Jaundice is a common health problem in people of all ages. Jaundice is usually caused by an infection of the liver with hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses and an obstruction in the way bile leaves the liver. However, the causes and treatment of jaundice in newborns are very different from those in adults.
Among the viruses responsible for jaundice and liver infection in children, A and E viruses enter the child’s body through contaminated food or contaminated water. On the other hand, hepatitis B and C viruses enter the baby’s body through the injection syringe used by an infected person or through blood transfusion.
Hepatitis A and E viruses eventually clear the affected child’s body completely and do not cause any long-term liver problems. But once B and C viruses enter the body, they do not come out. They stay permanently in the victim’s liver and cause extensive damage. If a pregnant woman is infected with hepatitis B virus, her unborn child can also be infected.