Viral hepatitis The term hepatitis refers to inflammation and possible injury of the liver. Hepatitis may be caused by a number of injurious agents such as viruses, alcohol, toxins and drugs. When the liver is inflamed and injured as a result of viral infection it is termed a viral hepatitis. In the United States, there are three main hepatitis viruses, designated hepatitis A, B and C. Two other variants, hepatitis D and E are also present in certain populations. All of the hepatitis viruses target the hepatocytes of the liver as their site of infection and replication.

Characteristics of Viral Hepatitis Hepatitis virus A Hepatitis virus B Hepatitis virus C Hepatitis virus D Hepatitis virus E Incubation (days) 15–5030–18015–16030–18010–60 Transmission F/O fecal/oral BBF blood and body fluids BBF F/O Onset AbruptInsidious Abrupt Chronic hepatitis RarePossible Unlikely

Manifestations of viral hepatitis Range from asymptomatic to severe Fatigue, malaise, anorexia, nausea Jaundice (yellow discoloration of skin and mucous membranes) Liver inflammation and abdominal pain Abnormal liver function and enzyme levels

Possible complications of hepatitis Chronic active or persistent hepatitis can lead to progressive liver injury, liver failure and death. The chronic form of hepatitis is most common with hepatitis B, C, D, but rare with hepatitis A and E. Chronic active hepatitis is also associated with an increased incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma.

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