Viral Hepatitis: This is the inflammation and necrosis of the liver caused by a virus or group of viruses. There are other types of hepatitis including hepatotoxic and drugs related hepatitis and alcoholic hepatitis.
Types of Viral Hepatitis There are many types of viral hepatitis Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E and G etc. HEPATITIS B: It is caused by the Hepatitis B virus. A DNA hepadna virus with a partially double-stranded DNA genome.
HEPATITIS C: This is a serious and often-silent liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus – a single stranded RNA virus. At least six major genotypes have been identified. Hepatitis B and C viruses are transmitted by contacts with infected blood or blood products. Orchidresortgoa
For example, via contaminated needles (including unsterilized tattoo needles), accidental needle-sticks in healthcare workers, and unprotected sex, sharing nail clippers, razors, or toothbrushes.
It can also be present in saliva, semen and vaginal secretions and through HbsAg positive mothers to child (maternal-neonatal transmission). Hepatitis B is prevalent in homosexuals and intravenous drug users but most cases result from heterosexual transmission.
The incubation period of hepatitis B is 6 weeks to 6 months (average of 12 – 14 weeks). That of Hepatitis C is between 6-7 weeks and clinical illness is often mild, usually asymptomatic.
Hepatitis C has been called “the silent killer” because the virus often hides in the body for years, escaping detection as it attacks the liver. Since most people don’t have warning signs of hepatitis C (or don’t know how or when they were infected). Almosaferspain
They don’t seek treatment until many years later. By the time hepatitis C symptoms appear or a diagnosis is made, the damage often is well underway.
Blood borne pathogens present in the blood of a person can spread to others if such blood or body fluids enter the body of another through cuts, wounds or broken skin, or via the mucus membrane and of course when injured by infected needles and instruments.
The bacteria and virus can lead to a number of diseases depending upon various factors including the immunity or the presence of some prior infection in the system of the newly infected person.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): HBV can lead to an infection called Hepatitis B which causes inflammation of the liver and can also lead to enlargement and tenderness. This infection is largely transmitted through the blood and in serious cases can cause liver cirrhosis and even cancer. Alin
The typical symptoms of such an infection include jaundice, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, and conditions resembling those of influenza. The HBV can stay active even in dried blood which is as old as a week, thus house-keeping and laundry people and even those who come in contact with infected clothes, equipment or materials are at risk and must exercise due caution while handling such things.
While there is no cure for HBV, vaccinations administered properly can help in building up immunity especially for healthcare people who come in contact with such patients and materials in their course of work. Yellow
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): Just like HBV, HCV too affects the liver and is one of the most common and chronic kind of blood borne disease. In addition it is also one of the major reasons for liver transplants in America.
The HCV can be passed on by contact with infected blood, Needle stick injuries, and injections. It shares symptoms that are similar to HBV, and in the long run can lead to acute problems and damage to the liver.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): HIV is a kind of blood borne pathogen that infects through contact with the blood or Needle stick injuries. The virus targets the immune system and goes on weakening it over time till a stage where the body finds it extremely difficult to fight diseases.
HIV can remain in the body for years and can cause Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) at the later or final stages. The symptoms to look out for include weight loss, swelling of the lymph glands, weakness, nausea, fever, diarrhea, sore throat and a kind of white coloring on the tongue.
HIV, unlike the Hepatitis virus is fragile and cannot survive out of the body for extended periods of time. Thus all the staff who administer first aid or who can potentially come in contact with fresh blood or infected materials must be especially careful.