Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver primarily caused by viral infections, remains a major public health concern in India. The five main types—Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E—differ in transmission modes and clinical impact. While Hepatitis A and E are typically acute and transmitted via the fecal-oral route, Hepatitis B, C, and D are bloodborne and can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma.
India’s National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), launched in 2018, focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment, especially for Hepatitis B and C. Mass immunization, public awareness, and access to antiviral therapy are core components.
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management. While antibody-based rapid tests are used for initial screening, they cannot distinguish between active and past infections or provide viral load information. RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) stands out as the gold standard for detecting active Hepatitis B and C infections due to its superior sensitivity and specificity.