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Epidemics of jaundice – what we now recognize as infections of the liver – have been known since antiquity. Only in the middle of the 20th century, however, did we begin to discover the specific viruses causing these illnesses.

At least a dozen different viruses can cause hepatitis. Viruses A, B and C are the most common forms of the disease in the United States and pose significant health risks.

Robert Colgrove, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, says, “Viral hepatitis is of immense public importance, affecting more than half a billion people worldwide. Public awareness is critical, since options for prevention and treatment are advancing rapidly.”

The word hepatitis means “liver inflammation,” which is the primary symptom of the disease. Symptoms can be similar in each form, and present flu-like symptoms, dark-colored urine and jaundice.

Hepatitis A is the most communicable form of hepatitis. It is spread by “fecal-oral” transmission, defined as mouth contact with the contaminated stool of an infected person. Drinking infected water, eating infected food and hand-to-mouth transmission from door handles or desks are some ways to contract the disease. Fortunately, more than 99 percent of people recover without permanent liver damage or long-term infection.

Mount Auburn Hospital and Dr. Colgrove believe it is important for people to understand how to control the spread of hepatitis A. Vaccination and good hygiene, such as hand-washing, can significantly reduce the chances of contracting hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B and C tend to be more serious. Approximately 400 million people worldwide are infected with chronic (long-term) hepatitis B. Unlike hepatitis A, Dr. Colgrove says the hepatitis B virus needs to stay warm and wet, making blood and bodily fluids an ideal environment for transmission of the disease.

People who share needles or engage in unprotected sex, especially in areas of the world where hepatitis B is prevalent, are at elevated risk of becoming infected. “People can reduce their chance of contracting hepatitis B the same way they reduce the risk of contacting HIV,” says Dr. Colgrove. Children born from mothers infected with the disease are also at increased risk.

Those chronically infected with hepatitis B are at serious risk for liver cancer. In fact, worldwide the hepatitis B infection is responsible for more cancer deaths than any other preventable cause except smoking.

There are effective vaccines for hepatitis A and B. The vaccination requires a series of two shots, at least six months apart, and lasts approximately 20 years.

Unfortunately, a vaccine has not yet been developed for hepatitis C, which is generally considered the most serious form. Dr. Colgrove says, “Hepatitis C is often a cryptic infection, since many people harbor the virus for years without knowing it.” Like hepatitis B, hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer, liver failure or cirrhosis.

Although it is still unclear exactly how hepatitis C is spread, needle sharing and blood transfusions are two known ways to contract the disease. Since 1992, the United States has been testing blood with advanced screening tools before transfusions.

“Medical researchers are working hard to develop an effective vaccine for hepatitis C,” says Dr. Colgrove. He and other infectious diseases experts at Mount Auburn Hospital anticipate the discovery of medication that will slow the growth of the virus and prevent long-term complications.

The Division of Infectious Diseases at Mount Auburn Hospital is working to raise public awareness about how all forms of hepatitis are contracted and prevented. Their mission is to prevent illness and save lives by significantly reducing the spread of hepatitis through education.

Healthcare workers at Mount Auburn Hospital encourage you to be proactive, educate yourself about hepatitis and get vaccinated, and they have taken their own advice. They get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B to protect themselves, patients and hospital visitors.

In the decades since the first discovery of the hepatitis virus, knowledge of this disease has progressed enormously, but there is still a long way to go. Doctors and scientists are diligently working to answer the unknown questions and prevent the spread of hepatitis. It’s a battle they plan to win.

For a free Mount Auburn Hospital physician directory, please call us at 617-499-5094.