Hepatitis: Transmission Routes and Liver Impact
Hepatitis = liver inflammation. Viral hepatitis (A–E) is the most common cause worldwide.
Transmission by Type
| Virus | Route | Chronic? |
|---|---|---|
| HAV | Fecal-oral (food, water, close contact) | No |
| HBV | Blood, sexual, perinatal, needlesticks | Yes (5–10% adults, 90% infants) |
| HCV | Blood (IDU, transfusions pre-1992, unsafe medical) | Yes (75–85%) |
| HDV | Requires HBV co-infection; blood, sexual | Yes |
| HEV | Fecal-oral (water, undercooked pork/game) | Rare (except immunosuppressed) |
Liver Impact
- Acute: hepatocyte injury → ALT/AST ↑, jaundice, nausea, fatigue.
- Chronic: ongoing inflammation → fibrosis → cirrhosis → HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma).
- Extrahepatic: cryoglobulinemia (HCV), glomerulonephritis, porphyria cutanea tarda.
Prevention & Treatment
- Vaccines: HAV, HBV (also prevents HDV).
- HBV: nucleos(t)ide analogs (suppress, rarely cure).
- HCV: DAAs (direct-acting antivirals) cure >95% in 8–12 weeks.
- Harm reduction: needle exchange, safe injection, blood screening.
Hepatitis - Related Articles
- Understanding Hepatitis B Serology: Interpreting the Panel
- Hepatitis Treatment & Cures: Understanding Your Options
- Hepatitis C Testing Window Period: When to Test After Exposure
- Hepatitis B Vaccine: Safety, Efficacy, and How It Works
- Hepatitis B Transmission: Facts, Risks, and Prevention
- Understanding Chronic Hepatitis: Natural Approaches & Management
- Understanding Hepatitis C: Treatment & Complementary Therapies