Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases caused by hepatotropic viruses, characterized by hepatic inflammation/necrosis. Class B notifiable; highly contagious, complex transmission, widespread, high incidence. B/C/D may become chronic → cirrhosis/primary HCC. Main symptoms: fatigue, anorexia, abnormal LFTs; some fever/jaundice; minority progress to fulminant hepatitis (high mortality). Five types: A/B/C/D/E.

Common Symptoms

Massive hepatocellular necrosis; bleeding tendency; ascites; restlessness; liver-qi stagnation; fatigue; tense liver capsule; big-three-positive; nausea; proteinuria

Causes and Pathogenesis

Complex mechanisms vary by virus. HAV/HEV enter orally, via gut to blood to liver, excreted in bile/feces. Liver is main target. HAV injury is immune-mediated (not direct cytopathy). HEV early = direct cytopathy, later = immune-mediated. Developed countries = sporadic; developing = epidemic. China: Xinjiang outbreaks; HEV ~10% of acute sporadic hepatitis. Fecal-oral like HAV. Source: HAV patients/asymptomatic carriers; fecal shedding; viremia 14-21 days before jaundice; peak shedding 2 weeks before to 1 week after onset; rare transfusion transmission.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Water protection, drinking-water disinfection, food hygiene, fecal management; one needle/syringe per patient; strict disinfection of blood-contaminated items; dialysis-unit hygiene.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Hepatology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.