Viral Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, caused by viral infections. Typical hepatitis viruses are A, B, C, D, E. These five types of viruses are of great interest because of their potential for outbreaks and epidemics, the burden of disease and death they cause.
Hepatitis B: HBV It is caused by the Hepatitis B Virus, known as HBV (Hepatitis B Virus). The virus is found in blood and body fluids, such as semen or vaginal fluid. The infection spreads through several ways: unprotected sexual contact, from an infected pregnant mother to her baby, contact with blood, blood transfusions or non-sterile syringes, during the performance of invasive procedures or tattoos in non-sterile conditions. The latent period is 2 to 6 months. 5%-10% of patients who overcome Viral Hepatitis B become chronic carriers of the virus. Also, about 90% of babies born to mothers with Viral Hepatitis B become chronic carriers. About 1% of acute Hepatitis B Viral (HBV) infections progress quite quickly to severe forms, which are called fulminant hepatitis and have a high mortality rate of up to 60%. Chronic carriers have a higher risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis C: HCV It is caused by the Hepatitis C Virus, known as HCV (Hepatitis C Virus). The infection spreads in the same way as the Hepatitis B infection, i.e. through the same routes: unprotected sexual contact, from an infected pregnant mother to her baby, contact with blood, blood transfusions or non-sterile syringes, during invasive procedures or tattoos in conditions non-sterile. The latent period is 6 to 10 weeks. Viral hepatitis C causes chronic hepatitis in 80% of cases and 5-20% of cases progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Laboratory tests for hepatitis B and C
ALT (SPGT)
AST(SGOT)
Bilirubina Direct and Indirect
Bilirubina Totali
Surface antigen –Hepatiti B
Antibodies for Hepatitin C
Anti HBc IgM
Anti HBe IgM
Anti HBC Total
HBeAg
