Hepatitis-Viren

Hepatitis viruses can cause inflammation of the liver. There are hepatitis viruses of type A, B, C, D and E.

Hepatitis A viruses trigger acute liver inflammation. They are transmitted either directly from person to person or indirectly, whereby contaminated food can also act as a transmission vehicle. Many of the hepatitis A infections in Germany are acquired abroad. The first signs of the disease do not appear until four weeks after infection.

An infection with the hepatitis E virus can also lead to acute liver inflammation. In immunocompromised individuals such as transplant patients, chronic infections can also lead to life-threatening liver cirrhosis. The virus is transmitted in countries with low hygiene standards through contaminated drinking water. In Central Europe, including Germany, the virus is widespread, particularly in pigs and wild boar, and can be transmitted through the consumption of insufficiently heated food made from these animals.