Definition |
Viral hepatitis is a dangerous infectious liver disease which includes several types depending on the type of virus. Of all forms of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A is the most common. |
Specialty |
Virology and hepatology |
History |
In 1950-1983, registration and characterization of outbreaks of hepatitis of unknown etiology in Southeast Asia occurred. The first description of the outbreak and the actual data obtained during its decoding allowed Mohammed Sultan Khuroo et al. suggest that it is associated with a virus unknown to science. In 1992, molecular characterization of HEV isolates was obtained in various regions of the world. The development and implementation of PCR for the detection of HEV, as well as sequencing methods, made it possible to determine the level of spread of the virus. |
Symptoms |
At first, before the onset of jaundice, hepatitis resembles the flu and begins with fever, headache, general malaise, body aches, as in hepatitis A. In hepatitis B and C, the onset is usually more gradual, without a sharp rise in temperature. Initial manifestations of hepatitis C may be limited to weakness and loss of appetite. After a few days, the picture begins to change: appetite disappears, pains appear in the right hypochondria, nausea, vomiting, urine darkens, and feces become discolored. |
Causes |
Acute viral hepatitis can be caused by different types of viruses. These include: hepatitis A, B, C, E, D, and other viruses. |
Virology |
Hepatitis viruses enter the human body in two main ways. A sick person can excrete the virus with feces, after which it enters the intestines of other people with water or food. It is characteristic of hepatitis A and E viruses. The second route of infection is human contact with infected blood. It is characteristic of hepatitis B, C, D, G viruses. |
Prevention |
To protect oneself from infection with hepatitis, one should not use unboiled water, always wash fruits and vegetables, do not neglect the heat treatment of food. This can help prevent hepatitis A infection. In general, contact with other people’s body fluids should be avoided, especially with blood. |
Diagnostic Method |
In most cases, viral hepatitis proceeds subclinically and is diagnosed only on the basis of additional studies, including laboratory data. An increase in ALT, AST, the level of Bilirubin more than 10 times normal is a reliable test for acute hepatitis. |
Treatment |
There are no specific methods of treatment, therefore, the majority of patients undergo basic treatment. Hospitalization is necessary only in case of a severe course of the disease and in the absence of the possibility of providing a regimen at home. Patient care should include measures to prevent the transmission of infection. A strict diet is not required, but the patient needs to exclude fats from the diet and consume more juices. Persons who have had acute hepatitis are shown to refrain from taking alcohol until the liver function is completely normalized. |
Duration |
Complete recovery from acute hepatitis usually occurs within a few weeks, rarely months. Fatigue and lack of appetite often persist in most patients for a long period. |
Prognosis |
Acute viral hepatitis B, C and D often become chronic. Acute hepatitis is sometimes characterized by a relapsing course. The most unfavorable outcome of acute hepatitis is chronic disease. |
Complications |
Functional and inflammatory diseases of the biliary tract and hepatic coma can become complications of viral hepatitis, and if a violation in the work of the biliary tract can be treated, then hepatic coma is a formidable sign of a fulminant form of hepatitis, ending in death in almost 90% of cases. In 80% of cases, the fulminant course is due to the combined action of hepatitis B and D viruses. |
Frequency in Population |
More than 2 billion people today have serological evidence of past or present hepatitis infection. 250 million are chronically infected and at risk development of liver disease associated with hepatitis. |
Deaths |
Number of deaths from hepatitis-related liver diseases estimated at 786,000 annually. |
Society |
There are still many stereotypes about hepatitis: that it is a deadly disease that is transmitted only through promiscuity and drug use. These misconceptions are common not only in society, but also among the patients themselves: only one in six people with hepatitis feels sufficiently informed about their disease. |