How to test for viral hepatitis?

Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Viral hepatitis is primarily caused by hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses. However, its diagnosis is mainly confirmed through blood tests by examining serological results. It is generally difficult to differentiate clinically because conditions like hepatitis A and E have very similar clinical manifestations. Similarly, hepatitis B and C can show similar symptoms during certain stages of the disease. Therefore, the examination of viral hepatitis primarily involves blood tests for serological studies of the hepatitis virus.

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What are the types of viral hepatitis?

Common types of viral hepatitis include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and Hepatitis E, as well as Hepatitis G. Infections by the Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus can also potentially cause liver damage. Of course, there are other related viral infections that can lead to liver damage and can be classified as viral hepatitis. Different types of viral hepatitis have different transmission routes and methods, and their prognosis and outcomes vary. Appropriate measures should be taken based on the specific circumstances.

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Treatment of viral hepatitis

Once viral hepatitis occurs, the liver function is obviously abnormal. Patients may have significant discomfort symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, and bloating after eating. Therefore, the treatment of patients with viral hepatitis mainly consists of two aspects. The first aspect is bed rest combined with a light, low-fat diet. The second aspect is pharmacological treatment. For patients with significantly abnormal liver function, medications that protect the liver and reduce enzyme levels are needed. If significant jaundice occurs, medications to reduce jaundice are required. Additionally, if the viral hepatitis is caused by hepatitis B or C, antiviral medications might be necessary. Only through active antiviral treatment can the damage to the liver by the virus be reduced, and thus better recovery of the patients can be achieved.

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Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus.

Viral hepatitis refers to liver function damage caused by viruses such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, non-A, and non-E, and is a type of infectious hepatitis. This infectious hepatitis is collectively known as viral hepatitis, which mainly manifests as abnormal liver function, elevated transaminases, and abnormal bilirubin levels. To determine the specific cause of viral hepatitis, it is necessary to complete hepatitis antibody tests. Only after clarifying the hepatitis antibody tests can it be determined which virus caused the liver function abnormalities. Therefore, viral hepatitis is a general term that also includes various types and causes. To further clarify, additional testing is required. Only through further testing can the cause be clearly identified for better treatment.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
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What indicators are checked for viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis requires relevant hepatitis markers, such as hepatitis A antibodies IgG and IgM for hepatitis A, and for hepatitis B, the "hepatitis B two and a half pairs" test is conducted to check for surface antigens. If the surface antigen is positive, it indicates a hepatitis B virus infection; if negative, there is no hepatitis B virus infection. Hepatitis C is primarily screened through hepatitis C antibodies; if the screening is positive, further testing for hepatitis C virus RNA is needed. Hepatitis E mainly involves testing for hepatitis E antibodies IgG and IgM.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
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Symptoms of viral hepatitis

The clinical symptoms of viral hepatitis are mainly related to liver function. Generally, there are no obvious symptoms when liver function is normal or mildly abnormal. However, when liver function becomes significantly abnormal, symptoms such as fatigue, aversion to oil, nausea, abdominal distension, and poor appetite may occur. Different types of viral hepatitis have different prognoses and severity of illness. Treatment should be tailored to the actual situation, including liver protection, enzyme reduction, and addressing the cause through comprehensive treatment.