Question

Briefly compare and contrast the different types of hepatitis. Choose one form and describe the cause, clinical manifestations, prevention and treatment.

Answer 1

Compare and contrast different types of hepatitis.

* Hepatitis A.

         * It is caused by RNA virus of genus Enterovirus.

         * Mode of transmission through fecal-oral route.

         * Incubation period between 2 to 4 weeks.

         * Infection due to hepatitis A virus leads to fulminant hepatitis

           and acute liver necrosis.

         * Hepatitis A do not cause chronic hepatitis.

* Hepatitis B.

         * It is a DNA type virus.

         * Mode of transmission primarily through blood.

         * This virus also found in saliva,vaginal secretions,semen

            and can be transmitted by incisions on the skin and mucous

            membrane.

         * Incubation period between 1 to 6 months.

         * Infection due to Hepatitis B leads to hepatocellular carcinoma and

            liver cirrhosis.

   * Hepatitis C.

         * It is caused by hepatitis C virus.

         * Mode of transmission through blood transfusion,needle sticks,sexual

           contact etc.

         * Incubation period between 15 to 160 days.

         * Chronic carrier state present in many of the patients infected with hepatitis C.

         * Hepatitis C infection increases risk for liver cancer and cirrhosis.

* Hepatitis D.

         * It is caused by hepatitis delta virus.

         * Mode of transmission through multiple blood transfusions and sexual contact.

         * Incubation period between 30 and 150 days.

         * Hepatitis D infection leads to chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

   * Hepatitis E.

         * It is caused by hepatitis E virus.

         * Mode of transmission through fecal-oral route.

         * Incubation period between 15 to 65 days.

         * Hepatitis E virus cause liver inflammation and jaundice.

   * Hepatitis G.

         * It is caused by hepatitis G virus.

         * Mode of transmission through blood transfusion.

         * It is known as post transfusion hepatitis.

         * Incubation period between 14 to 145 days.

         * Hepatitis G infection increases risk for cirrhosis and liver cancer.

HEPATITIS B.

     Causes

             * Hepatitis B is caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) which is a DNA virus

               transmitted through blood,saliva,vaginal secretions and semen.

    Clinical manifestations.

             * Abdominal pain.

             * Malaise.

             * Weakness.

             * Fever.

             * Loss of appetite.

             * Body rashes.

             * Jaundice.

             * Dark urine.

             * Light coloured stools.

             * Liver tenderness.

             * Enlarged posterior cervical lymph nodes.

             * Arthralgia.

             * Dyspepsia.

       Prevention.

             * Proper screening of donors during blood transfusion.

             * Vaccination to prevent hepatitis B.

             * Use of contraceptive methods when sexual contact with infected person.

             * Maintain good personal hygiene.

             * Health education to people regarding hepatitis B and mode of

               transmission.

             * Health care providers follow universal precautions when contact with

               infected person.

      Treatment.

              * Administration of antiviral drugs ( Eg; adefovir,epivir,tenofovir etc.)

              * Use of biological response modifiers like Alpha interferon.

              * Antiemetics and antacids for management of clinical sympotoms.

              * Activity restriction and bed rest.