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Hepatitis

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver.

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

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Cirrhosis I: Introduction

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Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...

Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology

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Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to...

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In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Zika Virus Infectious Cell Culture System and the In Vitro Prophylactic Effect of Interferons

Zika Virus Infectious Cell Culture System and the In Vitro Prophylactic Effect of Interferons

Published on: August 23, 2016

Hepatitis C and pregnancy.

Annarosa Floreani¹

¹Annarosa Floreani, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy.

World Journal of Gastroenterology

|November 5, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Pregnancy generally does not negatively impact chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, co-infection with HIV significantly increases mother-to-child transmission risk.

Keywords:

Hepatitis C virus Liver damage Pregnancy Viral RNA Virus transmission

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Area of Science:

Hepatology
Virology
Obstetrics

Background:

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection during pregnancy is typically chronic.
Pregnancy can lead to reduced alanine aminotransferase levels, with a postpartum rebound.
Placental interferon may mitigate liver damage in pregnant individuals with HCV.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the effects of pregnancy on chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
To assess the impact of HCV on pregnancy outcomes and vertical transmission.
To identify risk factors for mother-to-child transmission of HCV.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on HCV in pregnancy.
Analysis of data on viral load, co-infections, and transmission rates.
Examination of factors influencing vertical transmission of HCV.

Main Results:

Pregnancy generally does not adversely affect HCV infection or pregnancy outcomes.
HCV transmission rate is 3-5% from anti-HCV positive mothers.
HIV co-infection increases HCV transmission to 19.4%; high viral load and invasive procedures are key risk factors.

Conclusions:

HCV infection typically does not harm pregnant individuals or their infants.
Preventing viremia before conception reduces vertical transmission risk.
Antiviral treatments like interferon and ribavirin are contraindicated during pregnancy.