There is no specific therapy for viral hepatitis A. The disease is primarily controlled through standards of prevention and preventative care following exposure to the virus.
Treatment for viral hepatitis of type B or type C is strictly based on the competence of the infectious disease specialist. Therapy involves the use of interferon and other antiviral drugs, and is customized on a case-by-case basis, especially in view of the side effects that therapy may induce, particularly in elderly subjects.
The vaccine currently in use for viral hepatitis B is produced by genetic engineering techniques. It has proven to be safe and effective and provides long-lasting immunity. In Italy, since 1991, vaccination has been mandatory for all newborns, and until 2003, was also mandatory for adolescents up to 12 years of age. It is also strongly recommended for the most at-risk population groups (drug addicts, cohabitants of chronic carriers, healthcare workers, etc.).
To date, there is no vaccine that protects against hepatitis C, and the use of immunoglobulins has not been shown to be effective.
A new medication (Sofosbuvir), the first of a new class of drugs capable of acting directly against the hepatitis C virus, has recently been used with very encouraging results.
Effective prophylactic measures are represented by general hygiene rules, sterilization of surgical instruments, and for aesthetic treatments, the use of disposable materials, and protection with a condom during risky sexual encounters.
In some cases of patients affected by chronic viral hepatitis D, interferon-alpha is used. In the most serious cases, liver transplantation may be considered.
Regarding the prevention of viral hepatitis E, administration of gamma globulin has been proposed, especially in pregnant women, but its effectiveness has yet to be documented. Experimental clinical trials for the production of two vaccines are ongoing.
