| Hepatitis Virus | Description
Group of viruses that cause hepatitis and liver disease | Structure
Hepatitis viruses comprise a diverse group of unrelated viruses that primarily infect the liver and cause inflammation of hepatic tissue. The most clinically significant human hepatitis viruses are Hepatitis A virus (HAV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Hepatitis D virus (HDV), and Hepatitis E virus (HEV). These viruses differ substantially in structure, genome organization, and replication strategies. HAV and HEV are non-enveloped RNA viruses typically transmitted through the fecal-oral route, whereas HBV is an enveloped DNA virus and HCV and HDV are enveloped RNA viruses primarily transmitted through blood and body fluids. HBV, HCV, and HDV are capable of establishing chronic infections that may persist for decades and result in progressive liver damage. Collectively, hepatitis viruses represent a major global cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. | Diagnosis
The diagnosis of hepatitis virus infection is performed through serological, molecular, and biochemical testing. Detection of virus-specific antigens and antibodies by ELISA and other immunoassays is widely used to identify acute, chronic, or resolved infections. Molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nucleic acid amplification tests are used to detect and quantify viral genomes, particularly for Hepatitis B, C, and D viruses. Liver function tests, including measurements of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, and other biomarkers, help assess the extent of liver injury. Additional diagnostic procedures such as imaging studies, transient elastography, and liver biopsy may be used to evaluate fibrosis, cirrhosis, and complications of chronic infection. | Symptoms
The clinical manifestations of hepatitis virus infections range from asymptomatic infection to severe acute and chronic liver disease. Acute infection commonly presents with fatigue, fever, malaise, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, pale stools, and jaundice. Some individuals may experience only mild symptoms or remain asymptomatic. While Hepatitis A and E infections are generally self-limiting, Hepatitis B, C, and D infections can progress to chronic hepatitis characterized by persistent liver inflammation and gradual hepatic damage. Long-term complications include liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, portal hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In severe cases, acute liver failure may develop and can be life-threatening without prompt medical intervention. |
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