Hepatocellular cancer

Hepatitis Virus

The Hepatitis Virus is a group of viruses that primarily affect the liver. There are five main types of hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D, and E. Each type is caused by a different virus and has different characteristics, but all five types can cause serious health problems.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is usually transmitted person-to-person through the fecal-oral route or consumption of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis A is a self-limited disease that does not result in chronic infection.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is transmitted through contact with the blood, semen, or other body fluids of an infected person. Hepatitis B can become chronic, leading to liver failure, liver cancer, or cirrhosis—a condition that causes permanent scarring of the liver.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus. It is transmitted through direct contact with the blood of an infected person. Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. The disease can become chronic and lead to serious health problems like liver disease and liver cancer.

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D, also known as delta hepatitis, is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus. It is transmitted through direct contact with infected blood. Hepatitis D is uncommon in the United States.

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease caused by the hepatitis E virus. It is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and is typically caused by ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water supply.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention of hepatitis virus infections can be achieved through immunization with the hepatitis A and B vaccines. Hepatitis C, D, and E do not have vaccines. Treatment for these viruses includes antiviral medications, healthy lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, liver transplantation.

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