What is it?

There are 5 types of viruses that causeviral hepatitis: HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, HEV. They all damage the liver tissue. However, the viruses differ in the characteristics of the virus and at the clinical level- while all liver viruses can lead to an acute occurrence which can be asymptomatic, symptomatic or cause full blown hepatitis, only some of the viruses can cause a chronic occurrence, cirrhosis of the liver and even Hepatocelullar carncinoma. In viral hepatitis, three main signs were observed:
Increase in liver enzymes - ALT, AST, ALKP, GGT - These enzymes are found in the liver cells and therefore massive destruction of liver cells is manifested in an increase in the level of enzymes in the blood.
Increase in bilirubin ⇑ expressed in jaundice - bilirubin is a breakdown product of Heme from red blood cells that is metabolized in the liver and excreted into bile. When there is destruction of liver cells the level of bilirubin in the blood rises.
Impaired liver function - The liver is responsible for, among other things, the production of albumin and coagulation factors. Once there is inflammation in the liver, functions dependent on the production of these substances are impaired - an prolongation of the INR is seen as well as a decrease in the level of albumin in the blood. In severe cases, cirrhosis may also be seen on its marks.
Hepatitis A
HAV causes an acute illness that usually is self-limited within weeks.
Many times the occurrence is asymptomatic (especially in children), and in any case there is no chronic disease as a result of HAV.
The virus is common in African, Southeast Asian and South American countries - where hygiene is low.
Infection with the virus is done by passing viruses from the feces through the mouth towards the digestive tract.
Hepatitis B
The virus is common in Africa, Southeast Asia and South America. The main transmission and age of infection at a particular location depend on the percentage of carriers in the population: In places where the percentage of carriers is high, the main route of transmission is between mother and baby (and accordingly, the main age of infection is near birth), in places where the percentage of carriers is medium or low most of the infection is through blood and sex and age of infection ranges from childhood to adulthood. The course of HBV infection: The disease can progress from acute to chronic disease and even cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. Progression from the acute to chronic stage depends on age - over 90% of children will develop chronic disease following acute illness, while less than 5% of adults will develop chronic illness following acute illness. Chronic illness increases the risk of cirrhosis and cancer, liver transplantation or death.
Hepatitis D-
It is not possible to be infected only with HDV and the person must be previously or simultaneously infected with HBV in order that the virus will exist in our bodies. 5% of those infected with HBV are also infected with HDV. Ways of transmission are the same as HBV and, here too, prevention is of high importancy.
Hepatitis C-
Risk factors for HCV today are IV drug users, unprotected sex, and non-sterile needles. In the past blood transfusions were a major risk factor but today they are scanned for HCV.
Hepatitis E-
Transmitted through contaminated food and contaminated water (in endemic places like India). In the vast majority of cases causes acute onset. It should be noted that pregnant women in the third trimester develop life-threatening disease with 15-25% mortality.