VIRAL HEPATITIS

VIRAL HEPATITIS:
     Inflammation or swelling of the liver due to viral infection. It can lead to scarring, called Cirrhosis, liver failure or to liver cancer. Several different viruses, named the hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.


CAUSES:
     
    Hepatitis A:
          Caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV), a picornavirus. It causes an acute form of hepatitis and does not have a chronic stage.

     Hepatitis B:
         Caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), a hepadnavirus that can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis.

     Hepatitis C:
         Caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV), an RNA virus that is a member of the Flaviviridae family.

     Hepatitis D:
          Caused by hepatitis D virus (HDV) or Hepatitis Delta Virus. It can propagate only in the presence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

     Hepatitis E:
          Caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV), from the Hepeviridae family, produces symptoms similar to HAV.
   

MODE OF TRANSMISSION: 

• Unprotected sexual contact (including oral, vaginal and anal sex for both men and women)
• Unhygienic tattooing
• Bodily fluids including, saliva, semen, urine, vaginal fluids
• Contaminated food and water
• Injecting drug users
• Blood transfusions
• Mother to child transmission during pregnancy and at birth  

 SYMPTOMS:

• jaundice, which causes a yellowing of the skin and eyes
• fatigue
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• low grade fever
• headache 

*However, some people do not have symptoms    

PREVENTION:
    
     Viral Hepatitis is spread by sexual contact with an infected person. Avoiding all forms of sexual activity is the only absolute way to prevent from being infected.
     However, safe sex practices may reduce your risk. The proper use of latex condoms, either the male or female type, greatly decreases the risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease. You need to wear the condom from the beginning to the end of each sexual activity.
     Practicing clean and safe environment to avoid food and water contamination.
     Avoid using used needles, razors and toothbrushes by other person.
     
      
Treatment:
    
     Examination is important if infected with any viral Hepatitis.
     Treatment failure is possible with HIV co-infection and extended therapy is sometimes required.
     
IMPORTANT NOTE:

• Do not self-medicate on any kind of Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Have yourself tested if you have symptoms of viral Hepatitis
• If you had sexual contact with a person known to have STIs.
• If you are engaging in high-risk sexual practices.

PROGNOSIS:

     Prognosis is excellent with proper treatment. Treating sexual contacts of affected individual helps break cycle of infection.









Sources:
Fishbein's Illustarted Medical and Health Encyclopedia
www.wikipedia.org
www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddieases/pubs/viralhepatitis