- Hepatitis A – a food borne illness that is spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Fecal contamination of food or water and shellfish that have not been properly cooked are common sources of hepatitis A transmission.
- Hepatitis B – causes serious liver damage, including cirrhosis, and can lead to liver cancer. Spread through sexual contact, direct contact with blood infected with hepatitis B virus, use of contaminated needles, and from mother to child at birth.
- Hepatitis C – causes serious liver damage, including cirrhosis, and can lead to liver cancer. Spread through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and contact with blood infected with hepatitis C virus.
- Hepatitis D – a liver infection which can only be contracted if a person has active hepatitis B. Modes of transmission are similar to those for hepatitis B. Simultaneous infection of hepatitis B and D can be severe and may result in death. People with both hepatitis B and D are at a higher risk for developing liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer (1).
- Hepatitis E – liver infection common in areas lacking adequate sanitation and clean water. Hepatitis E is spread through fecal contamination, mostly through contaminated water. Most hepatitis E infections are limited and patients experience a complete recovery. Symptoms are similar to hepatitis A (2).
(1) Information to live by: Hepatitis D. (2001) American Social Health Association.
< http://www.ashastd.org/stdfaqs/hepd.html#what > 20 May, 2004.
(2) Information to live by: Hepatitis E. (2001) American Social Health Association.
< http://www.ashastd.org/stdfaqs/hepe.html#what > 20 May, 2004.
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