HEPATITIS A, B, C

Hepatitis Cause

the hepatitis A virus An infectious the hepatitis C virus hepatitis and liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus - does not cause chronic (ongoing, long term) disease. - Although the liver does become inflamed and swollen, it heals completely in most people without any long-term damage Could be chronic or The infection is acute Hepatitis B often asymptomatic, but once established, chronic infection can progress to scarring of the liver (fibrosis), and advanced scarring (cirrhosis), which generally apparent after many years

Etiology

Acute hepatitis B refers to newly acquired infections. Affected individuals notice symptoms approximately 1-4 months after exposure to the virus. symptoms resolve over weeks to months and they are cured of the infection. However, a small number of people

Chronic hepatitis B an infection with HBV that lasts longer than 6 months. Once the infection becomes chronic, it may never go away completely. Chronic HBV can lead to scarring of the liver, liver failure or liver cancer.

develop a very severe, lifethreatening form of acute hepatitis called fulminate hepatitis

Hepatitis Transmission

A - found in the stools(feces) of people with hepatitis A - fecal-oral transmission - start spreading the infection about 1 week after their own exposure.

B The hepatitis B virus is known as a blood-borne virus because it is transmitted from one person to another via blood or fluids contaminated with blood. Another important route of transmission is from an infected mother to a new born child, which occurs during or shortly after birth.

C contact with blood or blood products, sharing of contaminated needles among IV drug users, transfusion with infected blood, hemodialysis, or transplantation of organs from infected donors

Hepatitis Pathogenesis

enters the primarily bloodsteam interferes with through the the functions of epithelium of the liver by the oropharynx replicating in or intestine. liver cells, blood carries the known as virus to its hepatocytes target, the liver, the host multiplies within immune hepatocytes and response causes Kupffer both cells(liver hepatocellular macrophages) damage and incubation viral clearance. period is 10-15 (CTLs)contribute days s to most of the liver injury

Hepatitis

S&S

develop between 2-6 weeks after infection. not too severe and go away on their own. most common : nausea, vomiting, Diarrhea (especially in children) low-grade fever, loss of appetite, rashes, tiredness, fatigue, jaundice, dark-brownish urine, pain in area of liver (on right side of abdomen just under ribcage)

Symptoms usually develop within 1-4 months, after exposure to the virus. Adult > Children Appetite loss Feeling tired Nausea Itching all over the body Pain over the location of the liver Jaundice Dark urine Pale-colored stools Mental disturbances Sudden collapse with fatigue Swelling of abdomen

80% = asymptomatic Minority of people have symptoms during early acute phase of the infection. symptoms typically develop 5-12 weeks after exposure

 Chronic hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis of the liver a condition traditionally associated with alcoholism. Symptoms of cirrhosis include:
-fluid retention causing swelling of the belly(ascites),legs or whole body Persistent jaundice Fatique Disturbances in sleeping Itchy skin Loss of appetite, weight loss, wasting Vomitting with blood in vomit Mental disturbances such as confusion,extreme sleepiness or hallucinations
LIVER TISSUE REPLACED BY FIBROUS TISSUE SCAR (HARDENING) LIVER GRADUALLY FAILS TO FUNCTION

CIRRHOSIS

Hepatitis

Treatment

no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Sufferers are advised to rest, avoid fatty foods and alcohol, eat a wellbalanced diet, stay hydrated. Acetaminophen also acts as an antipyretic, to reduce the fever. Metoclopramide used to suppress vomiting and nausea.

resolves on its own and does not require medical treatment. If very severe, symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea present, the affected person may require treatment to restore fluids and electrocytes. There are no medications that can prevent acute hepatitis B from becoming chronic

promise in chronic hepatitis C is an agent called pegylated interferon alpha (Pegasys, PEGIntron). This agent is often combined with an antiviral drug called ribavirin (Virazole)