Causes of Hepatitis

Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Finally, hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis B and C can cause either an acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) form. Chronic forms of hepatitis B and C increase the risk for serious complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

New Guidelines: Screening for Hepatitis B Virus

In 2008, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) expanded its screening guidelines for HBV infection. The CDC now recommends that these additional groups of people be screened for hepatitis B infection:

• People born in regions with high rates of HBV infection. These regions include parts of Asia, Pacific Islands, Africa, Middle East, South and Central America, and the Caribbean.
• People who self-inject drugs
• Men who have sex with men
• Patients receiving chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy for medical conditions

New Guidelines: Prevention of Hepatitis A After Exposure

Based on several recent studies, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has changed its recommendation for preventive treatment of hepatitis A after exposure to the virus. The CDC now recommends that healthy patients between the ages of 1- 40 years receive the hepatitis A vaccine within 2 weeks of exposure. Previously, immune globulin was recommended for postexposure prophylaxis.

New Drug Approval

In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved tenofovir (Viread) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Tenofovir belongs to the same class of drugs as adefovir (Hepsera), and is also used to treat HIV infection. There are now seven approved drugs for chronic hepatitis B treatment.