Inflammation of the Liver

The word “Hepatitis” itself means “inflammation” of the liver – an inflammation that can be caused by a number of elements.

Some examples include physical injury, bacterial infections, adverse drug interactions, and viruses.

  • Five forms of the hepatitis virus have been identified – A, B, C, D and E – which specifically target the liver and cause said inflammation.
  • All of these variants can cause both new or acute infections, but only types B and C can cause chronic infection.
  • This chronic infection can increase the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.

Different Strains of Hepatitis B

  • Carried through contaminated food and water.
  • Recovery from an acute version of the virus results a lifelong immunity to further HAV exposure.
  • There is no chronic variation of HAV.
  • Hepatitis A can be prevented by strong personal hygiene and proper sanitation.
  • A safe vaccine is available for babies > 12 months, and children and adults.
  • The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for people with hepatitis B.
  • No drug treatment is needed for an HAV infection.
  • Transmitted primarily during pregnancy, due to the blood transfer between an infected mother and the newborn during childbirth. Infection can also occur from contact with unsterilised infected utensils or unprotected sex.
  • 90% of infants exposed to HBV, up to 50% of young children, and 10% of adults can develop a chronic version of the infection.
  • HBV is the primary cause of liver cancer, which is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.
  • There is a vaccine for newborns, children and adults. There are also drug treatments but no cure for HBV.
  • Transmitted through infected blood, unprotected sex, and contaminated or unsterile needles.
  • A chronic infection can occur in 55–85% of infected adults.
  • HCV is the leading cause for liver transplants in the U.S.
  • There is no vaccine for HCV, but a cure was discovered and approved in 2013.
  • Transmitted through infected blood, unprotected sex, unsterile or contaminated needles and from infected woman to her new-born.
  • HDV infection is only possible if a person is already infected with hepatitis B or a person can be infected with both viruses at the same time.
  • A HDV co-infection with hepatitis B results in more serious and rapid liver damage.
  • The hepatitis B vaccine can prevent HDV.
  • Transmitted through contaminated water, food (particularly pork and shellfish), and blood products.
  • There is no chronic infection associated with HEV.
  • There is no approved vaccine in the USA, although China has produced and licensed a vaccine.
  • There is no drug treatment for HEV.

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