Advances in the diagnosis and management of human viral hepatitis.

This article presents a comprehensive review of viral hepatitis types A through G and TTV. The information that is provided includes the definition, causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and acute and chronic forms of hepatitis. The modes of transmission, risk groups, morbidity and mortality, epidemiology, and treatment modalities are also presented. The primary objective for this extensive review is to provide dental health care workers with the most current information on the subject, which will allow them to identify the patients who will potentially have complications as the result of invasive dental treatment. By using this information, dental health care workers can be assured that they are practicing "state-of-the-art dentistry" while ensuring the health of their patients, staff, and families.