Notes

Hepatitis

Infectious inflammation of liver. Also run Hepatitis General, Blood Purify, and Parasites Schistosoma Mansoni programs if necessary.Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis A - hepatitis A virus (Picornavirus: Enterovirus)Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis B - hepatitis B virus (Hepadnavirus)Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis C - hepatitis C virus (Flavivirus)Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis D - hepatitis D virus (Deltavirus)Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis E - hepatitis E virus (Calicivirus)Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis A - children. HAV is found in the stool (feces) and blood of an infected child. A child can catch hepatitis A by: Coming in contact with the blood or stool of a person who has the disease. Eating or drinking food or water that has been contaminated by blood or stools containing the HAV. Fruits, vegetables, shellfish, ice, and water are common sources of the disease. Eating food prepared by someone with the disease who does not wash their hands after using the bathroom. Being lifted or carried by someone with the disease who does not wash their hands after using the bathroom. Traveling to another country without being vaccinated for hepatitis A. Children can get hepatitis A at day care center from other children or from child care workers who have the virus and do not practice good hygiene. Other common hepatitis virus infections include hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Hepatitis A is typically the least serious and mildest of these diseases.Most children age 6 years and younger do not have any symptoms. This means that your child could have the disease, and you may not know it. This can make it easy to spread the disease among young children. When symptoms occur, they appear about 2 to 6 weeks after infection. The child may have flu-like symptoms, or the symptoms may be mild. Severe or fulminant hepatitis (liver failure) is rare in healthy children. The symptoms are often easy to manage and include: Dark urine Tiredness Loss of appetite Fever Nausea and vomiting Pale stools Abdominal pain (over the liver) Yellow skin and eyes ( jaundice ).The health care provider will perform a physical exam of your child. This is done to check for pain and swelling in the liver. The provider will perform a blood test to look for: Raised antibodies (proteins that fight infection) due to HAV Elevated liver enzymes due to liver damage or inflammation.There is no drug treatment for hepatitis A. Your child's immune system will fight the virus. Managing the symptoms can help your child feel better while recovering: Have your child rest when symptoms are the worst. DO NOT give acetaminophen to your child without first talking with your child's provider. It can be toxic because the liver is already weak. Give your child fluids in the form of fruit juices or electrolyte solutions, such as Pedialyte. This helps prevent dehydration. While rare, symptoms may be severe enough that children with HAV need extra fluids through a vein (IV).HAV does not remain in a child's body after the infection is gone. As a result, it does not cause a long-term infection in the liver. Rarely, a new case can cause severe liver failure that develops rapidly.The possible complications of hepatitis A in children can be: Liver damage Liver cirrhosis.Contact your child's provider if your child has symptoms of hepatitis A. Also contact the provider if your child has: Dry mouth due to loss of fluids No tears while crying Swelling in the arms, hands, feet, stomach, or face Blood in stools.You can protect your child from hepatitis A by having your child vaccinated. The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children between their first and second birthdays (ages 12 to 23 months). You and your child should be vaccinated if you are traveling to countries where outbreaks of the disease occur. If your child has been exposed to hepatitis A, speak to your child's doctor regarding the possible need for treatment with immunoglobulin therapy. If your child attends day care: Make sure the children and staff at the day care center have had their hepatitis A vaccine. Inspect the area where diapers are changed to ensure that proper hygiene is followed. If your child gets hepatitis A, you can take these steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to other children or adults: Thoroughly wash your hands before and after preparing food, before eating, and before giving food to your child. Always wash your hands well after using the restroom, after changing your child's diaper, and if you come in contact with an infected person's blood, stools, or other body fluids. Help your child learn good hygiene. Teach your child to wash his or her hands before eating food and after using the bathroom. Avoid eating infected food or drinking polluted water.Viral hepatitis - children; Infectious hepatitis - children.Jensen MK, Balistreri WF. Viral hepatitis.Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis A vaccine - what you need to know. 1. WHY GET VACCINATED? Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is spread from person to person through contact with the feces (stool) of people who are infected, which can easily happen if someone does not wash his or her hands properly. You can also get hepatitis A from food, water, or objects contaminated with HAV. Symptoms of hepatitis A can include: fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and/or joint pain severe stomach pains and diarrhea (mainly in children), or jaundice (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements). These symptoms usually appear 2 to 6 weeks after exposure and usually last less than 2 months, although some people can be ill for as long as 6 months. If you have hepatitis A, you may be too ill to work. Children often do not have symptoms, but most adults do. You can spread HAV without having symptoms. Hepatitis A can cause liver failure and death, although this is rare and occurs more commonly in persons 50 years of age or older and persons with other liver diseases, such as hepatitis B or C. Hepatitis A vaccine can prevent hepatitis A. Hepatitis A vaccines were recommended in the United States beginning in 1996. Since then, the number of cases reported each year in the U.S. has dropped from around 31,000 cases to fewer than 1,500 cases. 2. HEPATITIS A VACCINE Hepatitis A vaccine is an inactivated (killed) vaccine. You will need 2 doses for long-lasting protection. These doses should be given at least 6 months apart. Children are routinely vaccinated between their first and second birthdays (12 through 23 months of age). Older children and adolescents can get the vaccine after 23 months. Adults who have not been vaccinated previously and want to be protected against hepatitis A can also get the vaccine. You should get hepatitis A vaccine if you: are traveling to countries where hepatitis A is common, are a man who has sex with other men, use illegal drugs, have a chronic liver disease such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C, are being treated with clotting-factor concentrates, work with hepatitis A-infected animals or in a hepatitis A research laboratory, or expect to have close personal contact with an international adoptee from a country where hepatitis A is common. Ask your healthcare provider if you want more information about any of these groups. There are no known risks to getting hepatitis A vaccine at the same time as other vaccines. 