Viral Hepatitis

Introduction

Symptoms

• Early stage: Fever, loss of appetite, nausea, and muscle pain.
• Later stage: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), darkened urine, and pale stools.
• Fatigue and pain in the upper right abdomen.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Consuming contaminated food or water.
• Travelling to areas with poor sanitation.
• Direct contact with an infected individual.

Diagnosis

Treatment

• There is no specific antiviral treatment; the focus is on symptomatic relief, such as hydration and nutrition.
• Symptoms usually resolve within 2-6 weeks.

Prevention

• Hepatitis A vaccination.
• Improved hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and consuming safe drinking water.

Introduction

Symptoms

• Acute: Often asymptomatic but may present with jaundice, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and pain in the upper right abdomen.
• Chronic: Usually asymptomatic, with abnormal liver function often detected during routine health check-ups. Severe symptoms may include ascites, jaundice, and variceal bleeding.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Consuming contaminated food or water.
• Travelling to areas with poor sanitation.
• Direct contact with infected individuals.

Diagnosis

• Blood Tests: 
  - HBsAg (Surface Antigen): Confirms infection.
  - HBeAg (e Antigen) and HBV DNA: Evaluate viral activity.
• Liver Function Tests: Measure ALT and AST levels.
• Imaging: Ultrasound to assess the extent of liver damage.

Treatment

• No specific antiviral medication for acute hepatitis B. Treatment focuses on symptom management, such as replenishing fluids and nutrients. 
• Symptoms usually resolve within 2–6 weeks.

Prevention

• Vaccination against hepatitis A.
• Improved hygiene practices include frequent hand washing and drinking clean water.

Introduction

Symptoms

• Acute Phase: Often asymptomatic or with mild symptoms like fatigue and nausea.
• Chronic Phase: Persistent fatigue, dull pain in the upper right abdomen, and symptoms of cirrhosis in late stages.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Sharing needles or receiving contaminated blood transfusions.
• Using unsterilized instruments (e.g., for tattoos or piercings).
• Mother-to-child transmission and sexual contact pose lower risks but can still occur.

Diagnosis

• Blood Tests: 
  - HCV Antibodies: Confirm infection.
  - HCV RNA Detection: Determine if the virus is actively present in the body.
• Imaging and Fibrosis Assessment: FibroScan evaluates liver stiffness.
• Liver Biopsy: Performed in specific cases to assess liver damage and inflammation severity.

Treatment

Prevention

• Avoid Blood Exposure:
  - Do not share needles, razors, toothbrushes, or personal items.
  - Ensure sterile instruments during medical procedures.
• Avoid Unsafe Practices:
  - Only undergo tattoos or piercings at certified facilities.
  - Use properly sterilized tools.
• Screening and Monitoring:
  - High-risk individuals should undergo regular HCV antibody screening.
  - Those with prior blood transfusions or organ transplants should consider testing.
• Healthy Lifestyle:
  - Avoid alcohol to minimize liver damage.
  - Follow medical guidance and receive vaccinations for other hepatitis viruses (e.g., hepatitis B vaccine).

Introduction

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Jaundice
• Upper right abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

Causes and Risk Factors

• Contaminated water consumption
• Eating undercooked pork or organ meats

Diagnosis

• Blood Tests:
  - Anti-HDV Antibodies: Used for preliminary screening to determine HDV exposure.
  - HDV RNA Testing: Confirms active infection.
  - HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): Determines HBV co-infection.
  - Liver Function Tests: Assess liver damage by measuring ALT, AST, and other enzymes.
   
• Imaging Studies:
  Abdominal ultrasound or elastography (FibroScan) to evaluate liver fibrosis.
   
• Liver Biopsy:
  For complex cases, it assesses liver damage and fibrosis severity.

Treatment

Currently, treatment options for hepatitis D are limited. The goal is to control viral replication, reduce liver damage, and prevent complications.

• Antiviral Therapy:
  Pegylated Interferon: The only approved treatment for HDV aimed at regulating the immune system to suppress viral replication.
   
• Supportive Care:
  - Managing complications of cirrhosis, such as ascites or variceal bleeding.
  - Regular liver function monitoring to prevent further damage.
   
• Liver Transplantation:
  A viable option for patients with end-stage liver disease or liver failure.

Prevention

• HBV Vaccination:
  - Preventing HBV infection is the most effective way to avoid HDV.
   
• Avoid Blood Exposure:
  - Do not share needles or instruments that may come into contact with blood.
  - Ensure sterile handling of medical and cosmetic tools
   
• Safe Sexual Practices:
  - Use protective measures to reduce the risk of transmission through sexual contact.
   
• Regular Screening:
  - HBV-infected individuals should undergo regular testing for HDV co-infection.