Describe the differences between hepatitis A, B, and C, including their methods of transmission, clinical manifestations, and modes of treatment

Answer 1

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus, bacteria, toxins, obstruction, parasites, or chemicals. Hepatitis A is generally transmitted via the oral-fecal route. Sources of contamination include drinking water, food, and sewage. Symptoms are typically nausea, vomiting and fatigue. There are no special treatments for hepatitis A except rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids. Hepatitis B (HBV) is transmitted through transfusions of blood or through improperly sterilized medical instruments or other skin-puncturing instruments that have come in contact with contaminated blood. Acute hepatitis B virus infection is a short-term illness, much like HAV infection. Chronic hepatitis B may cause cirrhosis or liver cancer. For acute infection, no medication is available; treatment is supportive, much like that for HAV. For chronic infection, two oral medications, tenofovir and entecavir, and an injected drug, pegylated interferon, are considered first-line options. Hepatitis C (HCV) transmission occurs when an individual is exposed to blood or body fluids from an infected person. Hepatitis C is often asymptomatic but may cause jaundice, abdominal pain, dark urine, and fatigue. The therapy for chronic hepatitis C has become more effective over the 10 years since alpha interferon was first approved for use. Recently, a new oral, non-interferon medication, sofosbuvir, was approved by the FDA for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.