3. SOME PEOPLE SHOULD NOT GET THIS VACCINE Tell the person who is giving you the vaccine: If you have any severe, life-threatening allergies. If you ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of hepatitis A vaccine, or have a severe allergy to any part of this vaccine, you may be advised not to get vaccinated. Ask your health care provider if you want information about vaccine components. If you are not feeling well. If you have a mild illness, such as a cold, you can probably get the vaccine today. If you are moderately or severely ill, you should probably wait until you recover. Your doctor can advise you. 4. RISKS OF A VACCINE REACTION With any medicine, including vaccines, there is a chance of side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own, but serious reactions are also possible. Most people who get hepatitis A vaccine do not have any problems with it. Minor problems following hepatitis A vaccine include: soreness or redness where the shot was given low-grade fever headache tiredness If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1 or 2 days. Your doctor can tell you more about these reactions. Other problems that could happen after this vaccine: People sometimes faint after a medical procedure, including vaccination. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes can help prevent fainting, and injuries caused by a fall. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy, or have vision changes or ringing in the ears. Some people get shoulder pain that can be more severe and longer lasting than the more routine soreness that can follow injections. This happens very rarely. Any medication can cause a severe allergic reaction. Such reactions from a vaccine are very rare, estimated at about 1 in a million doses, and would happen within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination. As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a serious injury or death. The safety of vaccines is always being monitored. For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ 5. WHAT IF THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM? What should I look for? Look for anything that concerns you, such as signs of a severe allergic reaction, very high fever, or unusual behavior. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness. These would usually start a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination. What should I do? If you think it is a severe allergic reaction or other emergency that can't wait, call 9-1-1 and get to the nearest hospital. Otherwise, call your clinic. Afterward, the reaction should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your doctor should file this report, or you can do it yourself through the VAERS web site at www.vaers.hhs.gov , or by calling 1-800-822-7967. VAERS does not give medical advice. 6. THE NATIONAL VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal program that was created to compensate people who may have been injured by certain vaccines. Persons who believe they may have been injured by a vaccine can learn about the program and about filing a claim by calling 1-800-338-2382 or visiting the VICP website at www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation. There is a time limit to file a claim for compensation. 7. HOW CAN I LEARN MORE? Ask your healthcare provider. He or she can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information. Call your local or state health department. Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or visit CDC's website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines.Vaccine information statement: hepatitis A vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated July 20, 2016. www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/hep-a.html. Accessed July 27, 2016.Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis A. The hepatitis A virus is found mostly in the stool and blood of an infected person. The virus is present about 15 to 45 days before symptoms occur and during the first week of illness. You can catch hepatitis A if: You eat or drink food or water that has been contaminated by stools (feces) containing the hepatitis A virus. Unpeeled and uncooked fruits and vegetables, shellfish, ice, and water are common sources of the disease. You come in contact with the stool or blood of a person who currently has the disease. A person with hepatitis A passes the virus to an object or food due to poor hand-washing after using the toilet. You take part in sexual practices that involve oral-anal contact. Not everyone has symptoms with hepatitis A infection. Therefore, many more people are infected than are diagnosed or reported. Risk factors include: Overseas travel, especially to Asia, South or Central America, Africa and the Middle East IV drug use Living in a nursing home center Working in a health care, food, or sewage industry Eating raw shellfish such as oysters and clams Other common hepatitis virus infections include hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Hepatitis A is the least serious and mildest of these diseases.Symptoms most often show up 2 to 6 weeks after being exposed to the hepatitis A virus. They are most often mild, but may last for up to several months, especially in adults. Symptoms include: Dark urine Fatigue Itching Loss of appetite Low-grade fever Nausea and vomiting Pale or clay-colored stools Yellow skin (jaundice).The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which may show that your liver is enlarged and tender. Blood tests may show: Raised IgM and IgG antibodies to hepatitis A (IgM is usually positive before IgG) IgM antibodies which appear during the acute infection Elevated liver enzymes (liver function tests), especially transaminase enzyme levels.There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. You should rest and stay well hydrated when the symptoms are the worst. People with acute hepatitis should avoid alcohol and drugs that are toxic to the liver, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) during the acute illness and for several months after recovery. Fatty foods may cause vomiting and are best avoided during the acute phase of the illness.The virus does not remain in the body after the infection is gone. Most people with hepatitis A recover within 3 months. Nearly all people get better within 6 months. There is no lasting damage once you've recovered. Also, you can't get the disease again. There is a low risk for death. The risk is higher among older adults and people with chronic liver disease.Call your provider if you have symptoms of hepatitis.The following tips can help reduce your risk of spreading or catching the virus: Always wash your hands well after using the restroom, and when you come in contact with an infected person's blood, stools, or other bodily fluid. Avoid unclean food and water. The virus may spread more rapidly through day care centers and other places where people are in close contact. Thorough hand washing before and after each diaper change, before serving food, and after using the toilet may help prevent such outbreaks. Ask your provider about getting either immune globulin or