Hepatitis, also known as jaundice, is an inflammation of the liver. The name "jaundice" is derived from the yellowish hue of the patient's skin, which varies in intensity. This yellow color is caused by a buildup of a substance called bilirubin in the liver. The disease can be caused by various viruses, different medications, and toxins, such as those from alcohol. Additionally, it can erupt due to an insufficient oxygen supply to the liver in people with excess weight or as an autoimmune response.
There are five main types of hepatitis known by the letters A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A and E are primarily transmitted through oral ingestion of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through body fluids, such as blood transfusions, mother-to-child transmission, and contaminated medical equipment. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted through sexual contact.
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Hepatitis C:
Hepatitis C virus is a virus that affects the liver. There are different types of this virus, known as genotypes. There are at least 6 main genotypes and over 50 subtypes.
The Hepatitis C virus is one of the primary causes of chronic liver disease in the Western world. The virus is responsible for about 20% of acute hepatitis cases and around 70% of chronic hepatitis cases. Among the chronic cases, about 20% will develop cirrhosis of the liver, and around 5% will develop liver cancer.