Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E: Know the Differences
7/6/2022
By Jesus Aguirre-Burgos, M.D., family medicine physician, Primary Care Associates of Laredo
Hepatitis, which means inflammation of the liver, is also the name of a group of viral infections. Although hepatitis A, B, C, D and E are very distinct viruses, they share the commonality of attacking the liver of their host. These potent viruses can do tremendous damage.
Microscopic amounts of the viruses are strong enough to infect humans, and in most cases, the diseases are not fatal. However, if the symptoms are left untreated, many types of hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis (a potentially life-threatening condition caused by inflammation and scarring of the liver), liver cancer or liver failure.
Hepatitis A is contracted through ingestion of fecal matter, either from fecal-to-mouth contact or contaminated food or water. Symptoms include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes in addition to dark urine)
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
The liver disease caused by hepatitis A is acute in nature, generally lasting a few weeks to a few months, yet the Centers for Disease Control report that 10 to 15 percent of those infected with hepatitis A will have prolonged or recurring symptoms for up to nine months. This disease can be prevented with the hepatitis A vaccine.
In accordance with CDC guidelines, most pediatricians routinely recommend the vaccine for all children 12 to 23 months of age. Moreover, anyone considered at risk of contracting hepatitis A, such as those traveling to regions with a high prevalence of the disease (Central or South America, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe), should also be vaccinated.
Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. The source of transmission is much the same as HIV, yet hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious. The disease can be spread with unsanitary needles used for tattooing, intravenous drug use or contact with contaminated objects, such as razorblades or toothbrushes. In addition, newborns can contract the disease from an infected mother at the time of birth. Symptoms of Hepatitis B include:
- Jaundice
- Unusually light-colored stool
- Unexplained fatigue lasting for weeks or months
- Abdominal pain
- Flu-like symptoms
Those infected with this type of hepatitis may not experience symptoms for up to six months. Some develop chronic liver disease which is a longer-lasting and more serious condition that can result in liver cancer. In an effort to thwart Hepatitis B, vaccination is recommended for infants, health care workers and those traveling to regions where the disease is common.
The most serious and non-curable form of hepatitis is type C. Although the symptoms of this virus can be acute, hepatitis C most often becomes a chronic condition and carries a high likelihood of developing into cirrhosis or liver cancer. Its symptoms are similar to type A and B, and there is no vaccine. This disease is spread most commonly though contaminated needles, usually those of infected intravenous drug users.
Hepatitis D is also contracted through blood and bodily fluids. However, unlike the others, it is dependent on the hepatitis B virus in order to grow. This means people must be infected with both types in order for hepatitis D to affect them. Symptoms of hepatitis D are comparable to A, B and C, and there is no vaccine.
Finally, hepatitis E is contracted by the ingestion of fecal matter, usually related to a contaminated water supply. Although rare in the U.S., it can be very serious. Most outbreaks are acute and do not lead to chronic infection. Hepatitis E also exhibits the symptoms of type A and there is no approved vaccine for type E.
Although the types of hepatitis may result from different causes and produce different effects, all are characterized by inflammation of the liver. When left untreated, the symptoms of hepatitis may progress into fatal conditions such as cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. All who are eligible should be vaccinated, but if you are experiencing symptoms related to hepatitis, talk to your physician about appropriate treatment options.
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Remember that this information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information and facilitate conversations with your physician that will benefit your health.
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