General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

CompareUseful differences

Compare infectious diseases

The same route of exposure may involve very different agents. Compare the mechanisms and prevention, then consult the original records and sources.

Choose up to four diseases

Agents, Exposures and Prevention

Documentary comparison of 3 diseases; no estimate of individual risk
BenchmarkInfection with parvovirus B19Hepatitis BHepatitis C
AgentParvovirus B19Hepatitis B virusHepatitis C virus
FamilyVirusVirusVirus
Paths and contextsRespiratory
Blood and fluids
Mother and child transmission
Blood and fluids
Sexual use
Mother and child transmission
Blood and fluids
Mother and child transmission
What distinguishes diseaseInfection often benign in children but may be problematic during pregnancy or with certain blood diseases.Infection of the liver transmitted by blood and certain biological fluids, which may become chronic.Blood-borne liver infection, which may become chronic and cause cirrhosis or cancer.
PreventionRespiratory hygiene, hand washing and medical assessment after exposure to risk during pregnancy.Vaccination, sterile equipment, donation testing and precautions when exposed to blood.Sterile equipment, safe injections and donations, screening and antiviral treatment of infected persons.
DeepeningForm →
CDC — référence ↗
Form →
WHO — reference
Form →
WHO — reference
Diagnosis and monitoringUnder certain circumstances, blood antibodies help to appreciate recent infection or immunity. The professional determines whether the test is useful and how to read it.Blood tests distinguish different markers of infection and immune response. Their combination interprets with vaccine history and context. A follow-up assessment can assess liver disease and guide follow-up or treatment.Positive antibody test indicates contact with virus. The search for viral RNA is then used to check for an active infection. Antibodies may remain positive after the infection has disappeared, so the balance sheet is not limited to this single result.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
  • Possible pregnancy and term
  • Blood or immunosuppression disorder
  • Previous results with date and exact name of markers
  • Evidence of vaccination and exposure to blood
  • Full account of antibody and RNA tests
  • History of antiviral treatment

What this table allows to understand

The selected records cover 1 agent family/families. They share the following routes or contexts in our catalogue: Blood and fluids · Mother and child transmission. These associations describe the selected data; they do not measure contagiousness, severity or personal risk.

To review a comparison, choose one row and open the reference for each column. A preventive measure mentioned in one record and absent from another is not necessarily unnecessary in the second situation: the summaries and their scope may differ.

If symptoms occurThe table does not select any test or treatment. A fever after a stay in the malaria area should be reported promptly, even if prevention has been taken.
Understanding agent, vector and exposure →

Further reading

These publications help you verify the concepts discussed. Disease records and directory entries each identify their sources.

The content modification date does not mean that every source has undergone a new medical review. Verification method and scope.