Hepatitis Spread Through the Fecal-Oral Route

Hepatitis that spreads through the fecal-oral route is primarily transmitted via the digestive system. The two main types of hepatitis that follow this transmission pattern are Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E. In contrast, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are more commonly spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids.

Hepatitis A typically affects children, adolescents, and young adults, while Hepatitis E is more commonly observed in older individuals, especially elderly men. Both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E can be transmitted through contaminated water or food. A key similarity between the two is that they often present as acute, jaundice-related hepatitis.

Patients may experience a sudden and severe onset of symptoms, including fever in the early stages of infection. As the illness progresses, individuals may suffer from fatigue, loss of appetite, and an aversion to oily foods. In more severe cases, symptoms such as yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, and discomfort in the liver area may develop.

Blood tests typically reveal abnormal liver function, with elevated levels of liver enzymes like ALT and AST. In more severe cases, bilirubin levels may also rise, leading to visible jaundice.

In addition to liver function tests, specific diagnostic methods are used to identify the causative agent. For Hepatitis A, the presence of IgM antibodies against the virus indicates an acute infection. For Hepatitis E, both IgG and IgM antibodies are tested to determine whether the infection is recent or past. A positive result for these antibodies confirms infection with the respective hepatitis virus.