Viral Hepatitis
AWARENESS & TREATMENT by Dr. Titilayo Ademoluti-Folami
with an infected person, use of infected needles or transmission of infected blood, cause symptoms like fever, muscle weakness, fatigue and could get worse causing jaundice. If left untreated, it can progress to become chronic and cause liver cirrhosis where the functioning of liver cells become replaced with scar tissues that cannot function as liver cells anymore or even worse, liver cancer and ultimately death. DIAGNOSIS. Diagnosis is carried out through blood tests that detects the antigen of the virus and/or antibodies to the viruses. Hepatitis is a term that simply means inflammation of the liver. It can be infectious (bacterial, viral, fungal) or non-infectious (alcohol, drugs, autoimmune). This article focuses on viral hepatitis. Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by viruses; Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) and Hepatitis E Virus (HEV). TRANSMISSION.
“In recent times, there has been an increase in the prevalence of viral hepatitis in Africa.”
R D S F
Hepatitis A, D and E viruses are transmitted via the feco-oral route, that is, through consumption of food and water contaminated by these viruses. HDV causes a unique infection that requires the assistance of HBV particles to replicate and infect liver cells. This means that HDV is transmitted often with HBV. HBV and HCV are transmitted sexually or via | 10 |
contact with infected blood and body fluids. In recent times, there has been an increase in the prevalence of viral hepatitis in Africa. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS.
“...hepatitis B and C when transmitted through sex with an infected person, use of infected needles or transmission of infected blood, cause symptoms like fever, muscle weakness, fatigue and could get worse causing jaundice.” HAV, HDV and HEV, if in the system, may not cause any noticeable symptoms. They may however cause mild symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness and can get worse to cause jaundice or liver failure but most times the body is able to clear them with some treatment. On the other hand, hepatitis B and C when transmitted through sex
TREATMENT.
“Advancement in technology has made the management of hepatitis B infection and cure of HCV possible.” HAV, HDV and HEV can be treated supportively based on the symptoms with or without antiviral medications. Advancement in technology has made the management of hepatitis B infection and cure of HCV possible. Once diagnosed with hepatitis, it is important to avoid/restrict other things that can damage the liver e.g., alcohol consumption and use of NonSteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs like paracetamol. For Hepatitis B, the Gastroenterologist will send for some investigations like a DNA panel, Liver Function Test, Abdominal Ultrasound Scan, and any other test necessary. The results will determine the next line of action(s). A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE
