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Inflammation of the liver which occurs due to viral infection is known as viral hepatitis. It is a multisystem disease involving the lymph nodes, spleen, gastro intestinal tract, bone marrow and pancreas in addition to the liver.
The virus may be hepatitis A, B, C, D, E or G virus. Hepatitis may also be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, drugs or toxins. In viral hepatitis, the virus may be transmitted through contaminated food or water or through infected blood used for transfusions or contaminated needles and syringes.
- Hepatitis A: It is caused by a picornavirus and mainly transmitted by the fecal-oral route, often associated with ingestion of contaminated food. They do not produce chronic liver disease and get resolved within a few weeks.Hepatitis E also occurs through contaminated food and water. Antibodies are made by the immune system in the body that confer immunity against future infection. Adequate rest, remaining hydrated and abstinence to alcohol helps in speedy recovery.
- Hepatitis B: It is caused by a hepadnavirus. Hepatitis B infection occurs through contact with blood and blood products or other body fluids, unsterilized needles/syringes etc. contact with a person who has been tested positive for hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBSAG) can also cause infection. This can progress to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Hepatitis C: Type C hepatitis was previously referred to as "non-A, non-B hepatitis," because the causative virus had not been identified, but it was known to be neither hepatitis A nor hepatitis B. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) usually is spread by shared needles among drug abusers, blood transfusion, hemodialysis, and needle sticks and can also cross the placenta. Hepatitis C may lead to a chronic form of hepatitis culminating in cirrhosis.
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