Comparison between hepatitis A, B and  C

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: February 3, 2024

Let me share with you a comparison between hepatitis A, B and  C.  
Aspect Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C
Causative agent RNA non enveloped virus  DNA virus RNA enveloped virus
Virus family Picornaviridae Hepadnaviridae Flaviviridae
Known as Infectious Hepatitis Serum Hepatitis Infusion Hepatitis
Transmission ·        Fecal-oral route ·        Often through contaminated food or water ·        Blood and bodily fluids ·        Sexual contact ·        perinatal transmission ·        Through direct contact with infected blood ·        Sharing of needles ·        Unsafe medical practices
Incubation period Approximately 15-50 days Average 75 days About 2 to 6 weeks
Symptoms ·        Fever ·        Fatigue ·        Loss of appetite ·        Nausea ·        Abdominal pain ·        Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) ·        Fever ·        Fatigue ·        Loss of appetite ·        Nausea ·        Abdominal pain ·        Jaundice ·        Joint pain ·        Often asymptomatic in the acute phase ·        Chronic infection may lead to fatigue ·        Liver cirrhosis ·        Liver cancer
Chronic infection Rarely leads to chronic infection Can lead to chronic infection in a significant number of cases Becomes chronic in the majority of cases
Vaccination Available Available Not available, but research is ongoing.
Treatment       ·        Good hygiene ·        Sanitation ·        Vaccination       ·        Vaccination, ·        safe sex practice ·        Avoiding sharing needles     ·        Prevention of exposure to infected blood ·        Safe injection practices ·        Avoiding sharing of needles or personal items with infected individuals
Global impact Hepatitis A is prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices Hepatitis B is a global health concern, with varying prevalence across regions Hepatitis C is a significant global health concern
Acute vs. Chronic Acute infection Both acute and chronic infections Chronic infection
Diagnosis   ·        Serological tests ·        Viral RNA detection ·        Serological tests ·        Viral DNA detection ·        Serological tests ·        Viral RNA detection
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