Hepatitis generally referrers to an infectious, toxic or immunological inflammation of the tissue or vascular system of the liver. Obviously, a wide variety of causes may lead to hepatitis including parasites, bacteria, viruses, autoimmune diseases and toxins (alcohol).This article will mainly focus on virus hepatitis.
Generally, five different hepatitis types, hepatitis A through E, may be distinguished. They vary mainly in virus type (RNA vs. DNA), transmission capability (orofecal vs. bodily fluids) and tendency toward a chronic progression of the disease.
The only DNA virus is the hepatitis B virus, all others are RNA viruses. All hepatitis forms, with the exception of hepatitis A, may become a chronic condition, although hepatitis C and D manifest chronically most often. Active and passive vaccination is only available for types A, B and D. Thus, hepatitis C has become a very common disease.
Weblinks
Hepatitis medical picture collection http://bilddatenbank.medicalpicture.de/...
medicalpicture news http://www.medicalpicture.net/...
Generally, five different hepatitis types, hepatitis A through E, may be distinguished. They vary mainly in virus type (RNA vs. DNA), transmission capability (orofecal vs. bodily fluids) and tendency toward a chronic progression of the disease.
The only DNA virus is the hepatitis B virus, all others are RNA viruses. All hepatitis forms, with the exception of hepatitis A, may become a chronic condition, although hepatitis C and D manifest chronically most often. Active and passive vaccination is only available for types A, B and D. Thus, hepatitis C has become a very common disease.
Weblinks
Hepatitis medical picture collection http://bilddatenbank.medicalpicture.de/...
medicalpicture news http://www.medicalpicture.net/...
