What is viral hepatitis in simple words?

Viral hepatitis is a term used to describe infections affecting the liver and caused by various viruses. This word means inflammation of the liver. When the liver becomes inflamed, it may not function properly, which leads to various health problems.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, approximately 257 million people worldwide were living with chronic hepatitis B infection. About 887,000 people die from it every year, mainly due to complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. About 71 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis C is also the leading cause of death associated with liver damage, about 400,000 people die from it every year. Hepatitis A and E infections are more common in areas with inadequate sanitation and limited access to safe drinking water. According to WHO estimates, approximately 1.4 million cases of hepatitis A infection are registered worldwide every year. Hepatitis D infection occurs in people already infected with hepatitis B. The prevalence of hepatitis D varies by region, with higher infection rates in some areas, such as the Amazon Basin and parts of Africa and Central Asia. Chronic viral hepatitis is the main risk factor for liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). More than 80% of all cases of liver cancer are associated with hepatitis B and C infections.

Types of viral hepatitis

There are several types of viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D and hepatitis E. Each type is caused by a separate virus and has its own transmission path. Hepatitis A and E are usually transmitted through contaminated food or water.
They can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including fever, fatigue, nausea and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Most people with hepatitis A and E recover completely without any long-term consequences.
Hepatitis B, C and D are usually transmitted through contact with infected blood or other body fluids. They can cause both acute and chronic infections. Acute can cause symptoms similar to hepatitis A and E, but chronic can lead to long-term liver damage, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer.
Prevention and treatment options vary depending on the type of disease. There are vaccines against hepatitis A and B, and they are recommended for people from risk groups. Hepatitis C can now be cured with antiviral drugs, and the treatment of hepatitis D is aimed at eliminating complications and preventing further damage to
the liver.
It is important to follow hygiene rules, such as washing your hands regularly, avoiding unsafe sexual practices, and taking precautions when handling blood or body fluids to reduce diseases.
Antiviral therapy has significantly advanced the treatment of hepatitis C. These drugs in most cases provide treatment effectiveness exceeding 95%, which leads to a significant reduction in the burden of chronic hepatitis C infection.
There are vaccines for the prevention of hepatitis A and B. Routine childhood immunization programs have helped reduce the prevalence of hepatitis B in many countries.
Vaccination is recommended for infants and high-risk groups, such as healthcare professionals and those practicing high-risk behaviors.

Causes of viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is caused by infection with one of several hepatitis viruses, which are designated as hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Each virus has different transmission routes and different severity. Here are the causes of various types of viral hepatitis:

• A: It is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and is usually transmitted through contaminated food or water. It can also spread through close contact with an infected person or sexually.
• B: Caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is transmitted by contact with infected blood, semen or other body fluids. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia, as well as from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth.
• C: It is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is mainly transmitted by contact with infected blood. This can happen when needles are used together or drugs are injected, when blood is transfused or organs are transplanted from infected donors, or, less often, during sexual contact.
• D: Also known as delta hepatitis, it is caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV) and occurs only in individuals already infected with hepatitis B. It is transmitted by contact with infected blood or other body fluids.
• E. Is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HCV) and is mainly transmitted by drinking contaminated water or food. This is a common occurrence in areas with inadequate sanitation and hygiene.

It is important to note that each type of viral lesion has different risk factors, modes of transmission and potential long-term health consequences. It is recommended to observe hygiene rules, use barrier methods when conducting sexual intercourse, and also get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B to prevent infection.

Incubation period of viral hepatitis

The incubation period may vary significantly depending on the specific type of virus involved. Here are the approximate incubation periods for each type of viral hepatitis:

• A. The incubation period of hepatitis A is usually from 15 to 50 days, on average about 28 days.
• B. The incubation period of hepatitis B is from 45 to 160 days, on average from 60 to 90 days.
• C. The incubation period of hepatitis C can vary in a wide range, usually from 2 weeks to 6 months. In some cases, symptoms may not appear for several years after infection.
• D. The incubation period of hepatitis D is similar to the incubation period of hepatitis B, since it requires concomitant infection with hepatitis B virus. The incubation period is usually from 30 to 180 days.
• E. The incubation period of hepatitis E is from 15 to 60 days, on average about 40 days.

The incubation period also depends on the amount of viral load, which the body received — the higher it is, the shorter the incubation period will be and the stronger the manifestations of the disease.

