Hepatitis
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Acute inflammation of the liver caused by primarily human viruses from A to E; B and C.
Mode of transmission
- Cutaneous, or
- Mucous membrane exposed to contaminated blood
- Unprotected sex by an infected partner, or through
- Contaminated needle by injection, and
- Perinatal transmission.
Clinical Features
The clinical features of acute hepatitis are common to all of them and these are:
- Malaise
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Anorexia
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Fever
- Rash
- Arthralgia
| Hepatitis B | Hepatitis C | |
| Incubation | 60 – 180 days | 15 – 180 days |
| Transmission | Blood borne Sexual |
Blood borne Sexual |
| Progression to chronicity | Occasionally varies by age | Usually |
| Etiologic agent | Hepatitis B Virus | Hepatitis C Virus |
| Comments | Vaccine available | Not available |
| Serologic diagnosis | HBsAg, IgM anti-HBc | HCV RNA; anti HCV |
Treatment
Counsel patient for HIV AIDS and if negative give Lamivudine 150mg twice a day.
If positive refer to ART Clinic.
Prevention • Hepat itis B vaccine is available for children, but no vaccine for Hepatitis C
• Safe sex
• Avoid the use of contaminated needles.