Question

Which one of the following types of hepatitis can lead to fulminant hepatitis causing massive hepatic cell death more frequently among infected pregnant women, showin third trimester mortality as high as 30%?

• A. Hepatitis A
• B. Hepatitis B
• C. Hepatitis C
• D. Hepatitis E

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The question asks which type of hepatitis can lead to fulminant hepatitis, particularly causing massive hepatic cell death more frequently among pregnant women, showing high mortality rates in the third trimester.

To address this, let's analyze the options given:

1. Hepatitis A: This is typically a self-limiting infection that does not progress to chronic hepatitis and rarely leads to fulminant hepatitis. It is spread via the fecal-oral route and is generally considered less severe. Therefore, it is not associated with high mortality rates in pregnant women.
2. Hepatitis B: While Hepatitis B can be serious and lead to chronic liver disease, it is not particularly notable for causing fulminant hepatitis with a high mortality rate among pregnant women in the third trimester.
3. Hepatitis C: This virus mainly leads to chronic liver disease and cancer but rarely causes acute symptoms. It does not typically lead to fulminant hepatitis or heightened mortality specifically in pregnant women during the third trimester.
4. Hepatitis E: Among the hepatitis viruses, Hepatitis E is known for its severe effects on pregnant women, especially in the third trimester. It can lead to fulminant hepatitis and result in a mortality rate as high as 30% among infected pregnant women. Hence, Hepatitis E is the correct answer to the question.

Let's summarize and conclude:

The correct answer is Hepatitis E, even though the provided 'Correct Answer' was mentioned as Hepatitis B, which seems incorrect based on the pathophysiological context.

Note: It is essential to have accurate medical and scientific information, especially for exams, as discrepancies can lead to incorrect learning and mistaken advice.