Alcohol, medications, toxins, and autoimmune diseases are common causes of hepatitis. However, viral hepatitis is due to an infection with the hepatitis virus. In this article, we discuss the five common viral strains of hepatitis namely Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A results from infection with the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). The mode of transmission is via feco-oral route that is, an individual typically contracts HAV from food or water that has come into contact with fecal matter from a person with the virus. However, it is self-limiting as many people recover within weeks to months of being infected although rare cases that result in fatality sometimes occur.

Hepatitis B

The Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B. It is commonly transmitted via infected body fluids, such as infected blood, vaginal secretions, or semen. Infected individuals may be asymptomatic or manifest non-specific symptoms or even more severe symptoms. HBV infection can be an acute or a chronic infection. However, chronic HBV infection poses long-term complications of liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is due to infection with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). It is transmitted via infected body fluids and typically presents with long-term, life-threatening complications of liver cirrhosis and cancer like HBV infection.

Hepatitis D

It is caused by infection with Hepatitis D Virus (HDV). This rare form of hepatitis only occurs in people who are infected with the hepatitis B virus. So, an individual cannot contract HDV without having been infected with the hepatitis B virus.

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis E Virus (HEV). Like HAV, it is commonly found in unhygienic areas and is due to ingesting fecal-contaminated water supply. Hepatitis E is usually acute and like hepatitis A, it may present with rare life-threatening cases.