VIRAL HEPATITIS

Hepatitis is defined as the inflammation of the liver caused by virus, toxic substances or immunological disorders. Infectious hepatitis is caused by viruses several of which have been isolated as specific causes of the disease and be detected by blood tests. Including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D and hepatitis E. other viral causes of hepatitis include the Rubella virus, Herpes simplex virus, Epstein Barr virus etc.
Hepatitis A (endemic infectious hepatitis)
Hepatitis A (infectious) is transmitted by a carrier or patient through food or drink contaminated by them and it commonly occurs where sanitation is poor. After an incubation period of 14-40 days, the patient develops fever (high body temperature) and illness. Yellow discoloration of the skin appears for about a week and persists up to 3 weeks. Active immunization is an effective preventive measure.
Hepatitis B (serum hepatitis)
It is transmitted by infected blood, by sexual contact, by contaminated hypodermic needles, blood transfusion, tattooing needles or by contact with other body fluids (milk sweat). Symptoms develop suddenly after an incubation period of 1-6 months and they include chills, headache, fever, general weakness and jaundice. Most patients make a gradual recovery but mortality rate is 5-2%. A vaccine is available for cure.
Hepatitis C (non A, non B)
This is usually referred to as non A, non B hepatitis. Its transfusion mode is similar to that of hepatitis B. symptoms include sore bones, fatigue and dryness of eyes.
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D virus is a defective virus and occurs only with or after infection with hepatitis B. patients with hepatitis D virus usually have severe chronic/acute hepatitis.
Hepatitis E (enterically transmitted)
It is transmitted by contaminated food and drinks and can cause acute hepatitis.
Hepatitis G and F viruses
Hepatitis G is a recently identified flavi virus, structurally related to HCV. It can be transmitted in blood and blood products. It is not known whether it can cause liver disease.
Hepatitis F is yet to be identified but it may be a cause of non A, non B, non C hepatitis.