Symptoms of viral hepatitis

The symptoms of viral hepatitis may vary depending on the specific type of viral hepatitis and individual factors, there are some common signs and symptoms that are most characteristic of this disease. Here are the common symptoms associated with this problem:

• Fatigue. Constant fatigue, weakness and lack of energy are common symptoms for all types of this pathology.
• Jaundice. Yellowing of the skin and eyes is a classic sign of liver dysfunction, which can be observed with viral hepatitis. The yellow color occurs due to the accumulation of bilirubin, a yellow pigment formed during the breakdown of red blood cells.
• Abdominal pain. Some people with different diseases may experience discomfort or abdominal pain, usually in the liver area (located in the upper right part of the abdomen).
• Loss of appetite. Many patients experience loss of appetite, which can lead to unintended weight loss.
• Nausea and vomiting. These gastrointestinal symptoms may occur in some cases.
• Fever: sometimes subfebrile fever is present in patients with viral hepatitis, especially in the acute phase of viral hepatitis.
• Pain in muscles and joints. Some people may experience muscle aches and joint pains similar to flu symptoms.
• Dark urine: Urine may appear dark or amber due to increased levels of bilirubin
  secreted.
• Pale stools: stools may become pale or clay-colored, as bilirubin is not processed properly by the liver and does not give the stool its usual brown color.

It is important to note that not all people infected with viral hepatitis show symptoms. In some cases, people may remain asymptomatic for many years, which leads to chronic infection.

Diagnosis of viral hepatitis

Making an accurate diagnosis of viral hepatitis, taking into account the degree of pathology, is a complex process and involves a combination of assessment of the medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests and sometimes imaging studies. Here are the main diagnostic methods used to diagnose the disease:

• Collection of medical history and medical examination. The attending physician asks about your symptoms, medical history and possible risk factors for viral hepatitis. They will also conduct a physical examination to assess signs of liver disease, such as jaundice, abdominal pain or enlarged liver.
• Blood tests. Blood tests are crucial for the diagnosis of viral hepatitis. The specific tests performed may vary depending on the type of hepatitis suspected, but general blood tests include:
  – Liver functional tests. These studies show the levels of enzymes and proteins produced by the liver. Elevated levels of certain enzymes, such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), may indicate liver damage.
  – Serological tests for viral hepatitis: include testing for the presence of antibodies to various types of virus. For example, in hepatitis A, IgM antibodies to hepatitis A virus (HAV) are tested. For hepatitis B, tests may include HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen), anti-HBc (antibodies to central antigen), and anti-HBs (antibodies
  to surface antigen). In hepatitis C, tests are carried out for anti-HCV (antibodies to the hepatitis C virus).
• Determination of the viral load of hepatitis. In cases of chronic hepatitis B or C, viral load (the amount of virus in the blood) can be measured using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.
• Additional tests: Depending on the clinical picture and the suspected type of virus, other tests may be prescribed, such as hepatitis D (HDV) or hepatitis E (HEV) tests. In some cases, additional tests, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can be used to assess the
  condition of the liver and detect any signs of complications, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Treatment of viral hepatitis

Treatment of viral hepatitis depends on the specific type of hepatitis and whether it is an acute or chronic infection. The main modern approaches to the treatment of various types of viral hepatitis are as follows:

• Hepatitis A. is usually a self-healing disease, and most people recover without special treatment. Rest, adequate hydration, and symptomatic relief of nausea or vomiting may be recommended. In some cases, especially in severe or prolonged cases, hospitalization may be required.
• Hepatitis B. Treatment of chronic hepatitis B is aimed at suppressing the replication of the virus, reducing liver inflammation and preventing the progression of the disease. Antiviral medications such as interferon-alpha or oral antiviral medications may be prescribed. The duration and choice of treatment depends on factors such as viral load, liver function and the presence of cirrhosis of the liver.
• Hepatitis C. In recent years, the possibilities of treating hepatitis C have significantly expanded. Direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAA) have high cure rates and a shorter duration of treatment. These oral antiviral drugs are usually taken from 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the specific genotype of the hepatitis C virus.
• Treatment regimens are selected individually for each patient, taking into account factors such as genotype, liver condition and previous treatment history.
• Hepatitis D. Hepatitis D is a co—infection that occurs in people already infected with hepatitis B. Its treatment options are limited, and the main approach is to suppress the replication of the virus with antiviral drugs. In some cases, interferon- alpha can also be used.
• Hepatitis E. It is usually a self-healing disease, and specific antiviral treatment is usually not required. Supportive therapy is recommended, such as rest, hydration, and abstinence from alcohol and certain medications. In severe cases or cases occurring in pregnant women, hospitalization and careful monitoring may be required.

In addition to antiviral drugs, lifestyle changes are important for the treatment of viral hepatitis. These include abstaining from alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking appropriate precautions to prevent transmission of the infection to other people.

The latest methods of treatment of viral hepatitis

Stem cell therapy is an area of active research and has shown promising results in various diseases. As for viral hepatitis, the potential use of stem cells is being investigated primarily because of their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties.

