Hepatitis A y B: Información Clave

Hepatitis A

• Transmission: Primarily fecal-oral route, contaminated food/water.
• Symptoms: Mild to moderate; jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine. Most cases resolve without lasting liver damage.
• Prevention: Vaccination. Good hygiene crucial; handwashing, avoiding contaminated food/water.
• Diagnosis: Blood tests (anti-HAV IgM and IgG antibodies) detect past or present infection.
• Treatment: Primarily supportive care. Rest, hydration, and avoiding alcohol crucial.

Hepatitis B

• Transmission: Primarily through blood and body fluids; sexual contact, sharing needles, perinatal transmission (mother to child).
• Symptoms: Similar to Hepatitis A, but can be more severe and chronic. Some individuals may be asymptomatic carriers.
• Prevention: Vaccination (crucial for preventing chronic infection). Safe injection practices.
• Diagnosis: Blood tests (HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs antibodies). Liver function tests.
• Treatment: Antivirals (e.g., tenofovir, entecavir) for chronic infection to prevent liver damage; supportive care (rest, hydration) to alleviate symptoms.

Hepatitis C

• Transmission: Primarily through blood-to-blood contact; sharing needles, contaminated blood products.
• Symptoms: Can be acute, with few symptoms. Often asymptomatic; chronic infections common, leading to long-term liver damage due to chronic viral damage and fibrosis.
• Prevention: Avoid sharing needles and blood products.
• Diagnosis: Blood tests to detect presence of HCV RNA and HCV antibody.
• Treatment: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Treatment varies by virus genotype. Treatment success rates have improved significantly in the past two decades, leading to near-eradication in many cases. Sustained virological response (SVR) is a key treatment goal.
• Important note: Chronic hepatitis C can result in cirrhosis (liver scarring) and liver cancer. Effective and well-tolerated DAAs now provide a cure in many cases.