Context:
World Hepatitis Day, observed on 28th July, raises awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and cancer.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Dimensions of the Article:
- World Hepatitis Day:
- Hepatitis: Types, Causes, and Symptoms
World Hepatitis Day:
- Date: July 28th.
- Significance of the Date: Chosen to honor Nobel-prize winning scientist Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for it.
- Theme for 2024: “It’s time for action.”
Hepatitis: Types, Causes, and Symptoms
Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver, a vital organ responsible for detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. It can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, alcohol consumption, and autoimmune diseases. There are several types of hepatitis, each with different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis A (HAV)
- Cause: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) transmitted through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected person.
- Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark urine, and clay-colored stools. It does not lead to chronic illness.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Cause: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids, as well as from mother to baby during childbirth.
- Symptoms: Similar to HAV but can lead to chronic illness, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer if left untreated.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
- Cause: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmitted primarily through blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment.
- Symptoms: Often asymptomatic in the early stages but can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer over time.
Hepatitis D (HDV)
- Cause: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective virus that requires HBV for replication. It is transmitted through contact with infected blood or other body fluids.
- Symptoms: Similar to HBV but often more severe. It can lead to a more rapid progression to liver cirrhosis and liver failure.
Hepatitis E (HEV)
- Cause: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) transmitted mainly through contaminated water.
- Symptoms: Similar to HAV, including jaundice, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. It typically resolves on its own but can be severe in pregnant women.
Common Symptoms of Hepatitis
- Fatigue
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Joint pain
- Fever
