Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, as well as to several viral infections that affect the liver. Those we are most familiar with include types A, B and C, while D and E are less common.
Hepatitis A, as with all viral forms of hepatitis, results from infection. The incubation period ranges from 15 to 50 days from exposure, but symptoms generally present after approximately 28 days. The virus replicates in the liver and is shed in the feces. Transmission most commonly results from exposure to contaminated water, food or feces. The infection does not result in either chronic infection or chronic liver disease. Up to 15% of hep A patients run the risk of relapse of symptoms during the six month period following acute illness. The majority of hep A cases are found in men who engage in homosexual intercourse. The antibody production that follows infection will continue for life, thus protecting an individual against reinfection. The most successful means of prevention is through vaccination.
The incubation period for hepatitis B is anywhere from six weeks to six months. The highest concentrations of the B virus are found in blood, while lesser concentrations are found in bodily fluids such as vaginal secretions, wound discharge and semen. Primary risk factors associated with infection are through the sharing of needles for the illegal injection of drugs, engaging in unprotected intercourse with several partners or one infected partner, having a sexually transmitted disease/infection, and more. Successful prevention is accomplished through vaccination and through routine screening for women who are pregnant.
Hepatitis C is the most common blood-borne infection known in this country, affecting more than three million individuals. It is not commonly sexually transmitted with the highest risk of infection coming from injectable drug use with shared/contaminated needles. The virus can be detected through laboratory blood testing within one to three weeks following exposure. Those infected are at risk for chronic liver disease or other hep C related diseases and the individuals remain a source of transmission to others who share bodily fluids through kissing and through the transfusion of infected blood from unscreened donors. Occupational exposure for laboratory workers such as through being accidentally stuck with a contaminated needle can also cause infection. Sexual activity regarding potential transmission remains controversial; however, controlled studies indicate that up to 20% of individuals with acute hep C infection reported having a history of sexual exposure in the absence of other risk factors.
Hepatitis D can be acute or chronic but is uncommon in this country. It is an incomplete virus that only occurs in those infected with the hep B virus. It is transmitted through mucosal or percutaneous contact with infected blood. There is no vaccine available. Prevention is through vaccination of the hep B vaccine.
Hepatitis E is uncommon in this country. Transmission is through the ingestion of fecal matter, even in minuscule amounts. Outbreaks are often associated with contaminated water in countries that have poor-to-no sanitation facilities. There is no vaccination for this form of hepatitis.
Off the grid but still another form of the disorder is alcoholic hepatitis that is essentially inflammation of the liver caused exclusively by drinking alcohol to excess. Not all people who drink heavily develop alcoholic hepatitis. In some instances, the condition can occur in those who drink in moderation. People who have been diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis must discontinue the habit if they hope to overcome the disorder. Those who continue the habit open themselves up to serious conditions such as cirrhosis and liver failure.
May is an extremely busy month for medical awareness, so it was a difficult decision to zero in on hepatitis. I have listed some of the other topics this month that readers might find of interest. Happy research.
Arthritis Awareness – www.arthritis.org
Healthy Vision – www.nei.nih.gov/healthyvisionmonth
Lupus Awareness www.lupus.org/newsite/pages/lupus
Melanoma Skin Cancer Detection – www.melanomamonday.org
Mental Health Awareness – www.mentalhealthamerica.net.go/may
Celiac Disease Awareness – www.americanceliac.org
High Blood Pressure – www.nhibi.nih/gov
Osteoporosis – www.nof.org
