Chronic viral hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by viral infection that persists longer than six months, in contrast to acute hepatitis which resolves within that period [1]. The principal viral etiologies include hepatitis B and C viruses, which lead to a disease spectrum spanning chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma [3].
Disease overview
Evidence-backed information EN 5/7 applicable sections · ZH 5/7 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026
Chronic viral hepatitis refers to persistent infection of the liver by hepatitis viruses lasting beyond six months and can progress through chronic inflammation to cirrhosis and liver cancer [1]. Population studies indicate that chronic viral hepatitis is associated with an increased prevalence of colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer, with distinct risk patterns by viral etiology [2]. Metabolic interactions differ by virus, as hepatitis C but not hepatitis B infection shows positive links with insulin resistance and steatosis [3].
Read the full clinical and epidemiological profile 6
Some individuals with hepatitis remain without symptoms, while others exhibit jaundice, reduced appetite, vomiting, fatigue, abdominal pain, and diarrhea [1]. Chronic infection may advance to liver scarring, hepatic failure, and liver cancer over time [1].
Chronic viral hepatitis was associated with significantly increased odds of colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer across pooled studies of HBV and HCV patients [2]. HCV infection showed positive associations with insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and metabolic syndrome, whereas HBV appeared inversely related to metabolic syndrome and steatosis [3]. In the United States, new hepatitis B cases fell by 75% from 1990 to 2004, with the largest decline among children and adolescents after immunization guidelines [1].
Hepatitis B is mainly transmitted sexually and can pass from mother to infant during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through infected blood [1]. Hepatitis C spreads commonly through contaminated blood, such as via shared needles among people who inject drugs [1]. Hepatitis D only infects those already carrying hepatitis B [1].
Hepatitis A, B, and D are preventable through immunization, and universal vaccination against hepatitis A in the United States reduced hospital admissions and costs by two-thirds [1]. For hepatitis C, antiviral therapy is recommended for all chronic cases except those with limited life expectancy, though this is a treatment rather than a public-health preventive measure [1]. Broad immunization programs have contributed to major declines in incident viral hepatitis infections in certain populations [1].
- 1 Wikipedia contributors. Hepatitis - Wikipedia [Internet]. Wikipedia. cited 3 Sept 2026. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis
- 2 Hong SW et al. Chronic Viral Hepatitis Is Associated with Colorectal Neoplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Dig Dis Sci. 2021 Nov. PMID: 33433792. doi: 10.1007/s10620-020-06745-x. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33433792/
- 3 Wang CC et al. Systematic review: chronic viral hepatitis and metabolic derangement. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2020 Jan. PMID: 31746482. doi: 10.1111/apt.15575. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31746482/
- B18
- 1E50
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