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.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

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)

ADVERTISEMENTS:

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.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

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:

ADVERTISEMENTS:

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)

ADVERTISEMENTS:

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.