Viral Hepatitis | Causes , Symptoms , Diagnosis , Treatment & Pathology

Viral Hepatitis | Causes , Symptoms , Diagnosis , Treatment & Pathology Viral hepatitis refers to a group of infectious diseases that cause inflammation of the liver, typically caused by specific viruses. There are several types of viral hepatitis, primarily categorized by the viruses that cause them: hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Each type has distinct transmission methods, clinical presentations, and long-term effects. Types of Viral Hepatitis 1. Hepatitis A Cause: Hepatitis A virus (HAV). Transmission: Fecal-oral route (contaminated food or water, close personal contact). Symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, fever. Course: Acute; rarely progresses to chronic liver disease. Prevention: Vaccination, proper sanitation, and hygiene. 2. Hepatitis B Cause: Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Transmission: Blood, bodily fluids, sexual contact, mother-to-child at birth. Symptoms: Often asymptomatic initially, but can include fatigue, jaundice, and dark urine. Course: Can become chronic, leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. Prevention: Vaccination, safe practices (e.g., using sterile needles, safe sex). 3. Hepatitis C Cause: Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Transmission: Primarily through blood (e.g., sharing needles, transfusions before 1992). Symptoms: Often asymptomatic or mild but can progress to chronic liver disease. Course: High risk of chronic infection, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Prevention: No vaccine; focus on harm reduction, screening, and treatment. 4. Hepatitis D Cause: Hepatitis D virus (HDV). Transmission: Blood and bodily fluids; requires co-infection with HBV. Symptoms: Similar to HBV but more severe. Course: Can worsen HBV infection, increasing the risk of cirrhosis and liver failure. Prevention: HBV vaccination indirectly prevents HDV. 5. Hepatitis E Cause: Hepatitis E virus (HEV). Transmission: Fecal-oral route, primarily through contaminated water. Symptoms: Acute jaundice, fatigue, and nausea; more severe in pregnant women. Course: Acute; rarely becomes chronic except in immunocompromised individuals. Prevention: Improved sanitation and hygiene; vaccination in some countries. Diagnosis Serological Tests: Identify viral antigens, antibodies, or viral RNA/DNA. Liver Function Tests (LFTs): Elevated enzymes indicate liver inflammation or damage. Imaging and Biopsy: Assess liver damage in chronic cases. Treatment Hepatitis A & E: Supportive care, as these usually resolve on their own. Hepatitis B: Antiviral medications (e.g., tenofovir, entecavir) for chronic infection. Hepatitis C: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can cure most cases. Hepatitis D: Pegylated interferon may help, though treatment is limited. Prevention Vaccination: Available for hepatitis A and B (which also protects against D). Hygiene: Handwashing and safe food practices to avoid A and E. Harm Reduction: Safe injections and sexual practices to prevent B, C, and D. If you have specific questions or need further details about a type of viral hepatitis, feel free to ask! #medical #medicalstudent #university #viralvideo #trending #hepatitis_cure #hepatitis_ka_ilaj_hindi #hepatitisday #hepatitistreatment #hepatitisa #hepatitisc #hepatitisc ‪@armandohasudungan‬ ‪@osmosis‬ ‪@ayeshamedicaleducation‬ ‪@AspirantsMedicos‬ ‪@nucleusmedicalmedia‬ ‪@selflessmedicose‬ ‪@MedicosisPerfectionalis‬ ‪@brainlessmedicos580‬