HEPATITIS-DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF HEPATITIS

Edited by, SNEHA MAVIS

To read about the Types of Hepatitis and the theme of Hepatitis day 

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HEPATITIS A:

The presence of HAV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgM) antibodies in the blood allows for a precise diagnosis. Additional tests, such as reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is done to detect hepatitis A virus RNA.

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A, the majority of the patient's will recover spontaneously.

HEPATITIS B:

Hepatitis B infection is diagnosed in the laboratory by looking for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAG). The presence of immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies to the core antigen, HBcAG, is indicative of acute HBV infection. Patients are seropositive for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAG) during early stages of infection.

Interferon α, Lamivudine an antiviral drug, Adefovir an acyclic nucleotide analogue with an antiviral activity, Entecavir a guanosine nucleoside analog are used to treat hepatitis B infection.

HEPATITIS C:

For initial hepatitis C screening, the HCV Ab test is employed. Enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) detect the presence of hepatitis C antibodies in serum and are used to perform the test. To establish that viremia is present, an HCV RNA test should be performed after a positive antibody test result.

Injections of Pegylated interferon and Ribavirin are the only drugs used to treat hepatitis C infection.

HEPATITIS D:

High levels of anti-HDV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies are used to diagnose HDV  infection, which is confirmed by the detection of HDV RNA in serum. In people who have recently been infected with HBV, hepatitis D should be considered. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme immunoassay (EIA) can be used to detect total anti-HDV antibodies.

Alpha-interferon (IFN) is the effective therapy for hepatitis D. Besides IFN, other drugs such as acyclovir, ribavirin have been helpful.

HEPATITIS E:

The presence of specific IgM antibodies to the virus in a person's blood is usually used to make a definitive diagnosis of hepatitis E infection. Other tests include reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to identify hepatitis E virus RNA in blood.

Acute hepatitis E does not have a specific treatment that can change its course. In most cases, hospitalization is not required because the condition is self-limiting. People with chronic hepatitis E who are immunocompromised benefit from a specialized antiviral medication called ribavirin. Interferon has also been successfully employed in some specific instances.