Question

Explain the differences in the types of hepatitis. Include the symptoms, source of infection, treatment of each, and the use of vaccines.

Answer 1

Hepatitis is an infection that causes inflammation and damage to liver. Several different viruses cause hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

The hepatitis A and E viruses typically cause acute infections while hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can cause acute and chronic infections.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral liver disease that can cause mild to severe illness. The virus is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water or contact with infected person.Symptoms include fatigue,nausea,abdominal pain,loss of appetite and low grade fever. Improved sanitation and hepatitis A vaccine are the most effective ways to combat the disease. Nearly 100 percent people develop protective levels of antibodies against virus within a month after single dose of vaccine.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can cause acute or chronic infection.One can get infected through sexual transmission by an infected person or by sharing a needle or from a mother to her newborn child during pregnancy. Sypmtoms include yellowing of eyes, abdominal pain and dark urine. People can protect themself from hepatitis B by getting the hepatitis B vaccine.people with hepatitis B who requires treatment can be given drugs including oral antiviral agents but also interferon injections.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C can cause acute or chronic infection. Hepatitis C is commonly spread via direct contact with contaminated blood or needles used to inject illegal drugs or draw tattoos. It can also lead to cirrhosis, a risky scarring of liver, in some severe cases. Most people does not have symptoms but some may have fatigue,nausea,yellowing of eyes and skin and loss of appetite. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.Antiviral treatment is successful in 50 to 90 percent people.Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent liver damage.

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D happens only if one is already infected with hepatitis B. It tends to make the disease more severe and is transmitted either from mother to child or through sexual contact. Symptoms include nausea,fatigue and abdominal pain. Superinfection occurs if one already have chronic hepatitis B and then become infected with hepatitis D.

Hepatitis E

Hehepatitis E is an acute infection that can get better after several weeks without treatment. Symptoms include jaundice ,nausea and lack of appetite. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is transmitted by drinking contaminated water and  other types by eating undercooked pork or wild game.