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Types of hepatitis virus
We have 5 types of hepatitis virus:
- Hepatitis A: This is usually an acute infection, but the symptoms are sudden, severe, and sometimes life-threatening. It is the most common type of hepatitis in some locations where hygienic measures are not met. Contaminated food and water are common carriers because the virus travels in feces.
- Hepatitis B: This virus causes a chronic hepatitis infection and usually stays in the organism for years before causing significant symptoms. However, the condition is very severe and may end up in liver cancer. It runs in the blood but also in the semen and other fluids.
- Hepatitis C: This virus is less common but causes a similar ailment as hepatitis B. It is mostly transmitted through the blood. We don’t have a vaccine for hepatitis C, and people at risk include drug users, especially when they share syringes.
- Hepatitis D: This virus is also uncommon because the patient needs to have a running hepatitis B infection before the hepatitis D virus comes forward. When both disorders are combined in the same patient, the disease becomes more severe and life-threatening. Luckily, the same vaccine used for hepatitis B has a protective effect against hepatitis D.
- Hepatitis E: It is not as common as hepatitis A, but it is becoming another cause of worry in developed countries. It is similar to hepatitis A in modes of transmission because it runs in the feces. We do have vaccines for this hepatitis modality, but they are not available everywhere.
