Acute inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) can be triggered by at least five different hepatotropic viruses - hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis viruses A and E are transmitted via contaminated food and smear infections, whereas hepatitis viruses B, C and D are transmitted through direct contact with blood and other body fluids when these penetrate the skin or mucous membranes. This article is intended to provide a brief overview of the different forms of acute viral hepatitis, diagnosis, course and treatment.