India, Aug. 13 -- Viral hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection. There are five main viruses that affect the liver, commonly known as hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E. While they affect the same organ, the viruses differ in how they spread, how the illness progresses and the long-term risks they carry.

In an interaction with HT Lifestyle, paediatrician Dr Nakul Pathak broke down the differences. They are presented as follows.

Among the five common hepatitis viruses, hepatitis A and hepatitis E are usually transmitted through food and water that has been contaminated with infected stool, shared Dr Pathak, adding that hepatitis A may also spread through close personal contact.

"Both usually cause acute il...