Viral hepatitis is a group of liver infection conditions each caused by a different virus – mainly hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C respectively. Acute hepatitis infection features jaundice (yellowing), poor appetite, stomach upset and fatigue. Chronic infection may occur with hepatitis B and C.
Hepatitis A
What is it? Infectious disease caused by hepatitis A virus that passes on through oro-fecal transmission, often linked with the consumption of contaminated food. May be sexually transmitted as in the MSM community. Acute infection can be severe.
Treatment: Usually resolve without treatment.
Prophylaxis: Vaccination is effective for long-term prevention
Hepatitis B
What is it? Infection caused by hepatitis B virus that is spread through contaminated injection, sex or mother-to-child transmission. Chronic infection may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Treatment: Antiviral treatment for chronic disease. Some HIV antiretrovirals are effective for treating hepatitis B disease.
Prophylaxis: Vaccination is effective for long-term prevention
Hepatitis C
What is it? Infection caused by hepatitis C virus the transmission pattern of which is similar to that for hepatitis B. Hepatitis C is transmitted through contaminated injection and transfusion. It may be sexually transmitted as reported in outbreaks in the MSM community. Chronic infection may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Treatment: Direct acting antiviral (DAA) for chronic infection.
Prophylaxis: No vaccine available.