Viral hepatitis, a silent killer, is a significant public health concern worldwide. It is an inflammation of the liver caused by various viruses, primarily classified into five types: A, B, C, D, and E. These viruses differ in their modes of transmission, symptoms, and long-term effects.
While the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C is reducing, India still bears a significant burden of viral hepatitis. In fact, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), a staggering 40 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B, and between six to 12 million people are living with chronic hepatitis C. While Hepatitis A (HAV) is more prevalent among children, Hepatitis E (HEV) is the primary culprit behind epidemic hepatitis and is responsible for most cases of acute liver failure in the country.