There are several types of hepatitis - all resulting to the inflammation of the liver. A patient with hepatitis may have viral or bacterial infection of the liver, liver injury caused by toxins, liver damage caused by interruption of blood supply, autoimmune disorder and pain in the area of the liver.
Hepatitis may cause symptoms similar to that of flu. Usually, infected patients feel generally ill, have fever, muscle aches, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice (a condition wherein the skin and whites of the eye turn yellow).
The three most common viruses that cause hepatitis are hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). HAV belongs to the picornaviruses. These viruses are known for causing “common-cold”-like illnesses, poliomyelitis and chronic infections.
Hepatitis A can be acquired from stools (feces) of infected people. It can be spread when someone eats anything that has been contaminated or mixed with food, water, milk, and even shellfish. It can also be transmitted from foods rinsed in contaminated water. Countries that are high at risk with hepatitis A include Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.
Aside from being known as one of the serious forms of hepatitis, Hepatitis B has also been classified in the same level as HIV. Hepatitis B can be acquired from infected body fluids, blood transfusion, shared needles or syringes, sexual contact with an infected person, and transmission of HBV infected mother to her newborns. Hepatitis D or delta virus, which was discovered in 1977 in Italy, can be transmitted in the same way except that it relies on the Hepatitis B virus to replicate.
Hepatitis C can be acquired from direct blood contact with an infected person. It can be transmitted by sharing drug needles or syringes, blood transfusions, and by using unsterilized tools for piercing and tattoos. This is the most complicated form of hepatitis as it can lead to chronic liver disease.
In 1955, at least 29,000 people in India were infected with the Hepatitis E disease. Hepatitis E can be transmitted by ingestion of substances contaminated with fecal matter and in areas where there is poor sanitation.
The hepatitis virus is primarily transmitted via contamination, whether in food or fluids. It is still best to follow proper hygiene, and perform safety precautions in making sure that you lessen your chances of getting infected with the disease.
Hepatitis can be diagnosed by blood tests.