In the human body, the liver is located in the right upper area of the abdomen. Many critical functions are performed by the liver that affects the metabolism of the body. It produces bile which is essential for digestion. It filters toxins and excretes bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and breaks down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The liver activates enzymes which are specialized proteins needed for body functions. It stores glycogen, minerals, and vitamins (A, D, E, and K).

The function of the synthesis of blood proteins like albumin and synthesis of clotting factors is done by the liver. An inflamed condition of the liver is referred to as hepatitis. The most common cause of this condition is a viral infection but there are other possible causes. The most common forms of hepatitis include the following:

1. Hepatitis A
This is caused due to an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is most commonly transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated by feces of a person infected with hepatitis A.

2. Hepatitis B
This infection is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids like blood, vaginal secretions or semen containing the hepatitis B virus (HBV). There is an increased risk of getting hepatitis B while sharing injections, having sex with an infected partner or sharing razors with an infected person. Nearly 1.2 million people in the country live with this chronic disease.

3. Hepatitis C
This is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C virus transmitted through contact with infected body fluids. This happens typically through sexual contact and injection use. In our country, nearly 3.9 million people are currently living with this chronic form of infection and are among the most common blood-borne viral infection. Chronic hepatitis B or C often leads to more serious health issues because the virus affects the liver which could lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

4. Hepatitis D
It is also called delta hepatitis and is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). It is usually contracted through direct contact with infected blood. Hepatitis D only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection and is a rare form of hepatitis. The hepatitis D virus cannot multiply without the presence of Hepatitis B and is very uncommon in the country.

5. Hepatitis E
This is a waterborne disease which is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Usually, hepatitis E is prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and results from ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water supply.

6. Other types of hepatitis
These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occur due to a secondary result of medication, toxins, and alcohol. When the body makes antibodies against the liver tissues, a disease known as autoimmune hepatitis transpires.

Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are viral infections of the liver. Different viruses are responsible for each type of hepatitis transmitted virally. Hepatitis A is an acute short-term disease. Hepatitis B, C, and D are more likely to become ongoing and chronic. Hepatitis E is usually acute and it is particularly dangerous in pregnant women.