Abstract
Various forms of viral hepatitis have been identified as being sexually transmitted infections (STIs), whereas other forms are transmitted primarily via fecal-oral routes. The most common forms of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, and C. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is typically a benign, self-limited illness that in rare cases can progress to fulminant liver failure. HAV is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route through contact with infectious sources due to poor hygiene or sanitation, but sexual transmission has been documented due to fecal contamination. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can cause a self-limited acute hepatitis, or may progress to a chronic carrier state which can progress to hepatocellular cancer (HCC), cirrhosis, and decompensated liver disease. HBV can be transmitted perinatally, parenterally, or across mucous membranes from sexual or close person-to-person contact through open cuts and sores. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne virus that typically causes a silent, chronic hepatitis which can progress on to cirrhosis and HCC. Transmission is typically via parenteral routes and the role of sexual exposure in the transmission of HCV is minimal.
In patients presenting with signs or symptoms of viral hepatitis, sending hepatitis serologies can be useful to distinguish between viral types. This chapter describes the epidemiology, transmission, clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, management, and prevention methods of the most common forms of viral hepatitis.