Is hepatitis B an infectious agent?
Hepatitis B, infectious disease of the liver, the causative agent of which is known as hepatitis B virus (HBV). The course and severity of illness associated with HBV infection varies widely. Some persons are asymptomatic, for example, whereas others experience acute illness and eliminate the virus from the body.
Is hepatitis infectious or noninfectious?
hepatitis, inflammation of the liver that results from a variety of causes, both infectious and noninfectious. Infectious agents that cause hepatitis include viruses and parasites. Noninfectious causes include certain drugs and toxic agents.
How is hepatitis A passed from person to person?
Hepatitis A can be spread from close, personal contact with an infected person, such as through certain types of sexual contact (like oral-anal sex), caring for someone who is ill, or using drugs with others. Hepatitis A is very contagious, and people can even spread the virus before they feel sick.
Does Hepatitis A spread through saliva?
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is shed in feces but also in saliva. HAV RNA was detected in saliva in five out of six acutely infected patients with HAV viremia. Serum and saliva sequences were identical. The simplicity of obtaining material allows the recommendation of the use of saliva for investigation of outbreaks.
Can Hepatitis A be transmitted by touch?
Hepatitis A can easily spread from one person to another by putting something in the mouth (even though it may look clean) that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A. This can happen when people do not wash their hands after using the toilet and then touch or prepare other people’s food.
What is the best medicine for Hepatitis A?
No specific treatment exists for hepatitis A. Your body will clear the hepatitis A virus on its own. In most cases of hepatitis A, the liver heals within six months with no lasting damage.
Which hepatitis has no treatment?
Most adults with hepatitis B recover fully, even if their signs and symptoms are severe. Infants and children are more likely to develop a chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis B infection. A vaccine can prevent hepatitis B, but there’s no cure if you have the condition.