Technological advancements in the diagnosis of acute viral hepatitis A and E

Abstract

Viral hepatitis heavily burdens the global population, causing over 300 million annual cases across all types. Acute infections stem primarily from hepatitis A and E viruses. While their contribution to global mortality is relatively low, early diagnosis remains critical to prevent severe bodily complications. Current early diagnosis methods vary by detection technique, device, and underlying principle, but face major challenges. A primary obstacle is asymptomatic infection, which frequently produces false-negative results in conventional tests. Additionally, cross-reactivity with other liver inflammation biomarkers and familial antigens often hinders diagnostic accuracy. To overcome these limitations, novel technologies are emerging by modifying conventional approaches. Advanced techniques like qRT-PCR, modified CRISPR, and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) now target hepatitis A and E detection. Evaluating and comparing these innovative tools is essential to identify the most accurate and suitable method for early, reliable diagnosis. © 2026 Elsevier Inc.