1. Michelle Ros Holly Yost
Hepatitis
Michelle Ros
Holly Yost

2. Background “Hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver
It’s caused by the viruses A,B,C,D,E, alcohol and drug abuse, and autoimmune disorders
It can go away on its own, but if left untreated, it leads to scarring of the liver
It can be infectious and noninfectious
About 4.4 million Americans have hepatitis, but most aren’t aware of it

3. Symptoms For all types of hepatitis, A-E, early symptoms include:
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Fever
Muscle/joint aches
Nausea
Mild abdominal pain
Vomiting
Weight loss
If allowed to progress, symptoms grow to include:
Circulation problems (drug/toxin induced)
Dark urine
Dizziness (toxic drug)
Drowsiness (toxic drug)
Enlarged spleen (alcohol)
Headache (toxic drug)
Itchy skin
Light colored, feces containing pus
Jaundice (yellow skin)

4. Hepatitis A (infectious/short incubation)
Highly contagious
Caused by infection with the hep A virus (HAV) through:
Fecal-oral route
Contaminated food or water
Lasts for about 28 days in the body
Replicates in liver
Shed out in feces in high concentrations
Does not develop into chronic infection or liver disease
Preventable with vaccine
Diagnosis: detection of hep A antibody through blood test
Treatment: no specific treatment; the body clears it on its own but the patient should avoid drugs and alcohol to allow the liver to heal

5. Hepatitis B (Serum/long-incubation)
Caused by presence of hep B virus (HBV) from:
Exchange of contaminated blood, human secretions, and feces
Also transmitted sexually and during pregnancy
Incubation period lasts around 6 weeks-6 months
Can be self-limited or chronic
Preventable with vaccine
Diagnosis: blood tests to examine specific antigens/ liver biopsy
Treatment: the patient should eat a diet rich in proteins and carbs to repair damaged liver cells; may also be prescribed interferon

6. Hepatitis C Most chronic bloodborne disease in U.S
Transmitted through blood donations
HCV is detectable in blood 1-3 weeks after exposure
Chronically ill patients may experience active liver disease
Some people who are infected may not feel the affects of the disease but they are still susceptible to other chronic liver diseases
Diagnosis: blood tests/ liver biopsy
Treatment: Patient may be prescribed pegylated interferon and ribavirin.

7. Hepatitis D (Delta Hepatitis)
Caused by HDV which requires presence of HBV surface antigens to replicate
Occurs only in people already infected with hepatitis B
Transmitted through percutaneous/mucosal contact with infected blood
No vaccine exists but a hep B vaccine will prevent it
There is no known treatment

8. Hepatitis E
Specifically occurs in patients who have travelled to epidemic areas
Not common in US
More common in young adults and more severe in pregnant women
Shed in feces
Caused by ingestion of fecal matter
Does not lead to chronic infection
There are no vaccines yet and no treatments

9. SOurces
"Hepatitis." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17 Sept Web. 14 May 2013.
 "What Is Hepatitis? Symptoms, Causes and Treatments." Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 13 Apr Web. 14 May 2013.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Hepatitis." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 01 Sept Web. 14 May 2013.
Diseases. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse, Print.