Infectious Hepatitis

Hepatitis, inflammation of the liver, can be caused by many different things. Aside from toxins, such as alcohol, other drugs, poisonous mushrooms, etc., the most common causes are viruses. Although many viruses can cause hepatitis, there are three that have predilection to infect the liver preferentially.

The first is hepatitis A. This is the most common cause of hepatitis. It enters the body through the mouth via infected or contaminated food or water. There is an incubation period following exposure of three to six months. Jaundice, fever, and malaise, are early symptoms. It is highly infectious, and causes an acute illness. It is, however, self limited, and rarely progresses to life-threatening conditions.

The second is hepatitis B. This is the second most common cause of viral hepatitis. It enters the body through a parenteral route, frequently via contaminated blood or body fluids. It can be transmitted sexually. The incubation period is somewhat shorter, usually between one to two months. The most important distinction between this condition and hepatitis A is that this condition can progress to a chronic form in a limited but finite percentage of cases. This condition in turn can progress to cirrhosis and eventually to liver failure. It is a common reason for needing a liver transplant.

The third is hepatitis C. The hepatitis C virus is a relatively poorly understood virus, because it was discovered more recently. It causes an indolent infection that can be subclinical for a long time, causing cirrhosis and liver failure without much warning. Like hepatitis B, it is transmitted mainly by blood transfusions, exchange of body fluids, and sexual contact. Diagnosis of this condition can escape the most astute clinician for many years.

There are other viruses that can cause hepatitis which are even more poorly understood. Diagnosis of these conditions is even more difficult.

Because hepatitis, especially hepatitis C, is more common in patients of Asian ancestry, we at NMC are mindful that this is a condition that needs to be considered even when there are only subtle signs of this illness. We are prepared fully for early diagnosis and treatment of this condition.