Sunday, March 25, 2007

Hepatitis Primer

Hepatitis is a disease whose main symptom is inflammation of the liver. Several different viruses cause hepatitis. They are named the hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses. The viruses cause acute, or short-term, viral hepatitis. The hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can also cause chronic hepatitis, in which the infection is prolonged, sometimes lifelong.

Hepatitis A (HAV)

HAV is the virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It does not lead to chronic disease. The incubation period is 2-7 weeks. The viris is transmitted by fecal/oral (anal/oral sex), close person to person contact, or ingestion of contaminated food and water. Children do not usually have symptoms. Adults have light stools, dark urine, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomitting, abdominal pain, and jaundice. A vaccine is available for anyoe over one year of age. Immune globulin injections are recommended within 2 weeks of exposure.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

HBV can cause liver cell damage leading to cirrhosis and cancer. The incubation period is 6 to 23 weeks. It is spread through contact with infected blood, seminal fluid, vaginal secretions, contaminated needles, including tattoo and body-piecing needles. Also, infected mothers can pass it on to newborns, human bite, and sexual contact. Many people have no symptoms. Some experience mild flu-like symptoms, dark urine, light stools, jaundice, fatigue, and fever. Treatment includes Interferon or adefovir dipivoxil.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

HCV causes inflammation of the liver. Like HBV it can cause cell damage leading to cirrhosis and cancer. The incubation period is 2 to 25 weeks. It is spread through contact with infected blood, contaminated IV needles, razors, and tattoo and body-piercing needles. Infected mothers can pass it to newborns. It is not easily spread through sex. There may be no symptoms. Some have mild flu-like symptoms, dark urine, light stools, jaundice, fatigue, and fever. HCV is treated with Interferon with ribavirin. Success can vary.

Hepatitis D (HDV)

HDV is the virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It only infects those with HBV. The incubation period is 2-8 weeks. It is spread through contact with contaminated needles or sexual contact with a HDV-infected person. The symptoms are the same as in HBV. It is treated with Inferferon with varying success. The HBV vaccine prevents HDV infection.

Hepatitis E (HEV)

HEV causes inflammation of the liver. It is not common in the United States. The incubation period is 2-9 weeks. It is transmitted through the fecal/oral route. Outbreaks are usually associated with contaminated water. The symptoms are the same as in HAV. There is no applicable treatment or vaccine. Travelers to developing countries and pregnant women are at risk.

As many forms of hepatitis are transmitted via the fecal/oral route, a good precaution is to always wash your hands with hot water and soap after using the toilet. If you suspect you may have contracted hepatitis, get tested as soon as possible and begin a course of medication.

About the author :

© 2006, Clara Myers. Privy Test offers at-home test kits for medical conditions, diseases, and environmental toxins. Visit Privy Test at http://privy-test.com

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