In article <3u5ugs$6nr at tali.hsc.colorado.edu>, ak961 at freenet.HSC.Colorado.EDU (Prateek K. Lala) writes:
>> In a previous article, gax at wasatch.com (gax) says:
>>> I would like some information concerning the different types and
>>up to date protection methods.
>> Of the four major hepatitis viral infections (A, B, C, E), vaccines are
> only available for Hep B and Hep C. These are recombinant vaccines
> (viral surface proteins secreted by genetically engineered yeast cells).
> Vaccines are not yet available for Hep A or E, as far as I know.
>> In terms of general information about the viruses themselves and diseases,
> here's what I can tell you:
>> _Virus_ _Family_ _Acute/Chronic_
> Hepatitis A Picornaviridae usually acute
> Hepatitis B Hepadnaviridae can be chronic
> Hepatitis C Flaviviridae can be chronic
> Hepatitis D viroid (not true virus) only with Hep B
> Hepatitis E Caliciviridae usually acute
>> HBV and HCV are the main concerns in North America today. Both can be
> transmitted by contact with contaminated blood, and are major problems in
> blood banking. The acute stage of infection involves severe hepatic
> problems, and recurring symptoms may ultimately lead to liver failure.
> Both HBV and HCV have been associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, a
> type of liver cancer. Between 2 and 10% of HBV infected adults develop
> chronic liver disease, and maintain a carrier state. Pregnant females
> often transmit this infection to the fetus.
>> Look up these viruses in any good virology book.
>> Prateek Lala
> 4th year Microbiology, University of Toronto
> --
> The mind is like a TV set... when it goes blank, it's a good idea to turn
> off the sound. - Communication Briefings
