Hepatitis, characterized as liver inflammation, is typically brought on by viruses. Hepatitis can, however, also be brought on by drugs, alcohol, poisons, and a few illnesses, such as autoimmune disorders.
This page discusses numerous hepatitis causes, epidemiology, symptomatology, patient assessment, disease management, prognosis, and prevention measures. This activity emphasizes the function of healthcare teams in treating hepatitis patients.
INTRODUCTION
Hepatitis is characterized as liver inflammation that can be brought on by a number of factors, including excessive alcohol consumption, autoimmune conditions, medicines, or pollutants. Viral hepatitis, on the other hand, is the most common cause of hepatitis and results from a viral infection.
Hepatitis A, B, and C are the three most prevalent viral hepatitis. Hepatitis D and E, the other two kinds of viral hepatitis, are less common. Hepatitis can range in intensity from a simple, self-limiting condition to a serious illness requiring liver transplantation, depending on the etiology.
Depending on how long the inflammation or damage to the liver lasts, hepatitis can be further divided into acute and chronic forms. Acute hepatitis is defined as liver inflammation lasting less than six months, and chronic hepatitis is defined as liver inflammation lasting more than six months.
Depending on the etiology, acute hepatitis normally resolves on its own but can occasionally result in fulminant liver failure. Contrarily, chronic hepatitis can damage the liver, resulting in severe morbidity and mortality due to hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular cancer, and characteristics of portal hypertension.
ETIOLOGY
Viral hepatitis
Hepatitis is often caused by hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E. The pathogenicity of the Hepatitis G virus in humans is unknown. The hepatitis A, B, C, and D viruses account for 90% of acute viral hepatitis in the United States, where hepatitis A, B, and C are endemic.
An RNA virus belonging to the Picornaviridae family, hepatitis A. The infected person’s stool typically contains the largest concentration of it, with the peak viral load shedding happening at the conclusion of the incubation period. Hepatitis A is most frequently spread by contact with food, water, or items that have been contaminated with feces from an infected person.
People who come into touch with infected people are also at risk, and household contacts have a secondary infection rate of about 20%, which may contribute more to the maintenance of hepatitis A virus outbreaks.
Hepatitis B
The DNA-based Hepadnaviridae family includes the hepatitis B virus. Although there are eight genotype variants of the hepatitis B virus, they are not used in clinical settings to assess the infection’s severity.
Even at low levels, the hepatitis B virus can be discovered in serum, semen, vaginal mucus, saliva, and tears, but not in stool, urine, or perspiration. When people come into contact with an infected person’s mucous membranes or bodily fluids, it can be spread parenterally and sexually.
When people come into contact with an infected person’s mucous membranes or bodily fluids, it can be spread parenterally and sexually. Examples of parenteral and percutaneous exposures include transfusion of blood and blood products, medicine injection with shared needles, needlesticks or wounds from other tools in healthcare workers, and hemodialysis.
However, parenteral mode continues to be the predominant mechanism of transmission.
Hepatitis C
The RNA virus known as hepatitis C virus has one serotype, at least six major genotypes, and more than 80 subtypes. It is a member of the Flaviviridae family. Creating a vaccine to stop hepatitis C virus infection is difficult due to the high genetic variability.
Parenteral, perinatal, and sexual transmission are all possible, with the sharing of contaminated needles among IV drug users being the most typical method of transmission.
People who frequently need blood transfusions and those who receive organ transplants from contaminated donors are also high-risk categories. It is uncommon for sexual and perinatal transmission to occur.
Hepatitis D
The only species of the Deltavirus genus, hepatitis D is an RNA virus. Because it uses HBsAg as its envelope protein and carries the hepatitis D antigen and RNA strand, those who contract the hepatitis D virus also contract the hepatitis B virus.
Although neonatal transmission of the hepatitis D virus is rare, it shares similar routes of transmission with the hepatitis B virus.
