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Hepatitis Health Center

Hepatitis Related Topics

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Viral Hepatitis - Topic Overview

Viral hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by infection with a virus.

The following viruses cause most cases of viral hepatitis:

Recommended Related to Hepatitis

Hepatitis C (HCV) and Viral Load

If you're being treated for hepatitis C virus infection -- also called HCV-- your doctor is keeping track of your viral load. What is HCV viral load? Why does it matter? WebMD got answers to your most frequently asked questions about hepatitis C and viral load from two experts: Frank Anania, MD, associate professor of medicine and director of hepatology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. Brian L. Pearlman, MD, medical director of the center for hepatitis C at the Atlanta...

Read the Hepatitis C (HCV) and Viral Load article > >

Hepatitis A virus (HAV)
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
Hepatitis D virus (HDV)
Hepatitis E virus (HEV)

A virus that causes hepatitis can be spread from one person to another. Hepatitis B, C, and D viruses are spread when an uninfected person comes in contact with blood, semen, or vaginal fluid (including menstrual blood) that is infected with one of these viruses. Hepatitis A and E viruses are spread by contaminated food and water or by coming in direct contact with contaminated stool (feces). Hepatitis E is very rare in developed countries. Hepatitis D only occurs along with hepatitis B.

In their early stages, these viruses are difficult to tell apart. However, within several weeks after infection occurs, blood tests can show which of the viruses is the cause of hepatitis (with the exception of hepatitis E, for which a blood test is not widely available).

The following viruses are less common causes of hepatitis and can be diagnosed using blood tests:

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Epstein-Barr virus (which causes infectious mononucleosis)

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 30, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.