The word "hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, and bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis. Hepatitis is also the name of a family of viral infections that affect the liver. The most common types are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Overview of Hepatitis Viruses
Hepatitis A Virus
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV infection produces a self-limited disease that does not result in chronic infection or chronic liver disease. HAV infection is primarily transmitted by the fecal-oral route, by either person-to-person contact or through consumption of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis A vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent HAV infection and is recommended for all children at age 1, certain international travelers, and others at risk for HAV infection.
Hepatitis B Virus
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV infection can cause acute illness and lead to chronic or lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. HBV is transmitted through percutaneous (puncture through the skin) or mucosal contact with infectious blood or body fluids. Hepatitis B vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent HBV infection and its consequences and is recommended for all infants and others at risk for HBV infection.
Hepatitis C Virus
Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that sometimes results in an acute illness, but most often becomes a silent, chronic infection that can lead to cirrhosis (scarring), liver failure, liver cancer, and death. Chronic HCV infection develops in a majority of HCV-infected persons, most of whom do not know they are infected since they have no symptoms. HCV is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
Hepatitis D Virus
Hepatitis D is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV), and only occurs in people already infected with hepatitis B, since HDV needs the hepatitis B virus to replicate. HDV is transmitted through percutaneous (puncture through the skin) or mucosal contact with infectious blood.
Hepatitis E Virus
Hepatitis E is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV) that usually results in a self-limited disease. HEV infection is primarily transmitted by the fecal-oral route, mostly through consumption of contaminated water. While rare in the United States, hepatitis E is common in many parts of the world. There is currently no approved vaccine for hepatitis E.
MMWRs
Surveillance for Acute Viral Hepatitis—United States, 2006
From CDC's MMWR Surveillance Summaries, March 21, 2008 / 57(SS02);1-24.
A Comprehensive Immunization Strategy to Eliminate Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States Part II: Immunization of Adults
From CDC's MMWR Recommendations and Reports, December 8, 2006 / 55(RR16);1-25.
A Comprehensive Immunization Strategy to Eliminate Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States Part 1: Immunization of Infants, Children, and Adolescents
From CDC's MMWR Recommendations and Reports, December 23, 2005 / 54(RR16);1-23.
Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection and HCV-Related Chronic Disease
From CDC's MMWR Recommendations and Reports, October 16, 1998 / 47(RR19);1-39.
Prevention of Hepatitis A Through Active or Passive Immunization: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
From CDC's MMWR Recommendations and Reports, May 19, 2006 / 55(RR07);1-23.
Update: Prevention of Hepatitis A After Exposure to Hepatitis A Virus and in International Travelers. Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
From CDC's MMWR Weekly, October 19, 2007 / 56(41);1080-1084.
Click here for more MMWRs.
Materials and Resources
Hepatitis A, B, and C Prevention Programs
From the Immunization Action Coalition.
Posters and Brochures in Multiple Languages
From the American Liver Foundation.
Online Learning Center
From the Hepatitis Foundation International.
Medical Glossary, Multiple-Language Fact Sheets, and Articles for Providers
From the Hepatitis C Support Project.
Continuing Medical Education
From the Hepatitis B Foundation.
Free Continuing Education—Hepatitis Web Study
From the Seattle STD/HIV Prevention Training Center and the University of Washington.
NPIN Resources
NPIN has five databases that include resources on hepatitis.
Organizations: Locate hepatitis service providers for networking and client referrals.
Materials: Order NPIN materials and search for historical materials on hepatitis.
News: Keep current with hepatitis prevention news from newspapers, medical journals, and wire services.
Conferences: Find upcoming conferences and trainings on hepatitis.
Funding: Locate federal and private funding opportunities for service organizations.
Other NPIN Resources
NPIN Electronic Mailing Lists: Receive the latest prevention news and updates from the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP).
NPIN Feeds: Have the latest news, conferences, and funding opportunities delivered to your desktop.
More Information from CDC
For more information on viral hepatitis
