Overview of viral hepatitis
Viral hepatitis refers to an infection of the liver caused by different viruses, leading to inflammation and damage. The clinical presentation can vary widely, ranging from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe conditions such as jaundice (icteric hepatitis) and even liver cell death (hepatic necrosis).
Most types of viral hepatitis are preventable, especially with proper hygiene, vaccination, and awareness. There are five main types of viral hepatitis, each caused by a different virus.
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Types of Viral Hepatitis
1. Hepatitis A (HAV)
- Primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, mainly by consuming contaminated food or water.
- It can also spread through close personal contact and, in rare cases, through blood transfusion.
- It is commonly seen worldwide, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and overcrowding.
2. Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Mainly spreads through infected blood and body fluids.
- Transmission can occur via sexual contact, breastfeeding, or exposure to infected secretions such as semen, saliva, or vaginal fluids.
- Individuals with high-risk sexual behavior are more vulnerable.
- Around 10% of infected individuals may develop chronic infection or become carriers.
- It is a major cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
3. Hepatitis C (HCV)
- Previously known as non-A, non-B hepatitis.
- Primarily transmitted through blood transfusion and blood products, especially from undiagnosed donors.
- It can also spread through unsafe practices like unsterile tattooing or body piercing.
- Commonly affects intravenous drug users, dialysis patients, and healthcare workers.
- It is the most frequent cause of post-transfusion hepatitis.
4. Hepatitis D (HDV)
- Also called Delta hepatitis.
- Caused by a defective virus that requires the presence of Hepatitis B virus to replicate.
- It may occur along with HBV infection or as a super-infection in chronic HBV patients.
- It cannot survive independently without HBV.
- More common among IV drug users and individuals receiving multiple blood transfusions, with higher prevalence in regions like the Mediterranean, Middle East, and South America.
5. Hepatitis E (HEV)
- Transmitted mainly through the fecal-oral route, similar to Hepatitis A.
- Detection can be difficult due to irregular shedding of the virus in stool.
- Associated with high mortality in pregnant women.
- More prevalent in regions such as India, Africa, Asia, and Central America.
