Viral hepatitis

There are a number of ways to categorize viruses that cause hepatitis in children. Some viruses affect mainly the liver, and are known as the 'hepatotropic viruses'. These are named by letters of the alphabet, starting with A and going to G (there is no F). Although the hepatotropic viruses predominantly organ systems such as lymphoid tissue, the gastrointestinal tract, or the skin. Other viruses may affect the liver but also affect other parts of the body. For instance, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) affects mainly lymphoid tissue but can lead to hepatitis, and rubella causes congenital anomalies and skin rash, but also can cause hepatitis. Additionally, not are due to viruses. While not covered in this chapter, a number of nonviral organisms can invade the liver causing hepatitis. Viral and nonviral causes of infectious hepatitis in the pediatric age group are summarized in Table 37.1.