Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are major parenterally transmitted hepatotropic viruses that frequently present as acute hepatitis, clinically indistinguishable from enterically transmitted hepatitis A and E without laboratory confirmation. Serological markers – hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc), and antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) – remain the cornerstone of initial diagnostic evaluation of acute suspected hepatitis. 
Objective: To review the diagnostic serological marker profile and reported prevalence of HBV and HCV among patients with acute suspected hepatitis. Methods: A narrative literature review of peer-reviewed Indian and international studies, surveillance reports, and diagnostic guidelines. 
Results: Hospital-based studies report HBsAg positivity ranging from 2.8% to 16.10% and anti-HCV positivity from 1.8% to 11.98% among acute hepatitis cohorts, considerably higher than community-level estimates. IgM anti-HBc is essential to confirm acute HBV infection, while anti-HCV has reduced sensitivity during the acute window period. 
Conclusion: A structured serological panel combining HBsAg, IgM anti-HBc, and anti-HCV, interpreted within a defined diagnostic algorithm, remains essential for accurate evaluation of acute suspected hepatitis and supports broader viral hepatitis elimination efforts.