Diagnostics and the natural couse of hepatitis A-E

Viral hepatitis is one of the most frequent infectious diseases worldwide. After an infection with hepatitis viruses types A-E, diagnosis is based on characteristic laboratory abnormalities, specific serological markers and, if needed, a liver biopsy for histological evaluation. During the clinical course, an unspecific prodromal period can be followed by an icteric hepatitis, although the individual manifestations range from an asymptomatic course to the development of fulminant hepatitis. Clinical and biochemical recovery is usually seen within 3-6 months after onset. However, in the case of hepatitis B, C or D viral elimination may fail, leading to a chronic infection ranging from a subclinically persistent infection to a rapidly progressing hepatitis with the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. © Springer Medizin Verlag 2006.