Therapeutic, preventive, and pathogenetic advances in viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis and associated liver injury represent a major global public health concern, capable of progressing to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review systematically summarizes classic hepatotropic viruses—including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis A virus (HAV)—as well as atypical liver-injury pathogens such as hepatitis E virus (HEV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and yellow fever virus, with respect to their molecular biological characteristics, global epidemiological profiles, infection and pathogenic mechanisms, and strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Particular emphasis is placed on the genomic architecture and replication cycles of these viruses, host immune responses and viral evasion strategies, key molecular events driving disease progression, and recent advances and remaining challenges in vaccination, direct-acting antiviral therapy, and public health interventions. By integrating evidence across multiple pathogens, this review aims to provide a systematic theoretical reference for the precise prevention and control of viral hepatitis and associated liver injury, as well as for the optimization of clinical diagnosis and management.