Typing of Viral Hepatitis

Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
Updated on February 02, 2025
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Viral hepatitis mainly includes Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, etc., among which Hepatitis A and E are acute infections. Generally, there is no long-term damage to the human body after infection; recovery of liver function suffices. Hepatitis B and C infections are prone to becoming chronic, leading to chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C, respectively. These chronic infections can easily lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Among them, the carrier rate of HBsAg in hepatitis B is about 7%, and there are approximately 9.6 million people with hepatitis C in China. Therefore, the incidence rates of hepatitis B and C are relatively high, and if there are abnormalities in liver function, it is crucial to check for these diseases.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Can viral hepatitis be breastfed?

Regarding the issue of whether breastfeeding is possible with viral hepatitis, it depends on the specific situation, as there are many types of viral hepatitis, and opinions vary for different types. For individuals infected with Hepatitis B, it is generally considered safe to breastfeed. However, breastfeeding is not recommended for mothers with Hepatitis C. Hepatitis A and E, during their acute infectious phases, are contagious, and breastfeeding is not advised. Hepatitis A and E are self-limiting diseases, and breastfeeding can be resumed four to eight weeks after recovery.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
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How to treat viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is caused by various viruses, primarily affecting the liver and characterized as an infectious disease. Clinically, the main symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, pain in the liver area, and fatigue. Some patients may also experience jaundice and fever. Common causes include five types of hepatitis viruses: Type A, B, C, D, and E. Generally, hepatitis B and C can lead to chronic hepatitis. Acute hepatitis is primarily treated symptomatically, while chronic conditions like hepatitis B and C usually require antiviral treatment.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Is viral hepatitis contagious?

Viral hepatitis is contagious, with different types of viral hepatitis transmitted in different ways. The common types of viral hepatitis include Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A and E are acute self-limiting liver diseases, which are contagious during the symptomatic phase and also during the incubation period, primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route via the digestive tract. Therefore, for those infected with Hepatitis A or E, gastrointestinal isolation and symptomatic treatment are required. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child, with general contact not leading to infection.

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
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The cause of ascites in viral hepatitis

Generally, viral hepatitis does not lead to ascites, but if viral hepatitis progresses to liver failure, severe hepatitis, or cirrhosis, ascites can occur. The main causes of ascites are related to portal hypertension and sodium and water retention. Additionally, patients with chronic liver diseases often have low albumin levels, leading to hypoalbuminemia, which can also contribute to the development of ascites. Therefore, the presence of ascites in viral hepatitis generally indicates a severe condition, and the outcome after treatment might be poor as ascites can recur. If ascites occurs in viral hepatitis, it is crucial to rule out the presence of cirrhosis. For some patients in the decompensated stage of cirrhosis, the initial symptom might be ascites. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary once ascites appears in viral hepatitis, requiring further attention.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
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How to test for viral hepatitis?

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.