In a followup to our last article on hepatitis, called Hepatitis: Rapid-Fire Basics, Dr. Sucharitha breaks down each type of hepatitis in detail.
1. Hepatitis A: Transmission and Key Facts
- It is the most common cause of viral hepatitis in children.
- It spreads mainly via the feacal-oral route, that is, through contaminated food and water.
- Maximal transmission of virus occurs during the incubation period and early phase of the disease.
- Normal heat does not destroy the virus.
- Vaccines are available against hepatitis A.
2. Hepatitis B: Risks and Transmission Details
- This is a notorious virus, because 5 to 15 % of the cases may be associated with an HIV infection.
- It is about a hundred times more infectious than the HIV. It’s transmitted by blood, sexual intercourse, and other bodily secretions, including saliva.
- Its symptom can be jaundice, but that occurs only in advanced stages.
- In an infected patient, all the body fluids contain the virus except the stool.
- Increases chances of liver cancer and cirrhosis.
- Vaccines are available for both infants and adults.
- While drugs are available, hepatitis B is difficult to treat, and prevention is prudent.
3. Hepatitis C: Bloodborne Transmission and Chronicity
- It is transmitted during blood transfusion or a needle-prick injury, common in frontline healthcare workers.
- This infection can present as acute or chronic.
- It is usually a chronic condition, and the most common cause of cirrhosis in India.
- It can also lead to liver cancer.
4. Hepatitis D: Co-infection with Hepatitis B
- It occurs as a co-infection with hepatitis B, since the virus cannot survive on its own.
- Together with hepatitis B, it turns chronic.
5. Hepatitis E: Asymptomatic Nature and Pregnancy Risks
- Most cases are asymptomatic, meaning, no symptoms are observed to indicate the presence of the infection.
- Infection in a pregnant woman can lead to fulminant hepatitis, a rare syndrome of rapid massive necrosis of liver parenchyma and a decrease in liver size (in a matter of days or weeks).
6. Non-Infectious Hepatitis: Alcohol, Drugs, Autoimmune
- Excessive alcohol intake: Excessive drinking injures the liver and can cause alcoholic hepatitis
- Drugs: Certain drugs are injurious to the liver and can cause drug-induced hepatitis.
- Autoimmune conditions: Some autoimmune conditions can also cause hepatitis.
Important note:
Advice not prescriptive. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment if experiencing symptoms.
