35 - Viral Hepatitis

Abstract

Hepatitis viral infections are a major cause of illness in less developed countries, though outbreaks occur in developed countries everyExpert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. few years. Two viruses (hepatitis A and hepatitis E) are transmitted feco-orally and cause acute or fulminant viral hepatitis, and there is no specific treatment for either one, though they are self-limited in nature. Hepatitis E can cause fulminant hepatitis in pregnant women. Another two viruses (hepatitis B and hepatitis C) are transmitted parenterally, and both can cause acute hepatitis. They are the most common cause of chronic hepatitis and chronic liver disease, including liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis D virus co-infection sometimes occurs with hepatitis B virus infection. Although there is no cure for hepatitis B and therapy is lifelong, there are highly effective new oral therapies for hepatitis C, which are well tolerated, though costly. Excellent vaccines exist for hepatitis A, B, and E (the latter not yet commercially available), but none for hepatitis C.