Hepatitis, an inflammatory condition of the liver, ranks among the primary causes of liver failure and liver cancer in India. This condition is most frequently triggered by viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, certain pharmaceuticals, autoimmune diseases, or metabolic disorders. Hepatitis A and E are acute infections transmitted through contaminated food or water, whereas hepatitis B and C can develop into chronic conditions, gradually inflicting damage on the liver over the years and potentially resulting in fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer if not treated. On a global scale, hepatitis B and C are responsible for a significant proportion of chronic liver diseases and liver-related fatalities.
In spite of the existence of vaccines and highly effective treatment options, a substantial number of individuals infected with hepatitis remain oblivious to their condition due to the lack of symptoms in the initial stages and insufficient awareness regarding preventive strategies. Currently, India is confronting a silent crisis in liver health, exacerbated by a combination of metabolic, viral, and alcohol-related factors, many of which go undetected until they reach advanced stages. An increasing number of hepatitis cases are being identified in conjunction with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), which is influenced by sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Recent advancements in diagnostic techniques have made it more feasible to identify liver diseases at an early stage, often without the need for invasive methods. Instruments such as FibroScan and liver MRI facilitate the early diagnosis and monitoring of conditions like hepatitis B and C without requiring a biopsy. Early detection is especially vital for high-risk groups, including patients on dialysis, pregnant women, healthcare professionals, individuals who use intravenous drugs, and those who received blood transfusions prior to 2002.
