Hepatitis Causes & Transmission: Complete Guide by Type (A–E, Autoimmune, Drug-Induced)
Hepatitis = liver inflammation. Etiology determines transmission, prevention, and treatment.
Viral Hepatitis
| Type | Transmission | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| A (HAV) | Fecal-oral: contaminated food/water, person-to-person | Acute only; no chronic; vaccine available |
| B (HBV) | Blood, sexual, perinatal (mother→baby) | Acute/chronic; vaccine; antiviral Rx |
| C (HCV) | Blood: IDU, unsafe medical, pre-1992 transfusion | Usually chronic; curable with DAAs (95%+) |
| D (HDV) | Requires HBV coinfection; blood/sexual | Worsens HBV; vaccine prevents via HBV |
| E (HEV) | Fecal-oral: water, undercooked pork/game | Acute; severe in pregnancy; vaccine (China) |
Non-Viral Hepatitis
- Autoimmune: Female predominance; autoantibodies; treated with immunosuppression.
- Alcoholic: Dose/duration dependent; steatosis → hepatitis → cirrhosis.
- Drug-induced (DILI): Acetaminophen, antibiotics, herbals, chemo. Idiosyncratic or dose-dependent.
- NAFLD/NASH: Metabolic syndrome; insulin resistance → steatosis → inflammation → fibrosis.
Vertical Transmission
HBV (high risk without immunoprophylaxis), HCV (~5–6%), HEV (high fetal mortality). HIV coinfection increases risk.
Prevention
- Vaccines: HAV, HBV (includes HDV).
- Safe injection, blood screening, harm reduction.
- Food/water hygiene (HAV, HEV).
- Prenatal screening & antiviral prophylaxis (HBV).
Hepatitis - Related Articles
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- Understanding Reactive Hepatitis B Test Results: What They Mean
- Understanding Hepatitis: Symptoms, Causes & Supportive Care
- Hepatitis Viruses in Blood: HAV, HBV, HCV, HEV Viremia Patterns
- Hepatitis B Treatment: Who Is Eligible?