What is the Difference Between Hepatitis B and C?

Hepatitis B and C are both viral infections that cause liver inflammation, but they have different structures and modes of transmission. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Structure: Hepatitis B (HBV) contains a DNA genome that replicates through an RNA intermediate and requires an active viral reverse transcriptase (RT) polymerase enzyme. On the other hand, hepatitis C (HCV) is an RNA virus with no RT activity, and it replicates on the cellular membrane by RNA replication.
2. Transmission: Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and body fluids, while hepatitis C is usually transmitted only through blood. Both viruses can be acquired through similar ways, such as using contaminated needles, accidental needle stick, tattoos and body piercing, through sexual contact, and from mother-to-baby during childbirth.
3. Chronic infection: Chronic hepatitis C is more common than chronic hepatitis B. Between 60% and 80% of people who contract hepatitis C develop chronic disease, while only about 60% to 80% of people with chronic hepatitis B develop chronic disease.
4. Vaccination: A vaccine is available for the prevention of hepatitis B virus (HBV), but there is no vaccine available for hepatitis C virus (HCV).
5. Treatment: Treatment for hepatitis C can cure over 90% of people within 8 to 12 weeks, but treatment for hepatitis B, if needed, may be long-term or lifelong. There is no cure for hepatitis B, but once a person recovers from acute hepatitis B, they develop antibodies that protect them from the virus for life.

In summary, hepatitis B and C are different viruses with distinct structures and modes of transmission. While hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and body fluids, hepatitis C is usually transmitted only through blood. Chronic hepatitis C is more common than chronic hepatitis B, and while there is a vaccine for hepatitis B, there is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. Treatment for hepatitis C can lead to a cure in most cases, whereas treatment for hepatitis B may be long-term or lifelong.

Comparative Table: Hepatitis B vs C

Hepatitis B and C are both viral infections that attack the liver and cause inflammation. While they share similar symptoms, there are key differences between the two diseases. Here is a table summarizing the differences between hepatitis B and C:

Both hepatitis B and C can cause acute or chronic infections, with similar symptoms in both stages. If a person has risk factors for either form of hepatitis, such as sharing needles, a history of sex without barrier methods, or a blood transfusion before 1992, they should speak with a doctor about testing.