Hepatitis E
The Hepevirus genus has only one species, hepatitis E, which is an RNA virus. The fecal-oral route is the main method of transmission. The most prevalent way is by feces-contaminated water, but person-to-person transmission is uncommon. However, there can also occasionally be the maternal-neonatal transmission.
Hepatitis G
The RNA virus known as the hepatitis G virus belongs to the Pegivirus family. a member of the family Flaviviridae. Blood and blood-derived products that have been contaminated are the main means of transmission. People with persistent hepatitis B or C infections frequently have it as a coinfection. Although it is linked to both acute and long-term liver conditions, research has not conclusively shown that it is an agent that directly causes hepatitis.
WAYS TO AVOID HEPATITIS: TOP 10 PRECAUTIONS
There are numerous strategies to lower your risk of contracting hepatitis:
- Get the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations.
- When having sex, use a condom.
- Never share needles when consuming narcotics.
- Maintain proper personal hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Don’t use personal goods belonging to an infected person.
- When obtaining tattoos or body piercings, use caution.
- When visiting regions of the world with low sanitation, use caution. (Be sure to receive your vaccinations.)
- When traveling, sipping bottled water.
If you engage in risky behaviors, it is crucial that you take these preventive actions. If you work in settings like elderly homes, dorms, daycare centers, or restaurants where you have frequent contact with people and a chance of contracting the disease, take preventive measures as well.
VACCINATION FOR HEPATITIS
In the United States, hepatitis A and B vaccinations are readily available. Hepatitis C is not preventable by immunization. The hepatitis B vaccine should shield you from hepatitis D because you can only get hepatitis D if you also have hepatitis B. Although there is no hepatitis E vaccine FDA-approved, there are hepatitis E vaccinations available abroad (for example, in China).
Despite the fact that the liver’s recovery from hepatitis may take many months, the majority of patients fully recover. To enhance your wellbeing and hasten your recovery:
- Skip the alcohol.
- Practice healthy eating.
- Rest if you’re feeling ill.
- Consult your doctor about your medications, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, to determine which ones you should take and which ones you should forgo until you feel better.
- Your healthcare provider will also check for chronic liver damage from cirrhosis or liver failure if you have hepatitis. Other procedures, like liver function tests, imaging tests, or even a liver biopsy, might be required of you.
Food and water that have been in touch with the feces of a person who has the virus are the main sources of transmission for hepatitis A and E.
Among the methods of infection prevention are:
- Drinking only bottled water while traveling, washing hands thoroughly after using the restroom and before eating, and ensuring that food is fully prepared and stored properly.
- Avoiding or peeling fruits and vegetables that may have been washed or cultivated in unsanitized water
- When traveling to a region where the virus is common, people may want to inquire with their doctor about the hepatitis A vaccine.
The following actions should be taken to reduce the risk of transmission, where applicable:
- Use a barrier method during sex, such as a condom, and only use previously unused, clean needles. Be honest with any sexual partners about any viruses they may have.
- Avoid sharing manicure tools, razors, and toothbrushes.
- Verify the sterility of any tattoo or acupuncture equipment.
- There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, however, people who have a high risk of exposure to hepatitis B can ask their doctor about it.
Anyone who thinks they might have hepatitis should see a doctor. A healthcare provider can provide treatment recommendations, lower the risk of problems, and prevent virus transmission.
Anyone who thinks they might have hepatitis should see a doctor. A healthcare provider can provide treatment recommendations, lower the risk of problems, and prevent virus transmission.
Infection with hepatitis B or C is more likely to occur in patients with HIV. Additionally, because the body is less equipped to fight the illness, the effects may be more severe.
In order to reduce their chance of contracting hepatitis and its complications, people living with HIV should
stick to their treatment plan and take care to prevent hepatitis infection and transfer.
Hepatitis A and B can be avoided with immunization, but not C. Hepatitis B and C can both be treated, but not A.
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