Abstract
Five distinct human viruses are commonly associated with viral hepatitis in man. Two agents, hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) cause only acute hepatitis and are predominantly transmitted by the fecaloral route. The others, hepatitis B virus (HBV) , hepatitis D virus (HDV) , and hepatitis C virus (HCV) , are transmitted by parenteral and sexual exposure, and in the case of HBV and HCV are also transmitted to infants born of infected mothers. All have a worldwide distribution, although the prevalence of each varies significantly among different populations. The viruses belong to very different virus families and have in common only a tropism for the liver. Each has a distinctive structure and replication strategy. Infection with three of these agents (HBV, HCV and HDV) often leads to chronic hepatitis and possibly cirrhosis, while two of these viruses (HBV and HCV) have been associated with development of liver cancer. Effective vaccines offer hope for control of HAV, HBV, and HDV (through immunization against HBV) , while recent advances in our understanding of HCV and HEV suggest that vaccines may soon be available for these agents as well.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
