Definition:

                           Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, and it can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, alcohol consumption, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases. Viral hepatitis is a significant public health concern, and several types of hepatitis virusesexist, labeled with letters A through E. Each type has distinct characteristicsand modes of transmission. Here are the main types of viral hepatitis.

1. Hepatitis A (HAV):

• Transmission: Typically transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often due to contaminated food or water.

• Symptoms: Acute illness with symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice.

• Prevention: Hepatitis A vaccination and practicing good hygiene, including hand washing and safe food handling.

2. Hepatitis B (HBV):

• Transmission: Spread through contact with infected blood or other body fluids, such as through unprotected sex, sharing of needles, or froman infected mother to her newborn during childbirth.

• Symptoms: Acute infection may be asymptomatic, but chronic infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

• Prevention: Hepatitis B vaccination, practicing safe sex, avoiding sharing of needles, and administering hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) to newborns of HBV-positive mothers.

3. Hepatitis C (HCV):

• Transmission: Mainly through exposure to infected blood, such as through sharing of needles or medical procedures with inadequately sterilized equipment.

• Symptoms: Many people with acute HCV infection are asymptomatic, but chronic infection can lead to liver damage and cirrhosis.

• Prevention: There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Prevention involves avoiding behaviors that can lead to exposure, such as not sharing needles.

4. Hepatitis D (HDV):

• Transmission: Only occurs in individuals who are already infected with hepatitis B. Transmission is similar to hepatitis B.

• Symptoms: Can range from mild to severe, and it can lead to a more severe form of hepatitis.

• Prevention: Hepatitis D vaccination is not available. Preventing hepatitis B infection can indirectly prevent hepatitis D.

5. Hepatitis E (HEV):

• Transmission: Similar to hepatitis A, often through the consumption of contaminated food or water.

• Symptoms: Acute infection with symptoms similar to hepatitis A. In pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, it can lead to more severe outcomes.

• Prevention: No specific antiviral therapy is available, but hepatitis E can be prevented by maintaining hygiene and avoiding contaminated food and water.