HEPATITISMichelle Ros

Holly Yost

BACKGROUND “Hepatitis” means inflammation of the

liver It’s caused by the viruses A,B,C,D,E,

alcohol and drug abuse, and autoimmune disorders

It can go away on its own, but if left untreated, it leads to scarring of the liver

It can be infectious and noninfectious About 4.4 million Americans have

hepatitis, but most aren’t aware of it

SYMPTOMS For all types of hepatitis, A-E, early symptoms include:

o Diarrheao Fatigueo Loss of appetiteo Fevero Muscle/joint acheso Nauseao Mild abdominal paino Vomitingo Weight loss

If allowed to progress, symptoms grow to include:o Circulation problems (drug/toxin induced)

o Dark urine

o Dizziness (toxic drug)

o Drowsiness (toxic drug)

o Enlarged spleen (alcohol)

o Headache (toxic drug)

o Itchy skin

o Light colored, feces containing pus

o Jaundice (yellow skin)

HEPATITIS A (INFECTIOUS/SHORT INCUBATION)

Highly contagious Caused by infection with the hep A virus (HAV) through:

o Fecal-oral routeo Contaminated food or water

Lasts for about 28 days in the body Replicates in liver Shed out in feces in high concentrations Does not develop into chronic infection or liver disease Preventable with vaccine Diagnosis: detection of hep A antibody through blood test Treatment: no specific treatment; the body clears it on its

own but the patient should avoid drugs and alcohol to allow the liver to heal

HEPATITIS B (SERUM/LONG-INCUBATION)

Caused by presence of hep B virus (HBV) from: o Exchange of contaminated blood, human

secretions, and feceso Also transmitted sexually and during pregnancy

Incubation period lasts around 6 weeks-6 months

Can be self-limited or chronic Preventable with vaccine Diagnosis: blood tests to examine specific

antigens/ liver biopsy Treatment: the patient should eat a diet rich in

proteins and carbs to repair damaged liver cells; may also be prescribed interferon

HEPATITIS C Most chronic bloodborne disease in U.S Transmitted through blood donations HCV is detectable in blood 1-3 weeks after

exposure Chronically ill patients may experience

active liver disease Some people who are infected may not feel

the affects of the disease but they are still susceptible to other chronic liver diseases

Diagnosis: blood tests/ liver biopsy Treatment: Patient may be prescribed

pegylated interferon and ribavirin.

HEPATITIS D (DELTA HEPATITIS) Caused by HDV which requires

presence of HBV surface antigens to replicate

Occurs only in people already infected with hepatitis B

Transmitted through percutaneous/mucosal contact with infected blood

No vaccine exists but a hep B vaccine will prevent it

There is no known treatment

HEPATITIS E Specifically occurs in patients who have

travelled to epidemic areas Not common in US More common in young adults and

more severe in pregnant women Shed in feces Caused by ingestion of fecal matter Does not lead to chronic infection There are no vaccines yet and no

treatments

SOURCES "Hepatitis." Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17 Sept. 2012. Web. 14 May 2013.

 "What Is Hepatitis? Symptoms, Causes and Treatments." Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 13 Apr. 2009. Web. 14 May 2013.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Hepatitis." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 01 Sept. 2011. Web. 14 May 2013.

Diseases. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse, 1993. Print.