Hepatic Pathology
Written By: Isha Dave
Pathology is a field of study that involves a close examination of a wide variety of diseases. Among many, one prominent one is hepatitis, inflammation of the liver. This condition can result from viruses, as well as other toxic substances and autoimmune diseases. In certain cases, hepatitis can be self-limiting. In others, though, the condition may progress into what is known as chronic liver disease.
Viral hepatitis, which is regarded as the most common type in the United States, includes hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV). The first form of hepatitis, or HAV, is highly contagious but cures itself within 6 months of infection in most adults (Ratini, 2019). It is usually spread through contaminated food and water, though it has been additionally shown to spread through certain sexual practices. It tends to proliferate quickly inareas that lack resources for proper sanitation. Luckily, though, HAV is preventable with a vaccine. HBV, or hepatitis B, is also preventable through a vaccine. In most patients, it usually resolves itself within 6 months, but it can lead to permanent damage if not treated. Its spread can occur via direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, such as by sharing used needles or having sex with someone infected (Ratini, 2019). Unlike the others, hepatitis C, or HCV, is not preventable through a vaccine. There are no symptoms associated with it, but it is known to result in long term effects like the scarring of the liver. Its spread can be caused by direct contact with contaminated blood and bodily fluids.
The other types of hepatitis there include hepatitis D and hepatitis E, which are considered far less common. Hepatitis D is caused by HBV. but can be prevented with the HBV vaccine. Like HAV, hepatitis E is caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or water. It’s responsible for many outbreaks in developing countries. A vaccine for this type of hepatitis has already been developed. Nonetheless, it is still not widely available.
As a whole, treatment for hepatitis has improved tremendously over the years, especially for B and C. In fact, most treatment methods are typically successful.. Nonetheless, pathologists will continue to study the causes of such hepatitis infections in patients to help develop even more effective methods of care.
Sources
Ratini, M. (2019, June 14). Hepatitis Diagnosis, Tests, and Treatment. Retrieved July 27, 2020, from https://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/understanding-hepatitis-treatment
What is hepatitis? (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2020, from https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/what-is-hepatitis
