Hepatitis
Is defined as an inflammation of the liver. Many illnesses, agents and clinical conditions can cause inflammation of the liver including drugs, alcohol, chemicals, autoimmune diseases, viruses, bacteria, fungi etc.
Many agents such as some viruses like adenovirus, infectious mononucleosis affect other organs and tissues of the body equally and not primarily the liver.
Viral hepatitis
Viral hepatitis is defined as the clinical condition in which the viral infection affects primarily the liver.
You’re a hepatitis virus A, B, C, D, E, F and G of which the most common are A, B, C
All hepatitis virus cause acute hepatitis but only B and C cause chronic hepatitis
Etiology of hepatitis A
Hepatitis A virus is an RNA virus. It can be isolated in stool of the patient by various immunological technique. While antibodies to the virus known as anti HAV can be isolated by radioimmunoassay
Etiology of hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus contains DNA and DNA polymerase can be found in the serum of the patient with a disease. They virus consists of a surface antigen consisting of spherical and tubular particles initially described as Australian antigen. It also contains hepatitis B surface antigen HbeAg as well as hepatitis BeAg. HbeAg is related to the infectivity of the virus. Antibodies today hepatitis B surface antigen, HbcAg and hepatitis B antigen also found in the serum.
Etiology of hepatitis d virus
Also called Delta virus is an incomplete RNA virus which multiplies only in the presence of hepatitis B virus. It coexist with hepatitis B or its infects a patient with persistent hepatitis B virus. It is transmitted by inoculation in parenteral drug users and true transmission of blood or blood concentrate. Perinata transmission is rare. It predisposes to causation of fulminant hepatitis or chronic hepatitis in those with hepatitis B virus.
Aetiology of hepatitis C virus
Hepatitis C virus is an RNA virus with features similar to flavivirus or pestivirus. It is transmitted parenterally or sexually, also via IV administration of blood and blood products and also causes chronic liver disease.
Aetiology of hepatitis e virus
Hepatitis e virus appears to be waterborne and often causes and epidemic in circumstances of poor hygiene.