Hepatites Virais: Uma Visão Geral

Hepatites Virais

• This presentation covers various types of viral hepatitis, including A, B, C, D, and E.
• Each type is discussed with regards to its etiology, transmission, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Hepatite A

• Etiology: Caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), an RNA virus.
• Transmission: Primarily fecal-oral, with person-to-person transmission also possible via contaminated food or water. Incubation period of four weeks.
• Signs and Symptoms: Typically mild to moderate, characterized by anorexia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and jaundice. More severe in those with pre-existing chronic liver conditions (hepatitis B or C).
• Diagnosis: Detection of IgM anti-HAV. Primarily indistinguishable from other viral hepatitis.
• Treatment: Self-limiting; severe cases may require a liver transplant.
• Prevention: Vaccination, particularly for at-risk groups (travellers, men who have sex with men, people with other chronic liver conditions).

Hepatite B

• Etiology: Caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), a DNA virus.
• Transmission: Primarily through blood and body fluids, including sexual contact, contaminated needles/sharps, and perinatal transmission.
• Signs and Symptoms: Manifest in a diverse range of ways, from no symptoms to severe liver inflammation or failure. Acute or chronic forms are possible.
• Diagnosis: Blood tests, including serological markers (antibodies and antigens) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to detect the presence of HBV in the blood.
• Treatment: Interferon-alpha, Entecavir, Tenofovir - these drugs help prevent further complications.
• Prevention: Vaccination is crucial, especially for newborns and those at high risk of transmission.

Hepatite C

• Etiology: Caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), an RNA virus.
• Transmission: Primarily through blood-to-blood contact. Less commonly transmitted sexually.
• Signs and Symptoms: Ranges from asymptomatic to severe illness and liver complications. Chronic infection is a common outcome.
• Diagnosis: Testing for HCV antibodies followed by RNA HCV detection.
• Treatment: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) to eradicate the virus.
• Prevention: Preventative measures surrounding blood-borne diseases and safe injection practices are fundamental for control strategies.

Hepatite D

• Etiology: Caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV), an RNA virus. It only infects people who are already affected with hepatitis B.
• Transmission: Primarily through parenteral and sexual routes.
• Signs and Symptoms: Varying severity but often result in a more acute or severe hepatitis.
• Diagnosis: Detection of HDV antibodies and PCR testing.
• Treatment: Interferon-alpha.
• Prevention: HBV vaccination is essential.

Hepatite E

• Etiology: Caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), an RNA virus.
• Transmission: Primarily through contaminated water containing fecal matter, or by animal to human transmission.
• Signs and Symptoms: Primarily an acute infection.
• Diagnosis: Based on serological analyses and PCR testing.
• Treatment: Self-limiting; ribavirin might be used for severe cases.
• Prevention: Proper sanitation and hygiene are key.

General Considerations

• Common symptoms of hepatitis include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and jaundice.
• Laboratory tests may indicate elevated liver enzymes, changes in coagulation studies, and other abnormalities.
• Presentation of viral hepatitis may vary based on the stage of the infection and the immune status of the patient.