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Hepatitis A is an infectious disease of the liver caused by Hepatovirus A (HAV); [7] it is a type of viral hepatitis. [8] Many cases have few or no symptoms, especially in the young. [ 1 ] The time between infection and symptoms, in those who develop them, is two–six weeks. [ 2 ]
Viral hepatitis is primarily diagnosed through blood tests for levels of viral antigens (such as the hepatitis B surface or core antigen), anti-viral antibodies (such as the anti-hepatitis B surface antibody or anti-hepatitis A antibody), or viral DNA/RNA. [17] [32] In early infection (i.e. within 1 week), IgM antibodies are found in the blood ...
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccination. Effective treatments for hepatitis C are available but costly. [6] In 2013, about 1.5 million people died from viral hepatitis, most commonly due to hepatitis B and C. [6] East Asia, in particular Mongolia, is the region most affected. [6]
[2] [3] It is effective in around 95% of cases and lasts for at least twenty years and possibly a person's entire life. [4] If given, two doses are recommended beginning after the age of one. [2] It is given by injection into a muscle. [2] The first hepatitis A vaccine was approved in the European Union in 1991, and the United States in 1995. [5]
In 1989, investigators from the CDC (Daniel W. Bradley) and Chiron (Michael Houghton) identified the hepatitis C virus, which had previously been known as non-A, non-B hepatitis and could not be detected in the blood supply. [12] Only in 1992 was a blood test created that could detect hepatitis C in donated blood. [12]
In the 1960s, the first virus that could cause hepatitis was discovered. This was hepatitis B virus, which was named after the disease it causes. [220] Hepatitis A virus was discovered in 1974. [221] The discovery of hepatitis B virus and the invention of tests to detect it have radically changed many medical, and some cosmetic procedures.
An infection is the invasion of tissues by pathogens, their multiplication, and the reaction of host tissues to the infectious agent and the toxins they produce. [1] An infectious disease, also known as a transmissible disease or communicable disease, is an illness resulting from an infection.
Hepatitis E is inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV); [4] [5] it is a type of viral hepatitis. [6] Hepatitis E has mainly a fecal-oral transmission route that is similar to hepatitis A , although the viruses are unrelated.