You’re invited to the 2024 Hepatitis B Foundation Gala on April 5, 2024 in Warrington, PA. Details here.

The ABCs of Viral Hepatitis

The word “hepatitis” means “inflammation” of the liver. Hepatitis can be caused by many things such as a physical injury, bacterial infections, adverse drug interactions, and viruses.

There are currently 5 viruses identified (hepatitis A, B, C, D and E) that specifically attack the liver and cause “viral hepatitis” or inflammation of the liver due to a virus. All of the hepatitis viruses cause a new or “acute” infection. But only the hepatitis B and C viruses can result in a “chronic” infection that increases the risk of a person developing cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.

 

Type of Viral Hepatitis

   Mode of Transmission / Prevention

  Hepatitis A (HAV)

  • Transmitted through contaminated food and water.
  • Recovery from an acute infection provides lifelong protection against a future exposure to HAV.
  • There is no chronic infection associated with HAV.
  • Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation can help prevent hepatitis A.
  • A safe vaccine is available for babies > 12 months, and children and adults.
  • The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for people with hepatitis B.
  • No drug treatment is needed for an HAV infection.

  Hepatitis B (HBV)

  • Transmitted from an infected person to their newborn during childbirth, through other contact with infected blood (unsterile needles, shared personal items such as razors or toothbrushes), or unprotected sex.
  • A chronic infection can occur in 90% of infants exposed to HBV, up to 50% of young children, and 10% of adults.
  • HBV is the primary cause of liver cancer, which is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.
  • There is a vaccine for newborns, children and adults.
  • There are drug treatments but no cure for HBV.

  Hepatitis C (HCV)

  • Transmitted through infected blood, unprotected sex, and contaminated or unsterile needles.
  • A chronic infection can occur in 55–85% of infected adults.
  • HCV is the leading cause for liver transplants in the U.S.
  • There is no vaccine.
  • A cure for HCV was discovered and approved in 2013.

  Hepatitis Delta (HDV)

 

  • Transmitted through infected blood, unprotected sex, unsterile or contaminated needles and from infected woman to her newborn.
  • HDV infection is only possible if a person is already infected with hepatitis B or a person can be infected with both viruses at the same time.
  • A HDV co-infection with hepatitis B results in more serious and rapid liver damage.
  • The hepatitis B vaccine can prevent HDV.

  Hepatitis E (HEV)

  • Transmitted through contaminated water, food (particularly pork and shellfish), and blood products.
  • There is no chronic infection associated with HEV.
  • There is no approved vaccine in the USA, although China has produced and licensed a vaccine.
  • There is no drug treatment for HEV.