Stem cells are taken from the patient`;s own body, the material for this is bone marrow, blood and most often adipose tissue. Stem cells are isolated from the resulting material, treated with special solutions that stimulate their growth and are injected into the body in an increased amount using intravenous injections. Stem cells have a complex effect, the main effects that they cause are the following:

• Liver regeneration: Stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have the ability to differentiate into various types of cells, including liver cells (hepatocytes). MSCs for accelerate liver regeneration and promote the restoration of damaged liver tissue. Immune modulation: Stem cells can modulate the immune system response, potentially reducing inflammation and promoting a more balanced immune response. Stem cells can help modulate the immune response to prevent excessive inflammation and limit liver damage caused by the immune system`s response to a viral infection. First of all, they contribute to the disappearance of a phenomenon called a «cytokine storm» — a situation characterized by the release of a large amount of hormones and biologically active substances.
• Immediate antiviral effect. Stem cells, especially some types of MSCs, have antiviral properties. These cells may have the ability to directly inhibit virus replication or enhance the immune response against the virus.
• Supportive therapy: Stem cells can be used as supportive therapy along with traditional treatments such as antiviral drugs. They can potentially increase the effectiveness of antiviral drugs or help mitigate some of the side effects associated with these drugs.

Thus, treatment with stem cells is an effective method both in terms of reducing or completely eliminating the viral load and to improve the general condition of the patient.
Stem cells can also be used to restore the liver after radical treatment and complete elimination of the virus.

Rehabilitation after viral hepatitis

Rehabilitation after viral hepatitis is aimed at restoring liver function, eliminating symptoms and improving overall well-being. The specific rehabilitation process may vary depending on the severity of the infection and individual circumstances.
However, there are general aspects of rehabilitation after viral hepatitis:

• Drug treatment: the initial stage of rehabilitation includes drug treatment of the acute phase of the disease. This may include antiviral medications to control infection and medications to treat symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and abdominal pain. Careful monitoring of liver function and regular follow-up by medical
  professionals are usually part of this phase.
• Rest and proper nutrition. Rest is crucial during the recovery phase to allow the liver to heal. Adequate nutrition is also necessary to support liver function and overall recovery. A balanced diet is recommended, including foods rich in antioxidants, fiber and essential nutrients. In some cases, dietary restrictions may be required, such as limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding fatty or processed foods. MedTour recommends Dr. Alexander Kirilenko to develop an individual diet.
• Gradual increase in physical activity. As the energy level increases, a gradual increase in physical activity is recommended. Low-stress exercises, such as walking or swimming, can help improve overall fitness and speed up recovery.
• Psychological support. Recovery from viral hepatitis can be emotionally difficult. Psychological support, including counseling or support groups, can be useful in dealing with stress, anxiety or depression that may accompany the recovery process.

Prevention of viral hepatitis

Prevention plays a crucial role in reducing the incidence of viral hepatitis. Measures to prevent viral hepatitis vary depending on the specific type of hepatitis, namely hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Basic preventive measures:

• Vaccination: There are vaccines against hepatitis A and B. It is recommended to get these vaccines because they provide long-term immunity against these types of viral hepatitis. Vaccination is especially important for high-risk individuals, including health care workers, people traveling to endemic areas, people with
  multiple sexual partners, and people who inject drugs.
• Rules of safe hygiene. To prevent the transmission of hepatitis A and E, it is very important to observe hygiene rules. This includes regular hand washing with soap and clean water, especially before meals and after going to the toilet. It is also important to consume safe drinking water and ensure proper sanitation and hygiene
  when cooking.
• Safe sex practices: Hepatitis B and hepatitis C can be transmitted sexually. The use of condoms during sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of transmission of infection. It is also important to know the hepatitis status of your sexual partner and think about vaccination against hepatitis B if you are at risk.
• Safe use of injections. Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through shared needles or other drug paraphernalia. Avoiding needle sharing and using safe injection methods, such as using sterile needles and syringes, can help prevent the transmission of these viruses.
• Screening of blood and blood products for hepatitis B and C, as well as the implementation of strict infection control measures in medical institutions can prevent the transmission of these viruses during blood transfusions or medical procedures.
• Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the virus. In the case of hepatitis B, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the virus is crucial. Pregnant women with hepatitis B should receive appropriate medical care and treatment to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus to their children. Administration of hepatitis B
  vaccine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin to newborns within 12 hours after birth is very effective in preventing transmission of infection.

Our best specialist doctors

MedTour company can recommend Dr. Alexander Kovalchuk for patients in Ukraine and Dr. Badyin for patients from neighboring countries. These doctors have extensive experience in the treatment of acute and chronic diseases with the help of stem cells and show good results.

If you still have questions, please contact the MedTour coordinator doctor for a free consultation.

F.A.Q.

1. What effect can be expected from the treatment of viral hepatitis using stem cells?

When treating viral hepatitis with stem cells in combination with traditional therapies, one can expect complete disappearance or significant disappearance of the viral load and improvement of the patient`s general condition as a result of liver regeneration.

2. How many injections are required for the procedure?

It depends on many factors, including whether the disease has been completely cured or only reduced the viral load. In the first case, one course of 3-8 injections is required, in the second case, 1 course of 2-4 injections per year.

3. How much does it cost to treat viral hepatitis with stem cells?

The cost of treatment depends on the number of courses required, the general condition of the patient and the location of the clinic. Thus, the cost of treatment can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per course.