Chronic Viral Hepatitis

Overall key points

Chronic viral Hepatitis is a leading cause of liver disease and liver cancer.

Many cases are undiagnosed yet effective treatments are available.

Many do not become symptomatic until liver disease is advanced.

Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes.

Primary care practitioners have a key role in identifying, testing and referring patients.

Part 1 Epidemiology

The most common viruses that cause hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) are hepatitis A, B and C. Most people recover from hepatitis A with no lasting liver damage but chronic infection with hepatitis B and C is a leading cause of liver disease, liver cancer and a growing reason for liver transplantation in the UK. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) are bloodborne and primarily attack the liver.