Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment Strategies of Hepatitis: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Hepatitis is a leading cause of liver morbidity and mortality across the globe and continues to be a public health
concern. Hepatitis includes a set of liver inflammation illnesses caused by infections of viruses, autoimmunity, alcohol
use, metabolism disturbances, drugs, and toxins in the environment. Among these, hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E
are the main causes of viral hepatitis cases. Chronic hepatitis B and C infections may lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis,
hepatic insufficiency, and hepatocellular carcinoma, posing a great burden of disease on a global scale. While vaccines
against certain strains of the disease, antivirals, and advanced diagnostics have made significant strides in disease
prevention and treatment, there are still many people who are undiagnosed and untreated due to a lack of access to
health care services, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Recent advances in serology and molecular diagnostics, such as PCR, qPCR, dPCR, next-generation sequencing
technologies, and biomarkers, helped detect and monitor hepatitis infections at an early stage. Alongside with this,
preventive measures like vaccination for all, blood transfusion safety, infection prevention practices, maternal
screening, public education, and harm reduction programs are critical in minimizing disease spread.
This review presents current knowledge on the epidemiology, classification, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention,
and treatment of hepatitis. Recent developments in diagnostic methods, antiviral drugs, immunotherapy, and other
preventive measures have been outlined with regard to the World Health Organization’s objective of eliminating viral
hepatitis as a public health issue by 2030. This review can be used as an update for students, researchers, healthcare
workers, and policy makers on preventing hepatitis.