Conditions InDepth: Viral Hepatitis
by
Debra Wood, RN Viral hepatitis is an infection of the liver. There are several different viruses that cause hepatitis. They are called hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses. The viruses are transmitted in different ways. Complications include chronic liver disease, liver failure, and liver cancer for some types of hepatitis.
Hepatitis AHepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), which is usually found in the stool of infected people. It is spread by:
Hepatitis BHepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This virus is spread through contact with bodily fluids of an infected person, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and saliva. Hepatitis B can be spread by:
Hepatitis C TOPHepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C virus is carried in the blood of people infected with the virus. It is primarily spread through contact with infected blood. It can occasionally be spread other ways. HCV can be spread by:
Hepatitis D TOPHepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). It occurs only in people who have hepatitis B. Patients may have more severe disease and a higher risk of liver damage than those infected with HBV alone. It is spread through contact with infected blood and through:
Hepatitis E TOPHepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), which can be found in the stool of infected people. It is uncommon in the US, but it is a risk to international travelers. The virus is spread by:
What are the risk factors for hepatitis? What are the symptoms of hepatitis? How is hepatitis diagnosed? What are the treatments for hepatitis? Are there screening tests for hepatitis? How can I reduce my risk of hepatitis? What questions should I ask my doctor? What is it like to live with hepatitis? Where can I get more information about hepatitis?
References:Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Updated January 29, 2016. Accessed February 7, 2017. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Updated June 29, 2016. Accessed February 7, 2017. Hepatitis C. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115157/Hepatitis-C. Updated December 21, 2016. Accessed February 7, 2017. Hepatitis C (acute). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T413896/Hepatitis-C-acute. Updated December 16, 2016. Accessed February 7, 2017. Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Updated November 3, 2016. Accessed February 7, 2017. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Updated December 19, 2016. Accessed February 7, 2017. Overview of acute viral hepatitis. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated July 2016. Accessed February 7, 2017. Overview of chronic viral hepatitis. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated July 2016. Accessed February 7, 2017. Viral hepatitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis.
Updated December 9, 2016. Accessed February 7, 2017. Last reviewed February 2017 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP Last Updated: 3/15/2015
|
||
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation. This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days. |