Viral Hepatitis

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Viral Hepatitis

Condition Basics

What is viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by an infection with a virus.

What causes it?

Most cases of viral hepatitis are caused by hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses. Less common causes of hepatitis are cytomegalovirus (CMV) and the Epstein-Barr virus. (This is a virus that causes infectious mononucleosis.)

How does it spread?

A virus that causes hepatitis can be spread from one person to another.

Hepatitis B, C, and D viruses are spread when an uninfected person comes in contact with blood, semen, or vaginal fluid (such as menstrual blood) that's infected with one of these viruses.

Hepatitis A and E viruses are spread by contaminated food and water. They're also spread through direct contact with contaminated stool (feces). Hepatitis E also might be spread by contact with an infected pig. Hepatitis E is very rare in developed countries. Hepatitis D only occurs along with hepatitis B.

How is it diagnosed?

Blood tests are used to diagnose viral hepatitis. In their early stages, viruses that cause hepatitis are hard to tell apart. But within weeks after infection, blood tests can show which virus is the cause of hepatitis. (An exception is hepatitis E, for which a blood test is not widely available.)

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Credits

Current as of: September 10, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: September 10, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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