Pathophysiology: Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory disease which is fairly common and mainly affects the liver. Viral hepatitis is classified as A, B, C, D, E and G. All types of hepatitis viruses cause similar kind of liver damage. Inflammation happens throughout whole liver and hepatocytes are destroyed by cytotoxic cytokines and natural killer cells being part of inflammatory process. Cellular necrosis takes place but liver usually able to repair itself and regain complete function if no other complications occur.
Disease Statistics: Approximately 60% of hepatitis A virus infections in Germany occur in persons without a travel history to disease-endemic areas and for whom sources of infection are unknown. This was reported in 2007-08. There is limited data about hepatitis E but Hepatitis E with genotype 4 has occurred in Germany. Vaccines for for prevention from Hepatitis B is already being marketed in Germany.
Treatment: Intravenous rehydration is given as supportive care but no specific emergency treatment is recommended as such. Patients are admitted in conditions of severe complications. Evaluation for hepatic encephalopathy is done. Certain patients may benefit from pharmacologic therapy. Patients are advised to avoid prolonged or vigorous physical exertion until their symptoms improve and maintain adequate hydration.
Research: Robert Koch Institute, Berlin is one of the leading institutes in the country for the researches in the domain of viral hepatitis. Other major institute include Helmholtz Zentrum München where researches are focussed on controlling of HBV infection at the cellular level and Interference of HCV with insulin signalling pathways.