Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by various infectious viruses and some non-infectious agents. Viral hepatitis, which has become the deadliest virus after COVID-19, is a widespread public health problem with negative impacts on national economies worldwide. Over 300 million people globally are infected with hepatitis viruses. More than two million new cases of hepatitis emerge annually, and 1.3 million people die each year from complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer associated with hepatitis. There are primarily five types of hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E. In addition to hepatitis viruses, bacterial, fungal, and other viral infections can also cause hepatitis. Although all of them lead to liver disease, their modes of transmission, disease severity, geographic distribution, and prevention methods differ.
The World Health Organization has set a goal of eliminating hepatitis infection by 2030. In line with this goal, our country aims to prevent the transmission of the disease by raising awareness among the entire population, especially those at risk, promoting vaccination, and implementing early diagnosis and treatment to prevent the development of liver cirrhosis and cancer.
Family awareness, support, and the knowledge and interest of healthcare professionals are crucial in managing patients with hepatitis. This book provides an up-to-date review of the diagnosis, general approach, and treatment of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections causing hepatitis, supported by the current literature.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our colleagues who contributed to the creation of this book, which is the result of extensive research and effort.