medical conditions.

Hepatitis can hamper the functions of the liver which can be fatal.

Types of Hepatitis

Hepatitis virus can be of five types, referred to as A, B, C, D, and E. Although, A, B, C is the common and fatal one. They are transmitted by a virus and can last up to 6 months or less. Hepatitis B and C being the chronic one lasts longer as compared to type A. Hepatitis C, D, E can cause by alcohol or autoimmune condition.

Although, they are different in character and transmit in different ways, yet their symptoms tend to be similar in nature.

1) Hepatitis A

The virus named Hepatitis A can cause hepatitis A virus or HAV. Countries with poor sanitation can cause HAV. Ingestion of fecal matters from contact with food or drinks which gets contaminated by the stool of an infected person can spread hepatitis A without delay. It can stretch from a few weeks to several months. It is often mild, and the person gets recovered easily with effective vaccines.

2) Hepatitis B

The Hepatitis B virus causes this disease. It can spread either via blood, semen or any body fluid.

● Having penetrative sex with an infected person.

● Can be transmitted from an infected mother to the infant during birth or even during breastfeeding.

● Sharing things such as toothbrush or razor with an infected person.

● When a tattoo is made with the use of an unsterilized needle.

● Coming in contact with already infected injections during medical procedures.

This can be chronic and can cause a type of cancer known as hepatocellular carcinoma. Countries with the availability of proper vaccine can cure HBV on time but to be honest, in general, there are no proper medications available.

3) Hepatitis C

Exposure to infective blood causes the transmission of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Hepatitis C causes due to

● HCV contaminated blood.

● Contaminated injections used in medical procedures.

● Contaminated injection during drug use.

● There are chances of sexual transmission, but they are less likely to happen in general terms.

Although there is no such vaccine available for this, yet medicine such as Epclusa is used to treat hepatitis C in adults. It can be used to treat people with or without scarring of the liver or cirrhosis. This can be effective on first-time treatment or on people who could not accommodate with other medicines.

4) Hepatitis D

This can occur to people with HBV. Presence of HBV and HDV together can cause serious outcomes. Proper Hepatitis B vaccination or HBC can prevent Hepatitis D virus or HDV.

5) Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) can be seen in developing countries and also seen in developed countries. Contaminated water and food can be the cause of HEV. Effective and safe vaccines are available, but their presence is not widely available.

Treatment

Hepatitis A

● Avoiding alcohol and drugs during recovery.

● No proper vaccination is available.

● Most of the time, the patient gets recovered without any involvement.

Hepatitis B

● Complete rest and avoiding alcohol.

● Doctors might prescribe antiviral agent such as interferon

Hepatitis C

● Antiviral agents with ribavirin or without it.

● Treatments target the virus and prevent it from getting reproduced.

● Medicine like Epclusa can cure HCV in adults.

The following tests help in diagnosing Hepatitis :

1) Blood test

2) Nucleic Acid Tests

3) Liver Biopsy

4) Paracentesis

5) Elastography

6) Surrogate Markers.

Conclusion:

In India, there are more than 40 million cases of HBV infected patients after China. Hepatitis B is a serious health problem which is responsible for more than 1.4 million people worldwide.

All types of hepatitis can either have mild symptoms or no symptoms. It can appear after 15 to 180 days of getting infected. Although, Hepatitis A and C are curable. Hepatitis B can be cured only by vaccination and proper prevention methods.