Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver that can cause damage and hinder its ability to function effectively. Over time, this condition may lead to serious complications, including cirrhosis, which is extensive liver scarring, and liver cancer. Hepatitis can be classified as acute (lasting for a short duration) or chronic (lasting for at least six months).
Hepatitis risks can vary based on the specific type. For example, having unprotected sex can significantly raise the risk of most viral forms. Additionally, people with a history of heavy alcohol use are at risk of developing alcoholic hepatitis.
Types of Hepatitis
There are several distinct forms of hepatitis, such as:
Hepatitis A occurs due to an infection by the hepatitis A virus. This type of hepatitis is most commonly transmitted through contact with the stool or blood of an infected individual. It can also be spread through unprotected sexual contact or by sharing needles. Hepatitis A infections cause inflammation of the liver, but symptoms are generally mild and go away on their own after a few weeks. There are vaccines designed to guard against hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B occurs due to an infection by the hepatitis B virus. It is spread through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person, including from a mother to her baby. This virus can result in either acute or chronic infections. A safe and effective vaccine protects against hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C occurs due to an infection by the hepatitis C virus. It is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person. Hepatitis C can also be passed from a mother infected with the virus to her baby or through sharing needles. Both acute and chronic infections are common. No vaccine for hepatitis C is available, but there are effective treatments to manage the condition.
The hepatitis D virus is responsible for hepatitis D, but it can only infect people who have previously been infected with the hepatitis B virus. It is spread through the blood or other body fluids of an infected person, most often by sharing needles or having unprotected sex. Hepatitis D can be acute or chronic. The hepatitis B vaccine is effective in preventing hepatitis D infection as well.
Hepatitis E occurs due to an infection by the hepatitis E virus. Hepatitis E is primarily spread through the consumption of contaminated water or undercooked food. It is usually acute and goes away on its own.
There are also a few other forms of hepatitis that do not result from viral infections. These include autoimmune hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and toxic hepatitis.
Symptoms of a Hepatitis Infection
If you exhibit symptoms of a hepatitis infection, your healthcare provider will suggest that you undergo a hepatitis test. These symptoms may include,
- Fatigue
- Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Dark coloured urine
- Light coloured stool
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
Common Hepatitis Tests
Below is a list of some frequently used hepatitis tests.
Hepatitis A Virus Total Antibody: The Hepatitis A Virus IgM Antibody (HAV) total antibody test detects IgG and IgM antibodies specific to HAV. Anti-HAV IgM antibodies are usually short-lived and detectable only during an acute and active illness, whereas anti-HAV IgG antibodies may be present in the person's blood for prolonged periods of time after recovery or immunization. As a result, the HAV total can be used to identify both present and previous hepatitis A virus infections.
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen: The hepatitis B surface antigen test detects the presence of hepatitis B antigen in the blood. This test is useful in finding out if an individual has a recent or long-standing infection caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antibody: The hepatitis B virus surface antibody test looks for antibodies that the immune system produces in response to hepatitis B virus surface proteins. This test is used to determine if an individual has ever had hepatitis B or had received hepatitis B-specific immunization. It is also useful in determining the efficacy of ongoing hepatitis B treatment.
Hepatitis C Virus Antibody: The hepatitis C antibody test detects hepatitis C-specific antibodies in an individual’s blood sample. It is helpful in screening and diagnosing hepatitis C infection.
Hepatitis D Virus Antibody: The hepatitis D virus antibody test detects antibodies against the hepatitis D virus in the blood sample. It is helpful in screening and diagnosing hepatitis D infection.
Hepatitis E Virus Antibody: The hepatitis E virus antibody test detects antibodies specific to the hepatitis E virus in the blood sample. It is done to screen for and confirm the presence of hepatitis E virus.
Preparation and General Instructions
No special preparations are required to take the hepatitis virus test. Please inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any supplements or medications.
A medical technician will take a blood sample for the hepatitis test by gently inserting a small needle into a vein in your arm. This sample will then be sent to a laboratory to detect antigens or antibodies specific to the hepatitis virus tested. It is common to experience some pain or discomfort at the site where the needle was inserted; however, this discomfort typically subsides over time.
Interpretation of Test Results
The results of the hepatitis antigen test are generally reported as either negative or positive.
Positive result: A reactive or positive result indicates that hepatitis antigens were detected in the sample, suggesting the presence of either acute or chronic hepatitis virus infection.
Negative result: A non-reactive or negative result indicates that the sample did not contain any hepatitis surface antigen.
Typically, the results of hepatitis antibody tests are reported as either positive or negative.
Positive result: The positive test findings show that surface antibodies are present in the blood sample. This may suggest that the individual has either recently recovered from the specific hepatitis virus tested for or received a vaccination for the virus.
Negative results:The negative test results show that the blood sample does not exhibit antibodies for the specific hepatitis virus tested, which might suggest that the individual is not infected. This generally indicates that they have not been infected or vaccinated against the hepatitis virus, so they could still be at risk for infection.
A number of viruses can cause hepatitis. To reduce your risk of getting infected, it is important to avoid having unprotected sex, sharing needles, and drinking large amounts of alcohol over time. It is important to ensure you are vaccinated for hepatitis A and B for your own protection. Additionally, there are various tests available to screen for hepatitis antigens and antibodies, allowing for early detection and treatment.
