Hepatitis - The Basic Truth About It

Hepatitis is one of those major diseases that pose a great threat to people’s health; and it requires immediate reporting by the sufferer and prompt response on the part of health care providers to curb its spread.

Definition: Hepatitis is defined as the inflammation of the liver cells.

There are two main types of hepatitis - Acute and chronic hepatitis. Acute hepatitis is caused by infective agents (Hepatitis A & B viruses, and Non A, Non B viruses). Other viruses include Yellow fever virus, Epstein-Bar virus, cytomegalovirus, etc. 

There are also Non-viral agents that can cause hepatitis. They include Toxoplasma Gondii (Toxoplasmosis), Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae (Weil’s disease) and Coxiella Burneti (Q fever). Acute hepatitis can therefore be classified as - Infective hepatitis and Toxic hepatitis.

1. Infective/viral hepatitis
Infective hepatitis has been classified into three main types based on the causative organism
a. Hepatitis A or Infectious/Epidemic Hepatitis
b. Hepatitis B (Serum Hepatitis)
c. Non A, Non B Hepatitis

Causes
Acute hepatitis is caused by hepatitis A, B, Non A and Non B viruses. The viruses cause illness which have similar signs and symptoms; the only difference is in their mode of transmission, incubation period and chronicity.

Mode of transmission
Hepatitis A is transmitted through the oro-faecal route (consumption of contaminated food and drinks).
Hepatitis B is transmitted through injection of infected and blood products, sexual intercourse, homosexual activities and blood transfusion.

Predisposing factors
Predisposing factors for hepatitis A include Poor sanitation and overcrowding, while for hepatitis B they include Tattooing, acupuncture, use of non-pasteurized blood products, and use of infected (non-sterile) syringes and needles.

Incubation period
Incubation period for hepatitis A is between 10-50 days (about 1 month) and that of hepatitis B is usually 6 weeks - 6 months (average of about 1-3 months)

Incidence/population at risk
The incidence of hepatitis A is higher in children and young adults, while hepatitis B is higher amongst drug addicts, haemophiliacs and homosexuals.

Chronicity
A carrier state is produced in hepatitis A. no carrier state in hepatitis B but hepatitis B is more prolonged and more debilitating.

Infectivity
Hepatitis A is highly infectious while hepatitis B is only infectious.