Summary

Hepatitis means an inflammation of the liver, but it also refers to a group of viral infections that affect the liver. There are several types of viral hepatitis, but the most common are A, B, and C. Viral hepatitis is spread through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or feces, though it may also result from alcohol and drug use or from other diseases. Acute hepatitis refers to the initial infection and can be mild or severe; chronic hepatitis refers to a serious condition in which the infection lasts six months or longer. Currently, vaccines are available for the prevention of hepatitis A and B viruses. This second edition of Hepatitis delves into the history, causes, and current treatments for this disease, giving valuable information to student researchers.

Chapters include:

• Introduction to Hepatitis
• The Phases of Hepatitis
• Symptoms of Hepatitis
• Inflammation and Immune Response
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C.

Specifications

Full-color photographs and illustrations. Sidebars. Further reading. References. Endnotes. Glossary. Web sites. Index.

About the Author(s)

Alan Hecht, D.C., is a practicing chiropractor in New York. He is an adjunct at several institutions, including Farmingdale State College, Nassau Community College, Hofstra University, and Long Island University–C.W. Post. Hecht received a B.S. in biology/premedical studies from Fairleigh Dickinson University, an M.S. in basic medical sciences from the New York University School of Medicine, and a D.C. from New York Chiropractic College.

Lyle W. Horn earned a Ph.D. from The Johns Hopkins University in 1970. He taught pharmacy, physical therapy, and nursing for 30 years. He has conducted research at the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory and at the National Institutes of Health. Horn has also published original research articles in many scientific journals.

Foreword by David Heymann, World Health Organization