the hepatitis A vaccine if you are exposed to the disease and have not had hepatitis A or the hepatitis A vaccine. Common reasons for getting one or both of these treatments include: You have hepatitis B or C or any form of chronic liver disease. You live with someone who has hepatitis A. You recently had sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A. You recently shared illegal drugs, either injected or noninjected, with someone who has hepatitis A. You have had close personal contact over a period of time with someone who has hepatitis A. You have eaten in a restaurant where food or food handlers were found to be infected or contaminated with hepatitis. You are planning to travel to places where hepatitis A is common. Vaccines that protect against hepatitis A infection are available. The vaccine begins to protect 4 weeks after you get the first dose. You will need to get a booster shot 6 to 12 months later for long-term protection. Travelers should take the following steps to protect against getting the disease: Avoid dairy products. Avoid raw or undercooked meat and fish. Beware of sliced fruit that may have been washed in unclean water. Travelers should peel all fresh fruits and vegetables themselves. DO NOT buy food from street vendors. Get vaccinated against hepatitis A (and possibly hepatitis B) if traveling to countries where outbreaks of the disease occur. Use only carbonated bottled water for brushing teeth and drinking. (Remember that ice cubes can carry infection.) If bottled water is not available, boiling water is the best way to get rid of hepatitis A. Bring the water to a full boil for at least 1 minute to make it safe to drink. Heated food should be hot to the touch and eaten right away.Viral hepatitis; Infectious hepatitis.Digestive system Digestive system Hepatitis A Hepatitis A.Kim DK, Riley LE, Harriman KH, Hunter P, Bridges CB. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended immunization schedule for adults aged 19 years or older - United States, 2017. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2017;66(5):136-138. PMID: 28182599 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28182599. Pawlotsky J-M. Acute viral hepatitis.Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis B - children. HBV is found in the blood or body fluids (semen, tears, or saliva) of an infected person. The virus is not present in the stool (feces). A child can get HBV through contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who has the virus. Exposure can occur from: A mother with HBV at the time of birth. It does not appear that HBV is passed to the fetus while still in the mother's womb. A bite from an infected person that breaks the skin. Blood, saliva, or any other body fluid from an infected person that may touch a break or opening in a child's skin, eyes, or mouth. Sharing personal items, such as a toothbrush, with a someone who has the virus. Being stuck with a needle after use by an HBV-infected person. A child cannot get hepatitis B from hugging, kissing, coughing, or sneezing. Breastfeeding by a mother with hepatitis B is safe if the child is treated properly at the time of birth. Teenagers who are not vaccinated can get HBV during unprotected sex or drug use.Most children with hepatitis B have none or only a few symptoms. Children younger than 5 years rarely have symptoms of hepatitis B. Older children may develop symptoms 3 to 4 months after the virus enters the body. The main symptoms of a new or recent infection are: Appetite loss Fatigue Low fever Muscle and joint pain Nausea and vomiting Yellow skin and eyes ( jaundice ) Dark urine If the body is able to fight HBV, the symptoms end in a few weeks to 6 months. This is called acute hepatitis B. Acute hepatitis B does not cause any lasting problems.Your child's health care provider will perform blood tests called the hepatitis viral panel. These tests can help diagnose: A new infection (acute hepatitis B) A chronic or long-term infection (chronic hepatitis B) An infection that occurred in the past, but is no longer present The following tests detect liver damage and the risk for liver cancer from chronic hepatitis B: Albumin level Liver function tests Prothrombin time Liver biopsy Abdominal ultrasound Liver cancer tumor markers such as alpha fetoprotein The provider will also check the viral load of HBV in the blood. This test shows how well your child's treatment is working.Acute hepatitis B does not need any special treatment. Your child's immune system will fight the disease. If there is no sign of the HBV infection after 6 months, then your child has recovered fully. However, while the virus is present, your child can pass the virus to others. You should take steps to help prevent the disease from spreading. Chronic hepatitis B needs treatment. The goal of treatment is to relieve any symptoms, prevent the disease from spreading, and help prevent liver disease. Make sure that your child: Gets plenty of rest Drinks lots of fluids Eats healthy foods Your child's provider also may recommend antiviral medicines. The medicines decrease or remove HBV from the blood: Interferon alpha-2b (Intron A) can be given to children age 1 year and older. Lamivudine (Epivir) and entecavir (Baraclude) are used in children age 2 years and older. Tenofovir (Viread) is given to children age 12 years and older. It is not always clear what medicines should be given. Children with chronic hepatitis B may get these medicines when: Liver function quickly gets worse The liver shows signs of long-term damage HBV level is high in the blood.Many children are able to rid their body of the HBV and do not have a long-term infection. However, some children never get rid of HBV. This is called chronic hepatitis B infection. Younger children are more prone to chronic hepatitis B. These children do not feel sick, and lead a relatively healthy life. However, over time, they may develop symptoms of long-term (chronic) liver damage. Almost all newborns and about half of children who get hepatitis B develop the long-term (chronic) condition. A positive blood test after 6 months confirms chronic hepatitis B. The disease will not affect your child's growth and development. Regular monitoring plays an important role in managing the disease in children. You should also help your child learn how to avoid spreading the disease now and into adulthood.The possible complications of hepatitis B include: Liver damage Liver cirrhosis Liver cancer These complications generally occur during adulthood.Call your child's provider if: Your child has symptoms of hepatitis B Hepatitis B symptoms do not go away New symptoms develop The child belongs to a high-risk group for hepatitis B and has not had the HBV vaccine.If a pregnant woman has acute or chronic hepatitis B, these steps are taken to prevent the virus from being transmitted to a baby at birth: Newborn babies should receive their first hepatitis B vaccine and one dose of immunoglobulins (IG) within 12 hours. The baby should complete all hepatitis B vaccines as recommended during the first six months. Some pregnant women may receive drugs to lower the level of HBV in their blood. To prevent hepatitis B infection: Children should get the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth. They should have all 3 shots in the series by age 6 months. Children who have not had the vaccine should get 'catch-up' doses. Children should avoid contact with blood and body fluids. Children should not share toothbrushes or any other items that may be infected. All women should be screened for HBV during pregnancy. Mothers with an HBV infection can breastfeed their child after immunization.Silent infection - HBV children; Antivirals - hepatitis B children; HBV children; Pregnancy - hepatitis B children; Maternal transmission - hepatitis B children.