A, B, C, D, E, F… It sounds like the beginning of a familiar childhood alphabet song, but these are the main types of viral hepatitis.
Why is it important to talk about viral hepatitis?
Viral hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases that affect the liver. Most often, viral hepatitis is asymptomatic — and that is what makes it dangerous. A person may live for years without knowing they are infected. A prolonged course of the disease can lead to the development of liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis is a condition in which functional liver tissue decreases and is replaced by connective tissue; this disease significantly shortens life expectancy due to the development of severe complications. Most people learn about their condition accidentally during routine screening tests.
Common types of viral hepatitis and how to protect yourself
Hepatitis A
You may have heard about this disease in childhood; it is also known as “Botkin’s disease.” Hepatitis A has an acute course and is often accompanied by jaundice. A chronic form of this virus does not occur. Infection is transmitted via the fecal–oral route, that is, through contaminated water, unwashed hands, and contaminated food. Protection against this disease includes vaccination (vaccines Havrix, Avaxim, Vaqta), as well as соблюдение hygiene rules. If you are not vaccinated, your immune status can be checked with a blood test — anti-HAV IgG. After vaccination or a past infection, stable lifelong immunity is formed.
Hepatitis B
The disease may have an acute course, but chronic forms are more common. Between 1996 and 2002, vaccination against hepatitis B became mandatory in many countries; the first injection is given in the first hours of a child’s life. Routes of transmission include: contact with blood (medical and non-medical procedures, tattoos, piercings), unprotected sexual contact, and transmission from mother to child during childbirth. Chronic hepatitis B may remain asymptomatic for years, gradually damaging the liver and increasing the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Vaccination is the most effective method of prevention; the use of barrier contraception and sterile instruments for any invasive procedures is also important. If you do not know your status, you can take blood tests:
- HBsAg — shows whether there is an active infection, that is, whether you currently have hepatitis B
- anti-HBs — shows the presence of immunity (antibodies) after vaccination
- anti-HBc — helps determine whether there has been prior contact with the virus
Vaccination is recommended for everyone who does not have immunity, regardless of age.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease. In most cases, it is asymptomatic, sometimes for decades. The main routes of transmission are contact with blood (medical and non-medical procedures, tattoos, piercings), and less commonly sexual transmission. Since the 1990s, hepatitis C treatment has advanced significantly; modern antiviral medications allow cure rates of more than 95–98% of cases, usually within 8–12 weeks, with minimal side effects. Importantly, there is currently no vaccine against hepatitis C, but the disease is fully curable. How to check your status:
- anti-HCV — a screening test. A positive result may indicate prior exposure of the immune system to hepatitis C virus (that is, either an active infection or a past infection)
- if positive — detection of the virus in the blood (HCV-RNA) to confirm active infection
Patients with viral hepatitis are often subjected to social stigma; however, this group of diseases has long ceased to be associated with unfavorable life circumstances. The good news is that today we know how to effectively prevent infection, detect the disease in a timely manner, and, in the case of hepatitis C, completely cure it.
One blood test and up-to-date vaccination are a simple step that helps preserve liver health for many years. Knowing your status is a sign of responsible care for yourself and your loved ones.