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Hepatitis E: Travel, Contaminated Water, and the Pork Connection

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  🌊 Hepatitis E: Travel, Contaminated Water, and the Pork Connection Hepatitis E is the most common form of viral hepatitis globally. Yet, many people contract the infection without ever knowing it. It's estimated that up to 21% of the population has been infected with Hepatitis E at some point, but most remain unaware due to the absence of symptoms. Today, we'll take a professional yet easy look at Hepatitis E, transmitted primarily through contaminated water and undercooked food. 1. What is Hepatitis E? Hepatitis E is an infectious disease where the Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) invades the liver, causing inflammation and damage. Inflammation is the swelling that occurs when body tissues are damaged or infected, which can impair organ function. The most unique feature of the Hepatitis E virus is the existence of multiple genotypes , each with different modes of transmission. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) , the most comm...
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Hepatitis D: The Obligate Co-Infection with 90% Complication Risk

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  🦠 Hepatitis D: The Obligate Co-Infection with 90% Complication Risk Hepatitis D is a viral infection with a highly unique characteristic. Unlike other hepatitis viruses, the Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) cannot survive alone; it absolutely requires the presence of the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). This unusual parasite-like dependence on HBV makes HDV particularly noteworthy. Let's easily understand this peculiar virus. 1. What is Hepatitis D? Hepatitis D is an infectious disease where the Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) invades the liver, causing inflammation and damage. Inflammation is the swelling that occurs when body tissues are damaged or infected, which can severely impair the function of an organ. The most critical feature is that the Hepatitis D virus can only infect a person who is already infected with Hepatitis B. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) describes this as a "double infection." This means that preventing Hepatitis B autom...
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