Data Structure
Networking
RDBMS
Operating System
Java
MS Excel
iOS
HTML
CSS
Android
Python
C Programming
C++
C#
MongoDB
MySQL
Javascript
PHP
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Mathematics
English
Economics
Psychology
Social Studies
Fashion Studies
Legal Studies
- Selected Reading
- UPSC IAS Exams Notes
- Developer's Best Practices
- Questions and Answers
- Effective Resume Writing
- HR Interview Questions
- Computer Glossary
- Who is Who
Difference Between Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver and causes inflammation. There are five different types of hepatitis viruses, but the most common are hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Both viruses are transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, and both can cause chronic liver disease if left untreated. However, there are some key differences between the two viruses that are important to understand.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver caused by a DNA virus that is known as the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is in the genus Orthohepadnavirus in the Hepadnaviridae family.
Hepatitis B can cause both a short term acute illness and a long term chronic infection that can eventually result in cirrhosis of the liver and even possibly liver cancer. Fulminant hepatitis, in which liver tissue becomes necrotic, does occur in 50% of people with hepatitis B.
HBV also seems to cause other disorders including glomerulonephritis which affects the kidneys and polyarteritis nodosa that affects arteries in the body.
Symptoms − Symptoms of hepatitis include nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
Incubation time − The incubation time for hepatitis B is about on average, 90 days. The hepatitis B virus causes viral hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and is actually the second most commonly found cause of hepatitis in people.
Diagnosis − People can be diagnosed for HBV by testing for the hepatitis B surface antigen that can be found in the blood of those who are infected.
Transmission
People are infected with hepatitis B when they come into contact with bodily fluids of people who have the virus. This can take the form of contact with infected blood. The virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact.
Tainted blood transfusions can be a problem. People who are injecting drugs are at a big risk, especially if they share needles with other people.
Acupuncture and tattoos were a big problem in the past and have been implicated in causing many cases.
Mothers who are infected can pass the HBV to their babies. This can occur when the babies are being born when they pass through the birth canal during a natural birth. Babies can be given the vaccine and treated with immune globulin if their mothers are infected. This helps prevent the babies from becoming sick with HBV.
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver caused by an RNA virus that is known as the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The hepatitis C virus is in the genus Hepacivirus in the family Flaviviridae. The virus remains in the liver in approximately 80% of people and can cause chronic disease, sometimes reappearing many years after the initial infection. HCV can also cause an acute form of viral hepatitis.
Symptoms − Symptoms of hepatitis C are often very mild but can be similar to hepatitis B.
Incubation Period − The incubation time for hepatitis C is about on average, 45 days.
Transmission − HCV is usually transmitted by means of contact with infected blood. Tainted transfusions and intravenous drug injections are the main ways that HCV is transmitted. Sexual transmission is extremely rare in the transmission of HCV.
Differences: Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
The following table highlights the major differences between Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C:
Characteristics |
Hepatitis B |
Hepatitis C |
|---|---|---|
Causative agent |
Hepatitis B is caused by a DNA virus. |
Hepatitis C is caused by an RNA virus. |
Classification |
Hepatitis B virus is in the genus Orthohepadnavirus (Family Hepadniviridae). |
Hepatitis C virus is in the genus Hepacivirus (Family Flaviviridae). |
Incubation time |
The incubation time for hepatitis B is about 90 days. |
The incubation time for hepatitis C is about 45 days. |
Transmission |
Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. The virus can be passed from mother to child during childbirth, through unprotected sex, and by sharing needles or other injection equipment. |
Hepatitis C is also transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, but it is primarily spread through sharing needles or other injection equipment. |
Chronic Infection |
Chronic hepatitis B occurs when the virus remains in the body for more than six months. This can lead to long-term liver damage and an increased risk of liver cancer. |
Chronic hepatitis C occurs when the virus remains in the body for more than six months. It can also lead to liver damage and an increased risk of liver cancer, but it is more likely to develop into chronic infection than hepatitis B. |
Treatment |
Hepatitis B can be treated with antiviral medications, which can help reduce the amount of virus in the body and prevent liver damage. There is also a vaccine available for hepatitis B, which can help prevent infection in the first place. |
Hepatitis C can also be treated with antiviral medications, which can cure the infection in many cases. |
Prevention |
Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine, which is recommended for all infants, children, and adults who are at risk of infection. |
Hepatitis C can be prevented by avoiding sharing needles and other injection equipment, practicing safe sex, and avoiding blood-to-blood contact. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while hepatitis B and hepatitis C are both viral infections that affect the liver, there are some key differences between the two.
Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids, and it can lead to long-term liver damage and an increased risk of liver cancer.
Hepatitis C is primarily spread through sharing needles or other injection equipment, and it is more likely to develop into chronic infection than hepatitis B.
Both viruses can cause similar symptoms, but they are treated differently and can be prevented with vaccines and safe practices. If you are at risk of hepatitis B or hepatitis C, it is important to get tested and take steps to protect yourself and your liver health.
114 Views
