Infectious Diseases - Hepatitis A And B | Diseases and diagnoses 2023

2023 Author: Wallace Forman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 18:19

Hepatitis A & Hepatitis B

Hepatitis A viruses cause inflammation of the liver tissue and are native to almost all tropical and subtropical regions. The transmission occurs primarily through contaminated drinking water or food, but also through sexual contact. Inadequate hygienic conditions are the main danger.

The majority of hepatitis A infections in Austria are acquired and introduced while traveling. The risk of travel hepatitis depends on regional hygiene standards and your personal travel style. According to international studies, the risk of illness is between 1: 300 and 1: 10,000 for a month's stay. According to Statistics Austria, 242 cases of hepatitis A were reported in Austria in 2017.

Typical symptoms of the infection are nausea, vomiting, fever and tiredness, followed by jaundice. The infection is particularly threatening for people with severe comorbidities or pre-damaged liver. A chronic course is not possible, the disease usually heals completely, and deaths are rare.

In contrast, infection is with hepatitis B virusesa serious illness that can be chronic and cause threatening complications. Different types of the hepatitis B virus are known, depending on the geographical distribution. The transmission occurs primarily through sexual contact and blood, but also in the case of improper tattooing, piercing, etc. Hepatitis B is one of the most common viral pathogens in humans worldwide.

Just a few decades ago, hepatitis B was one of the greatest global health problems. Around two billion people worldwide are considered infected. Around 680,000 people die every year from the direct consequences of hepatitis B, more than 25 percent of them from liver carcinoma or cirrhosis.

Vaccinations are available against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and hepatitis B vaccination is included in the free vaccination program in Austria.

For detailed information, see Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.

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