Hepatitis

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According to the WHO’s Global Hepatitis Report 2026 India remains among the countries bearing the highest burden of hepatitis-related deaths.

About Hepatitis

• It is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and non-infectious agents.
• It is commonly the result of a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis.
  • These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol.
  • Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.
• Common Symptoms: Fatigue, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, pale stool, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice.

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Classification of Hepatitis 

• Hepatitis A: It is the result of an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is an acute, short-term disease.
• Hepatitis B: The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B. This is often an ongoing, chronic condition.
• Hepatitis C: It comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is among the most common bloodborne viral infections and typically presents as a long-term condition.
• Hepatitis D: It is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection.
  • The hepatitis D virus (HDV) causes liver inflammation like other strains, but a person cannot contract HDV without an existing hepatitis B infection
• Hepatitis E: It is a waterborne disease that results from exposure to the hepatitis E virus (HEV).
  • It is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water supply.

Treatment for Hepatitis 

• There are vaccines that can help protect against many hepatitis viruses.
• There are vaccines for prevention against Hepatitis A, B and D.
• However, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C or E.

Source: TOI