Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Epidemiology of Hepatitis

This hepatitis A infection is more dominantly seen in children between the ages 5-14 whatever it is rarely seen in infants. Apart from adults who exhibit serious clinical symptoms the children infected with the Hepatitis A shows mild symptoms only. However Hepatitis A infection is said to impose greater risk to some population groups such as persons suffering from clotting disorders, chronic liver dieses, and persons administering clotting factors. Hepatitis B is most common type of viral Hepatitis seen all over the world. Hepatitis B virus is predominantly found in East Asia, African and sub-Saharan regions. This Hepatitis B infection imposes more risk to persons with intravenous drug administrations, health care workers and people with abnormal sexual behaviour. Hepatitis C virus has less prevalence which can be 30% of the world population. This Hepatitis C viral infection can lead to serious conditions like hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Hepatitis D virus spreads through the syringe needles and other mode of contact with the infected person. The geographical regions including United States and northern Europe are more prone to this infection. Hepatitis E spreads by weakening the immune system and is responsible for nearly 55,000 deaths per annum.