Causative agent:
The different types of hepatitis are.
1. Hepatitis A (infectious hepatitis) caused by hepatitis A virus
2. Hepatitis B (serum hepatitis) caused by hepatitis B virus.
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3. Hepatitis D (delta hepatitis) caused by hepatitis D virus.
4. Non-A and non-B hepatitis caused by non-A and non-B
viruses.
HEPATITIS A (HAV)
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It is also known as infectious hepatitis. It is caused by hepatitis A virus. It produces symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, weakness and jaundice. It is a benign disease and recovery occurs in a few weeks. It is transmitted through contaminated water, food and milk. Homosexuality is also a cause for transmission.
Hepatitis A can be controlled by:
1. Safe disposal of excreta
2. Prevention of contamination of water, food and milk.
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3. Passive immunization with human normal immunoglobulin
HEPATITIS B (HBV)
It is also known as serum hepatitis. It is caused by hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B infection is more harmful than hepatitis A infection. Hepatitis B infection can lead to liver cancer.
Hepatitis B is transmitted through contaminated syringes and needles, blood transfusion, tattooing etc. It is also transmitted through placenta and through sexual contact. It can be controlled by:
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1. Screening of blood donors for HBV infection.
2. Proper sterilization of needles and syringes.
3. Immunization with hepatitis B vaccine.
HEPATITIS D (Delta hepatitis)
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Hepatitis infection always occurs in association with hepatitis B infection. Transmission, prevention and control are similar to hepatitis B
HEPATITIS Non-A and Non-B (HNANB)
It is caused by agents not serologically related to HAV or HBV. Diagnosis of non-A and non-B infection is by exclusion of HAV and HBV.