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Viral hepatitis
is an inflammation of the liver caused by different virusses. Most
often, their is spontaneous cure. However, hepatitis B and C can become
chronic and then dangerous.
Patients with acute viral hepatitis experience jaundice, nausea and
marked fatigue. Most cases heal spontaneously. Patients with chronic
hepatitis (i.e. an inflammation which lasts longer than three months)
may be fatigued but often do not notice this condition. In such cases,
only laboratory investigations will detect the condition. Five
different viruses are responsible for most forms of viral hepatitis:
- Hepatitis A.
Transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Most often harmless but it can be
annoying when caught in adult life. Never gets chronic. There is an
effective vaccine which is recommended for people travelling to the
South.
- Hepatitis B.
It is most often transmitted by the mother to her offspring or
sexually. In adults, 5 -
10 % of cases get chronic. Effective treatments exist. There is an
effective vaccine which is highly recommended. In areas of high
prevalence, the WHO recommends treatment of neonates. In areas of low
prevalence, vaccination of
- Hepatitis C.
It gets transmitted by blood (transfusionen before 1991,
drug abuse, tattoos). It often becomes chronic (50 - 85 %). Treatment
is possible, but unfortunately, there is no vaccine yet available.
- Hepatitis D or Delta. Occurs only together with
hepatitis B and often leads to chronic disease. Treatment is difficult
but possible. Such treatment should be sought in a cener experienced in
treatment of viral hepatitis. Vaccination against hepatitis B also
protects against D/Delta.
- Hepatitis E. Similar to hepatitis A, frequent
in India, Maghreb und central America. Most often harmless, but very
dangerous for pregnant women. Never gets chronic. A vaccine is expected
soon
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Stiftung
für
Leberkrankheiten
Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie
Universität Bern
Murtenstrasse 35,
Postfach 49
3010 Bern
0041 (0)31 632 31 91
Info@leberstiftung.ch |
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