5.18
Viral hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by a viral infection that targets hepatic tissue. The most common causes are viruses of the hepatitis family, A-E.
The hepatitis A virus spreads through contaminated food or water via the fecal-oral route.
Hepatitis B is a DNA virus transmitted through infected blood and body fluids. Common routes include sexual contact, occupational exposure, particularly needlestick injuries, and perinatal transmission from mother to child.
Hepatitis C is an RNA virus transmitted primarily through exposure to blood. Common routes include sharing drug needles and unsafe tattooing practices.
The hepatitis D virus is a defective RNA virus that requires HBV to infect. It can occur as a coinfection, that is, when HBV and HDV enter hepatocytes together, or as a superinfection, when HDV infects someone already carrying HBV.
The hepatitis E virus is an RNA virus spread via the faecal-oral route, commonly through contaminated water.
Additionally, other viruses, such as Epstein–Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and yellow fever virus, can also cause hepatitis.
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.
Hepatitis A Virus
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food or water contaminated with fecal material from an infected person. After entering the gastrointestinal tract, the virus reaches the liver and infects hepatocytes, resulting in an acute, self-limiting illness.
Hepatitis B Virus
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a DNA virus spread through infected blood and body fluids. Transmission occurs through sexual contact, sharing of needles, occupational exposures such as needlestick injuries, and vertical transmission from mother to infant during childbirth. HBV infection may be acute or progress to chronic disease.
Hepatitis C Virus
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an RNA virus transmitted primarily via blood exposure. Common routes include sharing drug-injection equipment, unsafe tattooing or piercing practices, and, less commonly, sexual contact involving blood exposure.
Hepatitis D Virus
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective RNA virus that requires HBV for replication. HDV infection may occur as a coinfection—when HBV and HDV enter hepatocytes simultaneously—or as a superinfection in individuals already chronically infected with HBV. HDV typically worsens the severity of hepatitis.
Hepatitis E Virus
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an RNA virus transmitted through the fecal–oral route, most often via contaminated water. HEV generally causes acute hepatitis, but Infection can be especially severe in pregnant individuals, particularly during the third trimester.
Other Viral Causes
Additional viruses, such as Epstein–Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and yellow fever virus, may also cause hepatitis as part of a systemic infection.
Viral hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by a viral infection that targets hepatic tissue. The most common causes are viruses of the hepatitis family, A-E.
The hepatitis A virus spreads through contaminated food or water via the fecal-oral route.
Hepatitis B is a DNA virus transmitted through infected blood and body fluids. Common routes include sexual contact, occupational exposure, particularly needlestick injuries, and perinatal transmission from mother to child.
Hepatitis C is an RNA virus transmitted primarily through exposure to blood. Common routes include sharing drug needles and unsafe tattooing practices.
The hepatitis D virus is a defective RNA virus that requires HBV to infect. It can occur as a coinfection, that is, when HBV and HDV enter hepatocytes together, or as a superinfection, when HDV infects someone already carrying HBV.
The hepatitis E virus is an RNA virus spread via the faecal-oral route, commonly through contaminated water.
Additionally, other viruses, such as Epstein–Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and yellow fever virus, can also cause hepatitis.
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