Chapter 47

Acute viral hepatitis

Marc G. Ghany

Marc G. Ghany

Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA

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T. Jake Liang

T. Jake Liang

Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA

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First published: 25 February 2022

Summary

This chapter offers diverse images that provide an overview of acute viral hepatitis and aims to provide a synopsis through pictures and illustrations rather than through text. Acute viral hepatitis is a syndrome characterized by a constellation of clinical, biochemical, and pathological features following infection by viruses that primarily infect hepatocytes. Five hepatotrophic viruses (A, B, C, D, E) account for over 90% of cases. These hepatotrophic viruses are found worldwide; their prevalence varies greatly from region to region and their geographical distribution is partly dependent on their mode of transmission. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis D virus have the propensity to cause chronic infection and are associated with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Effective and safe vaccines exist for the prevention of infection with hepatitis A virus, HBV, and hepatitis E virus.

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