Virus Type Family Distinguishing Features
Hepatitis A (HAV) Single-stranded RNA Picornaviridae Fecal–oral transmission; no chronic infection; vaccine available
Hepatitis B (HBV) Partially double-stranded DNA Hepadnaviridae Transmitted via blood, sexual, and vertical routes; chronic infection possible; vaccine available
Hepatitis C (HCV) Single-stranded RNA Flaviviridae High rate of chronic infection; no vaccine; curable with direct-acting antivirals
Hepatitis D (HDV) Single-stranded circular RNA Unclassified (requires HBV) Defective virus; requires HBV for replication; worsens HBV outcomes
Hepatitis E (HEV) Single-stranded RNA Hepeviridae Fecal–oral transmission; usually self-limited; severe in pregnancy; vaccine available in China