About infectious jaundice

What is infectious jaundice?

Weil syndrome, a rare infectious disorder, is a severe form of the bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria known as leptospirosis. Weil syndrome is characterized by dysfunction of the kidneys and liver, abnormal enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly), persistent yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes (jaundice), and/or alterations in consciousness. In most cases, Weil syndrome occurs among individuals who are exposed to affected animals.

What are the symptoms for infectious jaundice?

Liver dysfunction symptom was found in the infectious jaundice condition

Yellow-tinted skin and eyes characterize jaundice. In more severe cases, the whites of your eyes may turn brown or orange. You may also have Dark urine and pale stools.

If an underlying health condition such as viral hepatitis is to blame for the jaundice, you might experience other symptoms, including excessive Fatigue and Vomiting.

Some people misdiagnose themselves when they experience yellow skin. People who have jaundice usually have both yellow-colored skin and yellow-colored eyes.

If you only have yellow skin, it may be due to having too much beta carotene in your system. Beta carotene is an antioxidant found in foods such as carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. An excess of this antioxidant is not a cause of jaundice.

What are the causes for infectious jaundice?

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that infects liver cells and causes inflammation. The inflammation can affect how your liver works and cause other signs and symptoms of hepatitis A.

The virus most commonly spreads when you eat or drink something contaminated with fecal matter, even just tiny amounts. It does not spread through sneezing or coughing.

Here are some of the specific ways the hepatitis A virus can spread:

  • Eating food handled by someone with the virus who doesn't thoroughly wash his or her hands after using the toilet
  • Drinking contaminated water
  • Eating raw shellfish from water polluted with sewage
  • Being in close contact with a person who's infected — even if that person has no signs or symptoms
  • Having sex with someone who has the virus

What are the treatments for infectious jaundice?

No specific treatment exists for hepatitis A. Your body will clear the hepatitis A virus on its own. In most cases of hepatitis A, the liver heals within six months with no lasting damage.

Hepatitis A treatment usually focuses on keeping comfortable and controlling signs and symptoms. You may need to:

  • Rest. Many people with hepatitis A infection feel tired and sick and have less energy.
  • Manage nausea. Nausea can make it difficult to eat. Try snacking throughout the day rather than eating full meals. To get enough calories, eat more high-calorie foods. For instance, drink fruit juice or milk rather than water. Drinking plenty of fluids is important to prevent dehydration if vomiting occurs.
  • Avoid alcohol and use medications with care. Your liver may have difficulty processing medications and alcohol. If you have hepatitis, don't drink alcohol. It can cause more liver damage. Talk to your doctor about all the medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs.
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What are the risk factors for infectious jaundice?

You're at increased risk of hepatitis A if you:

  • Travel or work in areas of the world where hepatitis A is common
  • Attend child care or work in a child care center
  • Live with another person who has hepatitis A
  • Are a man who has sexual contact with other men
  • Have any type of sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A
  • Are HIV positive
  • Are experiencing homelessness
  • Have a clotting-factor disorder, such as hemophilia
  • Use any type of illegal drugs (not just those that are injected)

Is there a cure/medications for infectious jaundice?

Jaundice is the condition caused by the yellowing of the sclera, mucosa and other organs. It is caused due to the improper working of the liver. Infectious jaundice is caused due to the infections caused in the liver by viruses or bacteria.

  • Hepatitis type A to E viruses are the common causes for this condition. This disease is usually more severe in adults compared to children. Jaundice is also caused due to bacterial sepsis, acute HSV hepatitis, leptospirosis, severe malaria, relapsing fever from Borrelia recurrentis infection, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and acute hepatitis A, B, or E infection.


Cure/medications:

  • Identification of the underlying cause of the infectious jaundice is the key to planning the treatment.
  • If it is a bacterial disease or infection, a broad-spectrum antibiotic can be given along with other drugs.
  • Symptomatic treatment for fever, and indigestion should also be paired with the treatment.
  • Cholesteramine can be given to ease the symptoms of jaundice.
  • If it is viral-induced infectious jaundice, antivirals can be prescribed; however, this can be done only when it is severe. Based on the liver biopsy, the antibiotic treatment course can be followed.
  • Diet restrictions are very important to control this.
  • Acute hepatitis can be prevented by proper and timely vaccinations and screening.
  • Those who already have jaundice conditions should always be cautious about new infections.


Conditions
Liver dysfunction,Bile secretion increase,Yellow discolouration of sclera and mucosa
Drugs
Broadspectrum antibiotics,Antivirals,Food restrictions
Symptoms
Fever,Chills,Abdominal pain,Flu-like symptoms,Change in skin color,Dark-colored urine and/or clay-colored stool

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