Are Hepatitis B and C Caused by Bacteria or a Virus?

Hepatitis is a liver disease which comes in three types: Hepatitis A, or HAV, Hepatitis B, or HBV, and Hepatitis C, or HCV. The "V" in all three types stands for "virus". HBV and HCV are both contracted through the transfer of blood from an infected individual to a non-infected person, though their symptoms and severity differ.

Bacteria vs. Viruses

• Unlike bacteria, viruses do not respond to antibiotics. If the body cannot fight off the virus on its own with the aid of fluids, rest, and restorative foods, chemotherapy, for example Interferon and Ribovirin in the case of Hepatitis C, may be indicated.

HAV and HBV

• Hepatitis A and B are different from Hepatitis C because they are usually short-term diseases that your body can overcome. Hepatitis A is transmitted by contaminated food or water while the Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through the transfer of blood and bodily fluids.

HCV

• Hepatitis C is also transmitted by blood-to-blood contact, but unlike Hepatitis B usually displays no symptoms and may not show up until many years later. Untreated Hepatitis C often leads to cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer, especially if combined with alcohol or drug abuse.

Blood Contact

• Both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can be contracted by sharing blood with an infected person through needle-sharing, accidental needle sticks (especially for medical personnel), or in areas where blood is not screened thoroughly, by blood transfusions. HBV and HCV can both be transmitted from mother to fetus, though it is much less likely with Hepatitis C.

Sexual Contact

• Hepatitis B can be contracted through sexual intercourse with an infected person, as can Hepatitis C, though it is much less common a cause of HCV.

Vaccines

• You can get vaccinations for both Hepatitis A and B, but there is no vaccination for Hepatitis C at present.