3.3.2.2. Hepatitis
This is the inflammation of the liver. The hepatitis virus is a major cause of hepatitis in humans. However, the condition can be induced by various infections and medical conditions, such as excess intake of alcohol, medications, toxins, and autoimmune disease. There are five types of hepatitis virus which include: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, hepatitis E. (“Hepatitis | NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,” 2015)
3.3.2.2.1. Causes and Transmission routes
Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). (Kahn & Higuera, 2017) Consumption of faecal matter, even in minute quantities, Close contact with an infected individual, sexual intercourse with an infected person, and consumption of contaminated food or drink. (Prevention, 2017) Hepatitis B is commonly contracted through contact with infected blood, semen or any form of contact with any form of bodily fluid which is transmitted through sexual intercourse, needle sharing or the sharing of any injection instrument or during childbirth, in this case, transmitted from infected mother to her baby. (“Hepatitis | NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,” 2015) The transmission of hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is transmitted through direct
…show more content…
A major element which will determine the degree of the collaboration effect is the accurate and current information availability. A perfect and stable information will be attained if timely and precise data is collected by the NGOs and government parastatals operating in the field. Inter organization data sharing between at all levels of the organization will be instrumental in the accomplishment of the task. (Yagub,
The Hepatitis B virus is a disease that affects the liver and results in swelling and loss of normal function in the liver. It is estimated that 350 million people are infected with Hepatitis B worldwide, with 50 million new cases diagnosed every year.(1) In the Unit...
HSV-1 is spread through saliva and direct contact, such as kissing, sharing eating utensils, sharing drinks or sharing personal items. Children often contract the virus from kissing their parents and coming in contact with other children. HSV-2 is spread through sexual intercourse. HSV must be transported through bodily fluids (saliva, pus, semen, vaginal fluid) to infect cells.3 The virus is transmitted through the mucosal linings of the body or through an open wound and has an incubation period of 2-12 days.4
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a virus that attacks the liver. The virus is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. This can occur through direct blood-to-blood contact, unprotected sex, use of contaminated needles, and from an effected mother to her newborn during the delivery process. The majority of people do not have noticeable symptoms when they are first infected with the HBV. People who do not know they are infected with the HBV, their body can respond in different ways. I learned that some of the common symptoms of Hepatitis B infection include fever, fatigue, muscle or joint pain, loss of appetite, mild nausea, vomiting, and dark-colored urine. Some of the serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention and maybe even hospitalization are: severe nausea and vomiting, yellow eyes and skin (jaundice), bloated or swollen stomach.
Hepatitis is the inflammation or swelling of the liver. The inflammation can happen from different injuries or viral forms of a disease. People who experience hepatitis have the symptoms of malaise, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever and jaundice. There are six known forms of Hepatitis which are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, Hepatitis E and Hepatitis G. The presence of hepatitis in the body can be very risky and cause severe death if not taken care of. Hepatitis is a severe issue that affect many people around the world like third world countries and cross contamination can occur mainly in health care places due to the exposure of patients with the disease and accidents handling blood or instruments, Hepatitis A,B,C,D,E and G are distinct diseases that differ in transmission and vaccines to prevent them or cure them.
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. There are currently five known viruses that cause can hepatitis (Microbiology, 10e). The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person; however, it is now more commonly spread among IV drug users that share needles. Healthcare workers are also at risk for contracting HCV, but with standard precautions, the risk is low. “Prior to 1992, some people acquired the HCV infection from transfusions of blood or blood products. Since 1992, all blood products have been screened for HCV, and cases of HCV due to blood transfusion now are extremely rare. HCV can be passed from mother to unborn child. Approximately 4 out of every 100 infants born to HCV-positive mothers become infected with the virus. A small number of cases are transmitted through sexual intercourse; however, the risk of transmission of HCV from an infected individual to a non-infected spouse or sexual partner without the use of condoms over a lifetime has been estimated to be between 1% and 4%. There have also been some outbreaks of HCV when instruments exposed to blood have been re-used without appropriate disinfection.” (Microbiology, 10e)
There are four phases of Hepatitis B: infection, inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. In the first phase, HBV invades the liver and goes for the nucleus, where it releases contents of DNA and polymerase into the surroundings. It then maneuvers its way to the cell’s components and enzymes. The polymerase sways the liver cells to make segments of the HBV DNA from RNA. The virus makes liver cells create spare parts for other HBV viruses. Replicas are released from liver cell into the bloodstream, destroying host cell and infecting other healthy liver cells. This entire process can take a few hours to occur, but must continue multiple times for serious damage to occur. The second phase is inflammation. Inflammation is caused by lymphocytes trying to get rid of the virus, but they also release harmful chemicals that damage the cells and take part in damaging the liver. The third phase is fibrosis. Fibrosis is scar tissue caused by inflammation and chronic infection. According to Everson and Weinburg, (2002, pg. 64) “Only 5/10% of people develop chronic Hepatitis B from acute Hepa...