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Vaccine information statements: hepatitis B. www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/hep-b.html. Updated October 18, 2016. Accessed March 15, 2018. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Vaccine information statements: your baby's first vaccines. www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/multi.html. Updated October 18, 2016. Accessed March 15, 2018. Jensen MK, Balistreri WF. Viral hepatitis.Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis B vaccine - what you need to know. 1. WHY GET VACCINATED? Hepatitis B is a serious disease that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B can cause mild illness lasting a few weeks, or it can lead to a serious, lifelong illness. Hepatitis B virus infection can be either acute or chronic. Acute hepatitis B virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the hepatitis B virus. This can lead to: fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and/or vomiting jaundice (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements) pain in muscles, joints, and stomach. Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is a long-term illness that occurs when the hepatitis B virus remains in a person s body. Most people who go on to develop chronic hepatitis B do not have symptoms, but it is still very serious and can lead to: liver damage (cirrhosis) liver cancer death Chronically-infected people can spread hepatitis B virus to others, even if they do not feel or look sick themselves. Up to 1.4 million people in the United States may have chronic hepatitis B infection. About 90% of infants who get hepatitis B become chronically infected and about 1 out of 4 of them dies. Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or other body fluid infected with the Hepatitis B virus enters the body of a person who is not infected. People can become infected with the virus through: Birth (a baby whose mother is infected can be infected at or after birth) Sharing items such as razors or toothbrushes with an infected person Contact with the blood or open sores of an infected person Sex with an infected partner Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment Exposure to blood from needlesticks or other sharp instruments Each year about 2,000 people in the United States die from hepatitis B-related liver disease. Hepatitis B vaccine can prevent hepatitis B and its consequences, including liver cancer and cirrhosis. 2. HEPATITIS B VACCINE Hepatitis B vaccine is made from parts of the hepatitis B virus. It cannot cause hepatitis B infection. The vaccine is usually given as 3 or 4 shots over a 6-month period. Infants should get their first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth and will usually complete the series at 6 months of age. All children and adolescents younger than 19 years of age who have not yet gotten the vaccine should also be vaccinated. Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated adults who are at risk for hepatitis B virus infection, including: People whose sex partners have hepatitis B Sexually active persons who are not in a long-term monogamous relationship Persons seeking evaluation or treatment for a sexually transmitted disease Men who have sexual contact with other men People who share needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment People who have household contact with someone infected with the hepatitis B virus Health care and public safety workers at risk for exposure to blood or body fluids Residents and staff of facilities for developmentally disabled persons Persons in correctional facilities Victims of sexual assault or abuse Travelers to regions with increased rates of hepatitis B People with chronic liver disease, kidney disease, HIV infection, or diabetes Anyone who wants to be protected from hepatitis B There are no known risks to getting hepatitis B vaccine at the same time as other vaccines. 3. SOME PEOPLE SHOULD NOT GET THIS VACCINE Tell the person who is giving the vaccine: If the person getting the vaccine has any severe, life-threatening allergies. If you ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of hepatitis B vaccine, or have a severe allergy to any part of this vaccine, you may be advised not to get vaccinated. Ask your health care provider if you want information about vaccine components. If the person getting the vaccine is not feeling well. If you have a mild illness, such as a cold, you can probably get the vaccine today. If you are moderately or severely ill, you should probably wait until you recover. Your doctor can advise you. 4. RISKS OF A VACCINE REACTION With any medicine, including vaccines, there is a chance of side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own, but serious reactions are also possible. Most people who get hepatitis B vaccine do not have any problems with it. Minor problems following hepatitis B vaccine include: Soreness where the shot was given Temperature of 99.9 F (37.7 C) or higher If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1 or 2 days. Your doctor can tell you more about these reactions. Other problems that could happen after this vaccine: People sometimes faint after a medical procedure, including vaccination. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes can help prevent fainting and injuries caused by a fall. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy, or have vision changes or ringing in the ears. Some people get shoulder pain that can be more severe and longer-lasting than the more routine soreness that can follow injections. This happens very rarely. Any medication can cause a severe allergic reaction. Such reactions from a vaccine are very rare, estimated at about 1 in a million doses, and would happen within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination. As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a serious injury or death. The safety of vaccines is always being monitored. For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ 5. WHAT IF THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM? What should I look for? Look for anything that concerns you, such as signs of a severe allergic reaction, very high fever, or unusual behavior. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness. These would usually start a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination. What should I do? If you think it is a severe allergic reaction or other emergency that can't wait, call 9-1-1 and get to the nearest hospital. Otherwise, call your clinic. Afterward, the reaction should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your doctor should file this report, or you can do it yourself through the VAERS web site at www.vaers.hhs.gov/ , or by calling 1-800-822-7967. VAERS does not give medical advice. 