Hepatitis encompasses a range of liver inflammations caused by various factors. Although many sources refer to Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E as the primary viral forms, it's important to acknowledge other types of hepatitis based on their etiology. Based on the provided references, there are actually at least 7 types of hepatitis:
Types of Hepatitis
Here's a breakdown of the 7 types of hepatitis mentioned in the references:
| Type of Hepatitis | Description |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | A highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. |
| Hepatitis B | A serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can become chronic, leading to serious issues. |
| Hepatitis C | A liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. It often becomes chronic. |
| Hepatitis D | A serious liver disease that only affects people already infected with the hepatitis B virus. |
| Hepatitis E | A liver disease caused by the hepatitis E virus. It's typically self-limiting and resolves on its own. |
| Autoimmune Hepatitis | A chronic disease in which the body's immune system attacks the liver. |
| Neonatal Hepatitis | Liver inflammation in infants, can have various causes, including infections and metabolic disorders. |
More about Hepatitis
- Hepatitis A: Usually spread through contaminated food or water or close contact with someone who is infected.
- Hepatitis B: Transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids. Common routes include sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to baby during birth.
- Hepatitis C: Almost always spread through blood-to-blood contact. Sharing needles or syringes is a common cause.
- Hepatitis D: Only occurs in people already infected with Hepatitis B. It is spread through contact with infected blood.
- Hepatitis E: Typically spread through contaminated water, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
- Autoimmune Hepatitis: The body's immune system attacks the liver, causing inflammation and damage. The cause is unknown.
- Neonatal Hepatitis: Can be caused by infections acquired before or shortly after birth, metabolic disorders, or genetic conditions.
