Hepatitis is an inflammatory liver condition. Usually, it is caused due to a viral infection; however, there are various other causes of this disease. Some key causes related to hepatitis include consumption of alcohol, toxins, and drugs. Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition that develops when antibodies are developed against the live tissue by the patient’s body. The liver is situated in the abdomen’s right upper portion. It performs various important functions that impact metabolism throughout the human body. These functions include:

• Storage of vitamin A, D, E, and K; minerals; and glycogen, which is a type of sugar
• Activation of enzymes that are proteins required for the functioning of the body
• Breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
• Excretion of drugs, hormones, cholesterol, and bilirubin, which is a product of broken-down red blood cells
• Synthesis of clotting factors
• Synthesis of blood proteins like albumin
• Bile production, which is important for digestion

As per the statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of people in the country presently suffering from hepatitis B and C is around 4.4 million. Moreover, many people are not even aware that they have this disease. The treatment methods for this disease depend on the type of hepatitis that the patient is diagnosed with. Some types of hepatitis can be prevented through lifestyle precautions and immunizations. Explained ahead are the different types of hepatitis.

The different types of hepatitis are listed as follows:

1. Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A occurs due to an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is commonly transmitted by the consumption of water or food that is polluted by feces from an individual who is infected with this form of hepatitis.

2. Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a chronic type of hepatitis. It is developed by contact with infectious body fluids like semen, vaginal secretions, or blood that has the hepatitis B virus. Actions such as sharing razors with an infected patient, having sexual intercourse with an affected individual, and using injection drugs increase the probability of getting hepatitis B.

3. Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C occurs due to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is transmitted via direct contact with infected body fluids, usually through sexual intercourse and consumption of drugs. HCV is one of the most prominent viral infections in the country, which is blood-borne. Currently, the number of people suffering from chronic hepatitis C is anywhere between 2.7 million to 3.9 million in the country.

4. Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D is also known as delta hepatitis, and it is a chronic liver disease. It occurs because of the hepatitis D virus (HDV), which is contracted due to direct contact with blood that is infected. It is an uncommon type of hepatitis that develops only with the hepatitis B infection. The HDV virus cannot multiply without the existence of hepatitis B.

5. Hepatitis E

It is a waterborne disease caused due to the virus of hepatitis E. It is commonly found in locations that have poor sanitation. It is not common in the country. However, as per the CDC, there are many cases of hepatitis E in Africa, Central America, Asia, and the Middle East.