Virology, Emerging Diseases & vaccines

Hepatic viral diseases

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Many illnesses and conditions can cause inflammation of the liver, for example, drugs, alcohol, chemicals, and autoimmune diseases. Many viruses, for example, the virus causing mononucleosis and the cytomegalovirus, can inflame the liver. Most viruses, however, do not attack primarily the liver; the liver is just one of several organs that the viruses affect. There are several hepatitis viruses; they have been named types A, B, C, D, E, F (not confirmed), and G. The most common hepatitis viruses are types A, B, and C. Reference to the hepatitis viruses often occurs in an abbreviated form (for example, HAV, HBV, HCV represent hepatitis viruses A, B, and C, respectively.Vaccination against hepatitis B has dramatically reduced the incidence of new infections, particularly in high-risk groups. For those with chronic hepatitis B, antiviral treatments can help manage the virus and reduce the risk of liver damage. Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, often through sharing needles or exposure to unscreened blood products. Like hepatitis B, hepatitis C can lead to chronic infection, which over time can cause liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in treatment, with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs offering highly effective cures for hepatitis C. These treatments have revolutionized the management of the disease, providing hope for individuals with chronic infections and significantly reducing the global burden of liver disease caused by hepatitis C.