Viral Hepatitis Types and Transmission

Study Notes

Viral hepatitis is a systemic disease marked by hepatic cell destruction, necrosis, and autolysis leading to anorexia, jaundice, and hepatomegaly.
There are six major forms of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D, E, and G.
Type G hepatitis is a newly discovered form, transmitted through the bloodborne route, and occurs more commonly in those who receive blood transfusions.

Highly contagious and usually transmitted by the fecal-oral route, commonly within institutions or families.
Can also be transmitted parenterally.
Outbreaks are often traced to ingestion of seafood from polluted water.

Transmitted by the direct exchange of contaminated blood, as well as by contact with contaminated human secretions and stools.
Transmission also occurs during intimate sexual contact and through perinatal transmission.
Considered a sexually transmitted infection because of the high incidence and rate of transmission by this route.

Accounts for about 20% of all viral hepatitis cases and is transmitted primarily through blood and body fluids.
Also waterborne, similar to type A.

Found only in patients with an acute or chronic episode of hepatitis B.
Requires the presence of HBsAg; the type D virus depends on the double-shelled type B virus to replicate.

Prodromal stage of acute hepatitis B may resemble serum sickness, characterized by arthralgia or arthritis, rash, and angioedema.
Inspection of urine and stool specimens may reveal dark urine and clay-colored stools.
Jaundice indicates that the damaged liver cannot remove bilirubin from the blood; it does not indicate disease severity.

Liver biopsy is performed if chronic hepatitis is suspected.
Provide adequate fluid intake, at least 4 L of liquid per day, to maintain adequate hydration.
Administer antiemetics as ordered, and observe for signs of complications.
Monitor for signs of complications, and report all cases of hepatitis to the state health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Instruct patients about viral hepatitis, including its signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests, and recommended treatments.
Teach patients to avoid contact sports until the liver returns to its normal size.
Stress the need for adequate fluid intake, abstinence from alcohol, and continued medical care.
Instruct patients and family members exposed to the disease to receive prophylaxis as soon as possible after exposure.
Prevent the spread of viral hepatitis by stressing the importance of thorough and frequent handwashing, and advising infected patients not to share food, eating utensils, or toothbrushes.