What is the most prevalent type of viral hepatitis?

The most prevalent type of viral hepatitis is Hepatitis B. This condition affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of liver disease. Hepatitis B spreads primarily through contact with infectious body fluids, such as through sexual contact, shared needles, or from mother to child during childbirth. The high prevalence can be attributed to its modes of transmission, the existence of chronic infections, and its ability to be asymptomatic in many individuals, allowing it to spread without detection.

Hepatitis A is often spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water and typically causes acute infections rather than chronic liver damage, resulting in a lower prevalence compared to Hepatitis B. Hepatitis C, while serious and often leading to chronic liver disease, has a lower global prevalence than Hepatitis B due to its transmission primarily through blood, which is less common in the general population. Hepatitis D only occurs in those infected with Hepatitis B, making it dependent on the presence of Hepatitis B for its prevalence and thereby less prevalent as an independent infection.

In summary, Hepatitis B's widespread transmission and chronicity contribute to its status as the most prevalent form of viral hepatitis.