Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by infection with a virus. Acute infections are typically thought of as those with a fairly rapid onset and a relatively short duration. Several different viruses are responsible for the majority of cases of infectious hepatitis. These viruses are named by letter, with A, B and C being the most common. Emedicine.com points out that viral infections account for more than half of all cases of acute hepatitis in the United States.
Hepatitis A
The hepatitis A virus is most commonly spread by contact with contaminated feces, states emedicine.com. This may occur through changing diapers or eating tainted food, among other routes. This fact explains why cases tend to occur in bunches. Sanitation is crucial in preventing the occurrence and spread of the infection. It is more common in developing countries in Africa, Asia and Central and South America. The Centers for Disease Control notes that the incidence of the disease decreased dramatically in the United States in the 1990s, which coincides with the introduction of a vaccine. Fortunately, hepatitis A does not lead to chronic infection, and most cases resolve with no long-term consequences. No specific treatment is available.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is caused by a different virus that is transmitted through contact with infected blood and body fluids. Common modes of spread include shared needles and high-risk sexual contact. The University of Virginia Health Systems website also describes neonatal infections obtained through the childbirth process. There is a vaccine available to prevent hepatitis B, which is routinely recommended and administered to infants, children and unvaccinated adults. Illness may present in many different forms. Infections may range from mild with minimal symptoms to severe liver failure. Chronic infection is also possible. Some patients are placed on antiviral medications, which have variable success rates.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is also spread through contact with blood and body fluids of an infected person. This virus is less likely to cause an acute illness than hepatitis B but is more likely to cause a chronic infection. No vaccine is available to prevent transmission. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) does mention drug treatment for hepatitis C, but it is not always used, nor is it always effective. Liver transplant is sometimes necessary.
Other Viruses
Acute viral hepatitis may be caused by the hepatitis E or G viruses, notes emedicine.com. There is also a hepatitis D virus that is only seen in those also infected with the hepatitis B virus. Less common causes of infectious hepatitis include cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpesvirus, parvovirus and adenovirus, notes the NIDDC.
