Which statement best describes the cause of viral hepatitis?

• A. Viral hepatitis is caused by the bacterium Bacillus cereus.
• B. Viral hepatitis is caused by hepatitis viruses (e.g., HAV, HBV, HCV).
• C. Viral hepatitis is caused by the protozoan Plasmodium falciparum.
• D. Viral hepatitis is caused primarily by the fungus Candida albicans.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the nature of hepatitis by understanding that 'viral hepatitis' specifically refers to liver inflammation caused by viruses, not bacteria, protozoa, or fungi.
2. Recall that hepatitis viruses include several types such as Hepatitis A virus (HAV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which are the primary causative agents of viral hepatitis.
3. Recognize that Bacillus cereus is a bacterium known for causing food poisoning, not viral hepatitis.
4. Understand that Plasmodium falciparum is a protozoan parasite responsible for malaria, which is unrelated to hepatitis.
5. Know that Candida albicans is a fungus that can cause candidiasis but is not associated with causing viral hepatitis.