6. THE NATIONAL VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal program that was created to compensate people who may have been injured by certain vaccines. Persons who believe they may have been injured by a vaccine can learn about the program and about filing a claim by calling 1-800-338-2382 or visiting the VICP website at www.hrsa.gov/vaccine-compensation/. There is a time limit to file a claim for compensation. 7. HOW CAN I LEARN MORE? Ask your health care provider. He or she can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information. Call your local or state health department. Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or visit CDC's website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/.Vaccine information statement: hepatitis B vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated July 20, 2016. www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/hep-b.html. Accessed July 27, 2016.Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B infection is caused by the HBV. You can catch hepatitis B through contact with the blood or body fluids (semen, vaginal fluids, and saliva) of a person who has the virus. Exposure may occur: After a needlestick or sharps injury If any blood or other body fluid touches your skin, eyes or mouth, or open sores or cuts People who may be at risk of hepatitis B are those who: Have unprotected sex with an infected partner Receive blood transfusions (not common in the United States) Have contact with blood at work (such as health care workers) Have been on long-term kidney dialysis Get a tattoo or acupuncture with unclean needles Share needles during drug use Share personal items (such as toothbrush, razor, and nail clippers) with a person who has the virus Were born to a hepatitis-B infected mother All blood used for blood transfusions is screened, so the chance of getting the virus in this way is very small.After you first become infected with the HBV: You may have no symptoms. You may feel sick for a period of days or weeks. You may become very ill very quickly (called fulminant hepatitis). Symptoms of hepatitis B may not appear for up to 6 months after the time of infection. Early symptoms include: Appetite loss Fatigue Low fever Muscle and joint aches Nausea and vomiting Yellow skin and dark urine Symptoms will go away in a few weeks to months if your body is able to fight off the infection. Some people never get rid of the HBV. This is called chronic hepatitis B. People with chronic hepatitis may not have symptoms and not know they are infected. Over time, they may develop symptoms of liver damage and cirrhosis of the liver. You can spread the HBV to other people, even if you have no symptoms.A series of blood tests called the hepatitis viral panel is done for suspected hepatitis. It can help detect: New infection Older infection that is still active Older infection that is no longer active The following tests are done to look for liver damage if you have chronic hepatitis B: Albumin level Liver function tests Prothrombin time You will also have a test to measure the level of HBV in your blood (viral load). This lets your health care provider know how your treatment is working. People at higher risk for hepatitis should be screened with a blood test. This may be needed even when they have no symptoms. Factors that lead to increased risk include: The risk factors described above in the Causes section. People from countries where a higher number of people have hepatitis B. These countries or areas include Japan, some Mediterranean countries, parts of Asia and the Middle East, West Africa and South Sudan.Acute hepatitis, unless severe, needs no treatment. Liver and other body functions are watched using blood tests. You should get plenty of bed rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy foods. Aggressive hepatitis Some people with chronic hepatitis may be treated with antiviral drugs. These medicines can decrease or remove hepatitis B from the blood. One of the medicines is an injection called interferon. They also help to reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is not always clear which people with chronic hepatitis B should receive drug therapy and when it should be started. You are more likely to receive these medicines if: Your liver function is quickly becoming worse. You develop symptoms of long-term liver damage. You have high levels of the HBV in your blood. You are pregnant. For these medicines to work best, you need to take them as instructed by your provider. Ask what side effects you can expect and what to do if you have them. Not everybody who needs to take these medicines responds well. If you develop liver failure, you may be considered for a liver transplant. A liver transplant is the only cure in some cases of liver failure. Other steps you can take: Avoid alcohol. Check with your provider before taking any over-the-counter medicines or herbal supplements. This includes medicines such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Severe liver damage, or cirrhosis , can be caused by hepatitis B.Some people benefit from attending a liver disease support group.The acute illness most often goes away after 2 to 3 weeks. The liver most often returns to normal within 4 to 6 months in most people. Almost all newborns and about half of children who get hepatitis B develop the chronic condition. Very few adults who get the virus develop chronic hepatitis B. About 1 in 100 people who get hepatitis B dies from the condition. There is a much higher rate of liver cancer in people who have chronic hepatitis B.Call your provider if: You develop symptoms of hepatitis B. Hepatitis B symptoms do not go away in 2 to 3 weeks, or new symptoms develop. You belong to a high-risk group for hepatitis B and have not had the HBV vaccine. Hepatitis B.Children and people at high risk for hepatitis B should get the hepatitis B vaccine. Babies should get a first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. They should have all 3 shots in the series by age 6 to 18 months. Children younger than age 19 who have not had the vaccine should get 'catch-up' doses. Health care workers and those who live with someone who has hepatitis B should get the vaccine. Infants born to mothers who have acute hepatitis B or have had the infection in the past should get a special hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth. The hepatitis B vaccine or a hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) shot may help prevent infection if you receive it within 24 hours of contact with the virus. Measures to avoid contact with blood and body fluids can help prevent the spread of hepatitis B from person-to-person.Hepatitis B virus Hepatitis B virus Digestive system Digestive system Aggressive hepatitis Aggressive hepatitis Hepatitis B Hepatitis B.Kim DK, Bridges CB, Harriman KH; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP); ACIP Adult Immunization Work Group. Advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP) recommended immunization schedules for adults aged 19 years and older -- United States, 2015. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2015;64(4):91-92. PMID: 25654609 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25654609. LeFevre ML; US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for hepatitis B virus infection in nonpregnant adolescents and adults: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2014;161(1):58-66. PMID 24863637 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24863637. Pawlotsky J-M. Chronic viral and autoimmune hepatitis.Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis C - children. A child may get HCV from an HCV-infected mother, at the time of birth. Almost 6 out of every 100 infants born to mothers with an HCV infection have hepatitis C. There is no treatment to prevent hepatitis C at birth. Adolescents and teens can also get an HCV infection. There are many causes of hepatitis C in teens, including: Being stuck with a needle after use by an HCV-infected person Coming in contact with the blood of an infected person Using street drugs Having unprotected sexual contact with a person with HCV Getting tattoos or acupuncture therapy with infected needles Hepatitis C does not spread from breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, coughing, or sneezing.Symptoms develop in children about 4 to 12 weeks after infection. If the body is able to fight HCV, the symptoms end within a few weeks to 6 months. This condition is called acute hepatitis C infection. However, some children never get rid of HCV. This condition is called chronic hepatitis C infection. Most children with hepatitis C (acute or chronic) do not show any symptoms until more advanced liver damage is present. If symptoms do occur, they may include: Pain in the right upper abdomen Clay-colored or pale stools Dark urine Tiredness Fever Yellow skin and eyes ( jaundice ) Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting.Your child's health care provider will perform blood tests to detect HCV in blood. Two most common blood tests are: Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to find the hepatitis C antibody Hepatitis C RNA assays to measure virus levels (viral load) Infants born to hepatitis C-positive mothers should undergo testing at 18 months of age. This is the time when antibodies from the mother will decrease. At that time, the test will more truly reflect the baby's antibody status. The following tests detect liver damage from hepatitis C: Albumin level Liver function tests Prothrombin time Liver biopsy Abdominal ultrasound These tests show how well your child's treatment is working.The main aim of treatment in children is to relieve the symptoms and stop the disease from spreading. If your child has symptoms, make sure that your child: Gets plenty of rest Drinks lots of fluids Eats healthy food Acute hepatitis C does not need any special treatment. However, your child can pass the virus to others. You should take steps to help prevent the disease from spreading. Chronic hepatitis C needs treatment. The goal of treatment is to prevent complications. If there is no sign of the HCV infection after 6 months, then your child has fully recovered. However, if your child develops chronic hepatitis C, it can cause liver disease later in life. Your child's provider may recommend antiviral medicines for chronic HCV. These medicines: Have fewer side effects Are easier to take Are taken by mouth The choice of whether to use medicines in children for hepatitis C is not clear. Medicines that have been used, interferon and ribavirin, carry a lot of side effects and some risks. Newer and safer medicines have been approved for adults, but not yet for children. Many experts recommend waiting on treatment of HCV in children until these newer medicines are approved for use in children.Children younger than 3 years old may not need any treatment. Infection in this age group often resolves without any complications.The possible complications of hepatitis C are: Liver cirrhosis Liver cancer These complications generally occur during adulthood.Call your provider if your child has symptoms of hepatitis C. You should also contact your provider if you have hepatitis C and become pregnant.There are no vaccinations for hepatitis C. Therefore, prevention plays an important role in managing the disease. In a household where someone with hepatitis C is living, take these steps to help prevent the spread of the disease : Avoid contact with blood. Clean any blood spills using bleach and water. Mothers with HCV should not breastfeed if nipples are cracked and bleeding. Cover cuts and sores to avoid contact with body fluids. Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or any other items that may be infected.Silent infection - HCV children; Antivirals - hepatitis C children; HCV children; Pregnancy - hepatitis C - children; Maternal transmission - hepatitis C - children.Jensen MK, Balistreri WF. Viral hepatitis.Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C You can catch hepatitis C if the blood of someone who has hepatitis C enters your body. Exposure may occur: After a needle stick or sharps injury If blood from someone who has hepatitis C contacts a cut on your skin or contacts your eyes or mouth People at risk of hepatitis C are those who: Inject street drugs or share a needle with someone who has hepatitis C Have been on long-term kidney dialysis Have regular contact with blood at work (such as a health care worker) Have unprotected sexual contact with a person who has hepatitis C Were born to a mother who had hepatitis C Received a tattoo or acupuncture with needles that were not disinfected properly after being used on another person (risk is very low with practitioners who have a tattoo license or permit or an acupuncture license) Received an organ transplant from a donor who has hepatitis C Share personal items, such as toothbrushes and razors, with someone who has hepatitis C (less common) Received a blood transfusion (rare in the United States since blood screening became available in 1992).Most people who are recently infected with hepatitis C do not have symptoms. Some people have yellowing of the skin (jaundice). Chronic infection often causes no symptoms. But fatigue, depression and other problems can occur. Persons who have long-term (chronic) infection often have no symptoms until their liver becomes scarred ( cirrhosis ). Most people with this condition are ill and have many health problems. The following symptoms may occur with hepatitis C infection: Pain in the right upper abdomen Abdominal swelling due to fluid ( ascites ) Clay-colored or pale stools Dark urine Fatigue Fever Itching Jaundice Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting.Blood tests are done to check for hepatitis C: Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to detect hepatitis C antibody Hepatitis C RNA assays to measure virus levels (viral load) Everyone born from 1945 to 1965 (the baby boomer generation) should get a one-time test for hepatitis C. Genetic testing is done to check for the type of hepatitis C (genotype). There are six types of the virus (genotypes 1 through 6). Test results can help your doctor choose treatment that is best for you. The following tests are done to identify and monitor liver damage from hepatitis C: Albumin level Liver function tests Prothrombin time Liver biopsy.You should talk to your health care provider about your treatment options and when treatment should begin. The goal of treatment is to rid the body of the virus. This can prevent liver damage that may lead to liver failure or liver cancer. Your provider will monitor you by checking liver blood tests, viral load (the amount of HCV in your blood), imaging tests, and biopsy results. Treatment