Hepatitis overview
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Hepatitis Main Page |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Hepatitis (plural hepatitides) implies injury to liver characterized by presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue. The condition can be self limiting, healing on its own, or can progress to scarring of the liver. Hepatitis is acute when it lasts less than 6 months and chronic when it persists longer. A group of viruses known as the hepatitis viruses cause most cases of liver damage worldwide. Hepatitis can also be due to toxins (notably alcohol), other infections or from autoimmune process. It may run a subclinical course when the affected person may not feel ill. The patient becomes unwell and symptomatic when the disease impairs liver functions that include, among other things, screening of harmful substances, regulation of blood composition, and production of bile to help digestion.
Historical Perspective
Etymologically from ancient Greek hepar (ηπαρ) or hepato- (ηπατο-), meaning 'liver,' and suffix -itis, denoting 'inflammation'. World Hepatitis Awareness Day is an annual event organised by several worldwide hepatitis advocacy groups to raise awareness of infectious hepatitis and demand action to curb the spread of the disease and treat people who are infected.
Epidemiology and Demographics
- HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV (with co-existing HBV infection), and HEV causes 95% of total acute viral hepatitis in the United States.