What type of disease is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is classified as a viral infection of the liver. This means that the disease is caused by viruses that specifically target liver cells, leading to inflammation and various symptoms ranging from mild to severe. There are several types of hepatitis viruses, notably hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each with different modes of transmission, severity, and treatment options.

Understanding hepatitis as a viral condition highlights its connection to other viral infections and the body's immune response to these pathogens. This clarification is crucial for both diagnosis and treatment, as management strategies differ significantly from those required for bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections. In contrast to the other options, which describe completely different types of diseases affecting other organs or systems, hepatitis's specificity to the liver is what categorizes it distinctly as a viral infection.