Hepatitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, or exposure to toxins.

• Hepatitis A is most commonly transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated by faeces from an infected person.^[4]
• Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, unsafe sex, or sharing razors, etc. with an infected person.^[5]
• Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, typically through injection drug use and sexual contact.^[6]
• Hepatitis D is a rare form of Hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with Hepatitis B infection ^[3].
• Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease caused by the Hepatitis E virus (HEV) ^[3].

Most people experience mild or no symptoms^[3B]. The incubation period for different Hepatitis types varies as follows:

• Hepatitis A: 14 to 28 days^[4]
• Hepatitis B: 75 days on average, but can vary from 30 to 180 days ^[5B]
• Hepatitis C: 2 weeks to 6 months^[6]
• Hepatitis D: Usually appear 3–7 weeks after infection^[7]
• Hepatitis E: 2 to 10 weeks, with an average of 5 to 6 weeks^[8]

The initial phase of Hepatitis is called the acute phase ^[9B]. The symptoms include ^{[9A], [9C]}:

Fever

Jaundice

Muscle Pain

Dark Urine

Joint Pain

Loss of Appetite

Fatigue

Abdominal Pain

The acute phase is not usually dangerous, but in certain cases, it can result in acute liver failure and death. It could also progress to a chronic infection. This is most likely with Hepatitis B and C. As the disease progresses, chronic Hepatitis can lead to ^{[9D], [9E], [9F], [9G]}:

Most new infections with the Hepatitis viruses are asymptomatic or undiagnosed ^[10B]. Due to its largely asymptomatic nature, viral Hepatitis is a silent epidemic ^[10C]; most people are unaware of their infection.

Diagnosis of Hepatitis infection can be done through serological tests to detect antibodies specific to the type of infection. Tests to detect viral RNA and DNA can help in diagnosing active infections and improve outcomes in viral Hepatitis. Its benefits are:^[11A]

• Lower Risk of Complications: Undetected and untreated chronic Hepatitis can lead to complications such as liver cirrhosis ^[11B]. Timely treatment of hepatitis can help reduce the risk of liver damage and complications.
• Reduced Risk of Liver Cancer: Chronic Hepatitis is a risk factor for primary liver cancer ^[11C] . Treating it early can significantly reduce the chances of cancer.
• Lower Risk of Transmission: Even patients with low viral load can transmit the virus to others ^[11D]. Starting treatment early can help eliminate the virus more quickly and prevent its transmission.