Pathogens are a type of microorganism that spreads viral and bacterial diseases. These diseases when present in human blood and body fluids are known as blood borne pathogens, and can spread from one person to another. (Worcester polytechnic institute) The most serious types of blood borne diseases are the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), which can cause liver damage; and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which is responsible for causing AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). The blood borne pathogens can be spread when the blood or body fluids (semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, and amniotic fluid) of an infected individual comes into contact with mucous membranes or an open sore or cut on the skin of another person. Mucus membranes are located in the eyes, nose, mouth, and other areas as well. ("Bloodborne pathogens: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia") Two of the most common ways that pathogens are transmitted is through the exchange of fluids during sexual intercourse or by sharing infected IV needles. (Worcester polytechnic institute)
Liver disease resulting from alcohol affects more than two million Americans and is one of the primary causes of illness and death. The liver frees the body of harmful substances, such as alcohol. While the liver breaks down alcohol, it produces toxins that can be even more dangerous than the alcohol consumed (“Beyond Hangovers: Understanding Alcohol's Impact Your Health” 13). “These by-products damage liver cells, promote inflammation, and weaken the body’s natural defenses. Eventually, these problems can disrupt the body’s metabolism and impair the function of other organs” (“Beyond Hangovers: Understanding Alcohol's Impact Your Health” 13). A condition called steatosis is the result of fat build up in the liver and is the earliest stage of alcoholic liver disease. This condition causes the liver difficulty breaking down alcohol, potentially resulting in alcoholic hepatitis. Fibrosis of the liver, which is also related to heavy drinking, causes scar tissue to build up in the liver. The alcohol alters chemicals that the liver needs to break down this scar tissue, causing liver dysfunctions. If one does not refrain from drinking during the condition of fibrosis, the scar tissue can build up and create another condition, called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is deterioration of the liver resulting from heavy scarring, causing the liver to not be able to function properly. If cirrhosis becomes severe, a liver transplant may be the only solution (“Beyond Hangovers: Understanding Alcohol's Impact Your Health” 14). It is difficult to calculate when a person would develop cirrhosis, because an alcoholic could never develop the disease, but someone who social drinks could. It is also unknown why cirrhosis is more prevalent in women (...
Autoimmune hepatitis is reported to become present after a person is infected with Hepatitis A. Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the liver is attacked by the body’s immune system. Another complication associated with hepatitis A is relapsing hepatitis.
What is hepatic cirrhosis? According to the medical dictionary hepatic cirrhosis is when scar tissue replaces the liver’s healthy tissue. This disease changes the structure of the liver and blood vessels that nurture it. It reduces the liver’s capability to produce proteins and process hormones, nutrients, medications, and poisons. Cirrhosis is an illness that gets worse over time and possibly can become life threatening. This serious illness is ranked as the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S. It is the third most common cause of death for adults between 45 and 65 years of age. It occurs in more than fifty percent of undernourished chronic alcoholics. Unfortunately it kills about 35,000 people per year. In other country’s such as Africa and Asia death from cirrhosis is usually caused by hepatitis B.
There is a disease spreading out in the world called Hepatitis C. It affects the liver and may cause the liver to fail. This disease is caused by a virus called Hepatitis C virus which is also known as HCV. About 32,000 people are affected with this disease per year only in the United States area. Some It’s a disease with many symptoms and many causes. of these symptoms are easy bruising, upset stomach and fever. These are just some of the many symptoms that come from the virus. Hepatitis Cs nature of the causative agent is determined by many things. The biological data of this disease is filled so much information. It is estimated that over 180 million people have gotten Hepatitis C and it is growing.
This case study is about Abdul Chidiac, a 51 year old male, married with 4 children. He had a medical history of hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and cirrhosis with two admissions in the last six months. He is a smoker and drinks beer, 5-6 bottles per day. As Carithers & McClain (2010) explained the patient’s medical history is another indicator of the risk for cirrhosis; the progression to cirrhosis is adaptable and may take time over weeks or many years. Cirrhosis is a liver disease characterized by permanent scarring of the liver that interferes with its normal functions including alcoholism. Most people who drink large amounts of alcohol cause harm to the liver in some way (Heidelbaugh & Bruderly, 2006). The cause of cirrhosis is not yet known, but the connection between cirrhosis and excessive alcohol ingestion is established (Jenkins & Johnson, 2010). Common causes of cirrhosis include: alcohol abuse, hepatitis B infection, hepatitis C infection and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (Schuppan & Afdhal, 2008).
Viruses can be transmitted in many ways. Being in contact with an infected person will most likely transfer the virus. One can also obtain the virus through swallowing, inhaling, and unsafe sex. Poor hygiene and eating habits usually increase the risk of catching a viral infection. Contracting a viral infection is followed by adverse s...
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver caused by the virus HBV. Known as serum hepatitis or “the silent infection", it could cause liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis B can be as severe as a minor illness enduring a few weeks to a serious, lifetime disease. Hepatitis B is commonly contracted through blood, semen, or other body fluids from an individual infected with the Hepatitis B virus into the body of someone who is not infected by Hepatitis B. Infection of the Hepatitis B can transpire through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, sharing needles, hypodermics (syringes), or other drug-injection equipment. Infected mothers may also spread Hepatitis B to her baby at birth. Healthcare workers such as nurses and doctors are also at risk of contracting the Hepatitis B virus due to handling blood in the workplace. Hepatitis B is either chronic or acute. Acute Hepatitis B virus infection is a short-range illness that occurs within the first six months after infection of the Hepatitis B virus. Acute infection can lead to chronic infection, but doesn’t always. Chronic Hepatitis B virus infection is the long-lasting illness where the Hepatitis B virus remains in a person’s body throughout their life. Chronic Hepatitis B is a serious disease that can result in long-term health problems, and even death. The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated:
What is the Role of Intergovernmental Organizations? Global Health Governance. The. 2010;3(2):278-87. doi London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine n.d., Session 6: The role of civil. Society in Global Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.