How is Hepatitis Caused?
September 5, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, alcohol consumption, certain medications, autoimmune conditions, and metabolic disorders. The most common causes of hepatitis are viral infections. There are several types of viral hepatitis, each caused by a different virus. Here are the primary types of viral hepatitis and how they are caused:
- Hepatitis A (HAV): Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is typically transmitted through the fecal-oral route, which means it is contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with the virus or through close personal contact with an infected person. Poor sanitation and hygiene are common factors in the transmission of HAV.
- Hepatitis B (HBV): Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can be transmitted through:
- Contact with infected blood or body fluids, such as through unprotected sexual activity.
- Sharing needles or syringes with an infected person (common in the context of intravenous drug use).
- From mother to child during childbirth.
- Needlestick injuries or healthcare exposures.
- Use of contaminated medical equipment (less common in areas with proper infection control procedures).
- Hepatitis C (HCV): Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus. It is primarily transmitted through exposure to infected blood, such as:
- Sharing needles or syringes for drug use.
- Needlestick injuries in healthcare settings.
- Transfusions of unscreened or improperly screened blood products (before the implementation of widespread blood screening in the 1990s).
- Organ transplants from infected donors (rare).
- Sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes contaminated with blood (less common).
- Hepatitis D (HDV): Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus, but it can only infect individuals who are already infected with hepatitis B (HBV). HDV is considered a “satellite virus” because it requires the presence of HBV to replicate. It is typically transmitted through the same routes as HBV.
- Hepatitis E (HEV): Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus. It is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, similar to HAV. Contaminated water supplies and poor sanitation can contribute to the spread of HEV. It is more common in developing countries.
- Other Causes: Non-viral hepatitis can also be caused by factors such as excessive alcohol consumption (alcoholic hepatitis), certain medications or toxins, autoimmune disorders (autoimmune hepatitis), metabolic disorders, and fatty liver disease.
Prevention and management of hepatitis depend on the specific type and cause of the infection. Vaccination is available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B and is recommended as a preventive measure. Hepatitis C can be treated with antiviral medications, and hepatitis B can be managed with antiviral therapy when necessary. Alcohol-related hepatitis requires abstaining from alcohol, and autoimmune hepatitis may require immunosuppressive medications. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for hepatitis.