What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. The most common causes of liver inflammation include infections by microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites (protozoa). In addition, hepatitis can also result from excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications and drugs, toxins, and metabolic disorders.
In viral hepatitis, the virus primarily attacks liver cells. The major hepatitis viruses affecting humans are Hepatitis A (HAV), Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), Hepatitis D (HDV) and Hepatitis E (HEV).
Viral hepatitis occurs in two forms — Acute infection, a short-term infection usually lasting less than six months, and Chronic infection, a long-term infection persisting for more than six months that may lead to serious liver complications.
WHO Global Hepatitis Report 2026
1.34M
Deaths in 2024 caused by viral hepatitis
~3,700
Deaths every single day worldwide
1.1M
Deaths (82%) attributable to Hepatitis B
240K
Deaths (18%) caused by Hepatitis C
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Hepatitis Report 2026, viral hepatitis remains one of the world's leading public health challenges, causing an estimated 1.34 million deaths in 2024 — equivalent to approximately 3,700 deaths every day. Of these, around 1.1 million deaths (82%) were attributable to Hepatitis B, while 240,000 deaths (18%) were caused by Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis Burden in Bangladesh
~4.0%
Estimated prevalence of Hepatitis B in Bangladesh
~0.6%
Estimated prevalence of Hepatitis C in Bangladesh
<1%
Of the population infected with Hepatitis C
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Health Bulletin 2024, Bangladesh continues to face a significant burden of viral hepatitis. The estimated prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C is approximately 4.0% and 0.6%, respectively, making viral hepatitis a major public health concern. Hepatitis contributes substantially to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer in the country.
How Hepatitis Viruses Differ
Although all hepatitis viruses affect the liver, they differ in several important ways — which shapes how each type is prevented, diagnosed, and treated.
- Mode of transmission
- Incubation period (time between infection and the appearance of symptoms)
- Availability and effectiveness of vaccines
- Risk of developing chronic infection
- Rate of liver damage
- Potential to cause liver cirrhosis and liver cancer
Types of Viral Hepatitis
There are five main types of hepatitis viruses: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. In Bangladesh, Hepatitis A, B, C, and E are relatively common, while Hepatitis D is less frequently encountered.
Hepatitis A (HAV)
Transmitted primarily by consuming contaminated food or water. It is found worldwide but is more common in areas with poor sanitation and inadequate sewage disposal systems.
- Generally not a life-threatening disease
- Can cause severe illness in people with HIV or pre-existing chronic liver disease
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Far more infectious than HIV. Can spread through:
- Unprotected sexual contact
- Sharing needles, syringes, razors, or toothbrushes
- Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Transmitted primarily through infected blood and, less commonly, through other body fluids. Sexual transmission is possible but less frequent. Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth can also occur, with an estimated transmission risk of approximately 5%. Less than 1% of the population in Bangladesh is infected with Hepatitis C.
Unlike Hepatitis A, most Hepatitis C infections become chronic, increasing the risk of:
- Chronic liver disease
- Liver cirrhosis
- Liver cancer
- Liver failure
Hepatitis D (HDV) occurs only alongside Hepatitis B infection and is less frequently encountered in Bangladesh, while Hepatitis E (HEV), like Hepatitis A, spreads mainly through contaminated food or water and is relatively common in the country.
Hepatitis B: Symptoms & Complications
Most people with Hepatitis B have no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
The first six months after infection are considered the acute phase. In most adults, the body's immune system clears the virus during this period. However, if the virus is not eliminated within six months, the infection may become chronic — meaning the person carries the virus for life and remains at risk of long-term liver disease. Approximately 4% of the population in Bangladesh is living with chronic Hepatitis B infection.
Possible Complications If Untreated
- Liver failure
- Liver cirrhosis
- Liver cancer
- Premature death
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Hepatitis B infection can be effectively prevented through vaccination.
WHO-Recommended Schedules
- 0, 1, and 6 months, or
- 0, 1, 2, and 12 months (for selected individuals requiring an accelerated schedule)
For Babies Born to Mothers with Hepatitis B
- A birth dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth
- Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) when indicated, to significantly reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission
Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis C infection. However, significant advances in medical treatment mean that Hepatitis C is now curable with highly effective antiviral medications.
Early diagnosis and timely treatment allow most patients to achieve a cure and live long, healthy lives — making regular screening one of the most important steps in protecting your liver.