is especially important for people who are showing signs of liver fibrosis or scarring. Antiviral medicines are used to treat hepatitis C. These drugs help fight the HCV. Newer antiviral drugs: Provide a much improved cure rate Have fewer side effects and are easier to take Are taken by mouth for 8 to 24 weeks The choice of which medicine depends on the genotype of the HCV you have. A liver transplant may be recommended for people who develop cirrhosis and/or liver cancer. Your provider can tell you more about liver transplant. If you have hepatitis C: Do not take over-the-counter medicines that you have not taken before without asking your provider. Also ask about vitamins and other supplements. Do not use alcohol or street drugs. Alcohol can speed up the damage to your liver. It can also reduce how well medicines work. Ask your provider whether you need the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines. If you have not received a vaccine for hepatitis A or B or have not had these forms of hepatitis, you may need vaccination for them.Joining a support group can help ease the stress of having hepatitis C. Ask your provider about liver disease resources and support groups in your area.Most people (75% to 85%) who are infected with the virus develop chronic hepatitis C. This condition poses a risk for cirrhosis, liver cancer, or both. The outlook for hepatitis C depends in part on the genotype. A good response to treatment occurs when the virus can no longer be detected in the blood 12 weeks or more after treatment. This is called 'sustained virologic response' (SVR). Up to 90% of those treated for some genotypes have this type of response. Some people do not respond to initial treatment. They may need to be re-treated with a different class of medicines. Also, some people can become re-infected or infected with a different genotype strain.Call your provider if: You develop symptoms of hepatitis You believe you have been exposed to the HCV.Steps that can be taken to help prevent the spread of hepatitis C from one person to another include: Health care workers should follow precautions when handling blood. Do not share needles with anyone. Do not get tattoos or body piercings or receive acupuncture from someone who does not have a permit or license. Do not share personal items, such as razors and toothbrushes. Practice safe sex. If you or your partner is infected with hepatitis C and you have been in a stable and monogamous (no other partners) relationship, the risk of giving the virus to, or getting the virus from, the other person is low. HCV cannot be spread by casual contact, such as holding hands, kissing, coughing or sneezing, breastfeeding, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses. Currently there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.Sustained virologic response - hepatitis C; SVR - hepatitis C.Digestive system Digestive system Hepatitis C Hepatitis C.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Hepatitis C. www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/cfaq.htm. Updated October 17, 2016. Accessed March 11, 2018. Fathi H, Clark A, Hill NR, Dusheiko G. Effectiveness of current and future regimens for treating genotype 3 hepatitis C virus infection: a large-scale systematic review. BMC Infect Dis. 2017;17(1):722 PMID: 29145802 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29145802. Falade-Nwulia O, Suarez-Cuervo C, Nelson DR, Fried MW, Segal JB, Sulkowski MS. Oral direct-acting agent therapy for hepatitis C virus infection: a systematic review. Ann Intern Med. 2017;166(9):637-648. PMID: 28319996 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28319996. Ferreira VL, Assis Jarek NA, Tonin FS, et al. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir with or without ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1: A pairwise meta-analysis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;32(4):749-755. PMID: 27785825 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27785825. Jakobsen JC, Nielsen EE, Feinberg J, et al. Direct-acting antivirals for chronic hepatitis C. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;9:CD012143. PMID: 28585310 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28922704. Jacobson IM, Lim JK, Fried MW. American Gastroenterological Association Institute clinical practice update-expert review: care of patients who have achieved a sustained virologic response after antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C infection. Gastroenterology. 2017;152(6):1578-1587 PMID: 28344022. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28344022. Moyer VA; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for hepatitis C virus infection in adults. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2013;159(5):349-357. PMID: 23798026 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23798026. Ray SC, Thomas DL. Hepatitis C.Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis D (Delta agent). Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is found only in people who carry the hepatitis B virus. HDV may make liver disease worse in people who have either recent (acute) or long-term (chronic) hepatitis B. It can even cause symptoms in people who carry hepatitis B virus but who never had symptoms. Hepatitis D infects about 15 million people worldwide. It occurs in a small number of people who carry hepatitis B. Risk factors include: Abusing intravenous (IV) or injection drugs Being infected while pregnant (the mother can pass the virus to the baby) Carrying the hepatitis B virus Men having sexual intercourse with other men Receiving many blood transfusions.Hepatitis D may make the symptoms of hepatitis B worse. Symptoms may include: Abdominal pain Dark-colored urine Fatigue Jaundice Joint pain Loss of appetite Nausea Vomiting.You may need the following tests: Anti-hepatitis D antibody Liver biopsy Liver enzymes (blood test).Many of the medicines used to treat hepatitis B are not helpful for treating hepatitis D. You may receive a medicine called alpha interferon for up to 12 months if you have a long-term HDV infection. A liver transplant for end-stage chronic hepatitis B may be effective.People with an acute HDV infection most often get better over 2 to 3 weeks. Liver enzyme levels return to normal within 16 weeks. About 1 in 10 of those who are infected may develop long-term (chronic) liver inflammation (hepatitis).Complications may include: Chronic active hepatitis Acute liver failure.Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of hepatitis B.Steps to prevent the condition include: Detect and treat hepatitis B infection as soon as possible to help prevent hepatitis D. Avoid intravenous (IV) drug abuse. If you use IV drugs, avoid sharing needles. Get vaccinated against hepatitis B. Adults who are at high risk for hepatitis B infection and all children should get this vaccine. If you do not get Hepatitis B, you cannot get Hepatitis D.Delta agent.Hepatitis B virus Hepatitis B virus.Landaverde C, Perrillo R. Hepatitis D.Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis virus panel. Blood is most often drawn from a vein the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood. Next, the provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed. The puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding. In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding. The blood sample is sent to a lab to be examined. Blood (serology) tests are used to check for antibodies to each of the hepatitis viruses.No special preparation is needed.Some people feel moderate pain when the needle is inserted to draw blood. Others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, you may feel some throbbing.Your provider may order this test if you have signs of hepatitis. It is used to: Detect current or previous hepatitis infection Determine how contagious a person with hepatitis is Monitor a person who is being treated for hepatitis The test may be performed for other conditions, such as: Chronic persistent hepatitis Hepatitis D (delta agent) Nephrotic syndrome.A normal result means no hepatitis antibodies are found in the blood sample. This is called a negative result. Normal value ranges may vary slightly depending on the lab doing the test. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.There are different tests for hepatitis A and B. A positive test is considered abnormal. A positive test may mean: You currently have a hepatitis infection. This may be a new infection (acute hepatitis), or it may be an infection that you have had for a long time ( chronic hepatitis). You had a hepatitis infection in the past, but you no longer have the infection and can't spread it to others. Hepatitis A test results: IgM anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies, you have had a recent infection with hepatitis A Total (IgM and IgG) antibodies to hepatitis A, you have a previous or past infection, or immunity to hepatitis A Hepatitis B test results: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): you have an active hepatitis B infection, either recent or chronic (long-term) Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (Anti-HBc), you have a recent or past hepatitis B infection Antibody to HBsAg (Anti-HBs): you have a past hepatitis B infection or you have received the hepatitis B vaccine and are unlikely to become infected Hepatitis B type e antigen (HBeAg): you have a chronic hepatitis B infection and you are more likely to spread the infection to others through sexual contact or by sharing needles Antibodies to hepatitis C can most often be detected 4 to 10 weeks after you get the infection. Other types of tests may be done to decide on treatment and monitor the hepatitis C infection.Risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include: Excessive bleeding Fainting or feeling lightheaded Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin) Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken).Hepatitis A antibody test; Hepatitis B antibody test; Hepatitis C antibody test; Hepatitis D antibody test.Blood test Blood test Hepatitis B virus Hepatitis B virus Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands.Pawlotsky J-M. Acute viral hepatitis.Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis. Hepatitis can be caused by: Immune cells in the body attacking the liver Infections from viruses (such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C), bacteria, or parasites Liver damage from alcohol or poison Medicines, such as an overdose of acetaminophen Fatty liver Liver disease can also be caused by inherited disorders such as cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis, a condition that involves having too much iron in your body. Other causes include Wilson disease, a disorder in which the body retains too much copper.Hepatitis may start and get better quickly. It may also become a long-term condition. In some cases, hepatitis may lead to liver damage, liver failure, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer. There are several factors that can affect how severe the condition is. These may include the cause of the liver damage and any illnesses you have. Hepatitis A, for example, is most often short-term and does not lead to chronic liver problems. The symptoms of hepatitis include: Pain or bloating in the belly area Dark urine and pale or clay-colored stools Fatigue Low grade fever Itching Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Weight loss You may not have symptoms when first infected with hepatitis B or C. You can still develop liver failure later. If you have any risk factors for either type of hepatitis, you should be tested often.You will have a physical exam to look for: Enlarged and tender liver Fluid in the abdomen (ascites) Yellowing of the skin You may have lab tests to diagnose and monitor your condition, including: Ultrasound of the abdomen Autoimmune blood markers Blood tests to diagnose Hepatitis A, B, or C Liver function tests Liver biopsy to check for liver damage (may be needed in some cases) Paracentesis (if fluid is in your abdomen).Your health care provider will talk to you about treatment options. Treatments will vary, depending on the cause of your liver disease. You may need to eat a high-calorie diet if you are losing weight.There are support groups for people with all types of hepatitis. These groups can help you learn about the latest treatments and how to cope with having the disease.The outlook for hepatitis will depend on what is causing the liver damage.Complications may include: Permanent liver damage, called cirrhosis Liver failure Liver cancer.Seek care immediately if you: Have symptoms from too much acetaminophen or other medicines. You may need to have your stomach pumped Vomit blood Have bloody or tarry stools Are confused or delirious Call your provider if: You have any symptoms of hepatitis or believe that you have been exposed to hepatitis A, B, or C. You cannot keep food down due to excessive vomiting. You may need to receive nutrition through a vein (intravenously). You feel sick and have travelled to Asia, Africa, South America, or Central America.Talk to your provider about having a vaccine to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Steps for preventing the spread of hepatitis B and C from one person to another include: Avoid sharing personal items, such as razors or toothbrushes. DO NOT share drug needles or other drug equipment (such as straws for snorting drugs). Clean blood spills with a mixture of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water. DO NOT get tattoos or body piercings with instruments that have not been cleaned properly. To reduce your risk of spreading or catching hepatitis A: Always wash your hands well after using the restroom, and when you come in contact with an infected person's blood, stools, or other bodily fluid. Avoid unclean food and water.Hepatitis B virus Hepatitis B virus Hepatitis C Hepatitis C Liver anatomy Liver anatomy.Czaja AJ. Autoimmune hepatitis.Encyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis A virus. Hepatovirus. Human,Fecal-oral, Associated with HepatitisEncyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis B virus. Orthohepadnavirus. Human, Chimpanzees. Sexual contact, blood. Associated with HepatitisEncyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis C virus. Hepacivirus. Human. Sexual, blood. Associated with HepatitisEncyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis delta virus. Deltavirus. Human. Sexual contact, blood. Associated with HepatitisEncyclopedia Entry for Hepatitis :Hepatitis E virus. Hepevirus. Human, pig, monkeys, some rodents, chicken. Zoonosis, food. Associated with Hepatitis