Abstract
Hepatitis is a major public health concern in worldwide and remains one of the leading major causes of liver-related morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries such as Pakistan. This review summarizes the causes, types, transmission routes, clinical manifestations treatment, and effects of viral hepatitis on human health, with a special focus on Balochistan, Pakistan, where the disease burden is considerably high. Viral hepatitis is primarily caused by five hepatotropic viruses: hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis D (HDV), and hepatitis E (HEV), each differing in transmission, disease. Major contributing factors, are the high prevalence of hepatitis in Balochistan include inadequate healthcare facilities, poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, contaminated blood transfusions, unsterilized medical and dental equipment, unsafe injection practices, intravenous drug use, and low vaccination coverage. While acute hepatitis A and E are mostly self-limiting, chronic infections of HBV and HCV have the potential to develop into liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure, and can have a major impact on quality of life and healthcare costs. The review also discusses public awareness, safe healthcare practices, early diagnosis, and antiviral therapies, as well as the challenges associated with disease control in the province. Improvements in surveillance systems, vaccination coverage, sanitation, safe medical practices, and screening and treatment access are all critical for reducing the burden of hepatitis and meeting the goal of the World Health Organization.