Hepatitis
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver and can result in liver cell damage and destruction.
What causes hepatitis?
Hepatitis in children has many different origins or causes. A child may contract hepatitis from exposure to a viral source. The following is a list of some of the viruses associated with hepatitis:
- Hepatitis viruses – six main types of the hepatitis virus have been identified, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, and G.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) – a virus that is a part of the herpes virus family that can be transmitted from person to person.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) –t he virus most commonly associated with infectious mononucleosis.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) – herpes can involve the face and skin above the waist, or the genitalia.
- Varicella zoster virus (VZV) – also known as chickenpox, a complication of VZV is hepatitis.
- Enteroviruses – a group of viruses commonly seen in children such as coxsackieviruses, hand-foot-mouth disease, and echoviruses.
- Rubella – caused by the rubivirus, rubella is a mild disease that causes a rash.
- Adenovirus – a group of viruses that commonly cause colds, tonsillitis, and ear infections in children. They can also cause diarrhea.
- Parvovirus – a virus referred to as fifth disease, which is characterized by a facial rash that is described as having a "slapped-cheek" appearance.
The following is a list of some of the diseases that may cause chronic hepatitis in children:
- Autoimmune liver disease – the body's immune system develops antibodies that attack the liver causing an inflammatory process that leads to hepatitis.
- Chronic viral hepatitis – usually caused by hepatitis B, C, or D.
Types of hepatitis viruses: There are six main types of the hepatitis virus that have been identified, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, and G.