Hepatitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the liver. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis; however, other infections such as toxic substances (e.g., alcohol, certain drugs) and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis. The hepatitis viruses fall into five different types: A, B, C, D, and E. The most common types in the United States are Hepatitis B and C viruses. Both hepatitis B and C viruses are blood-borne pathogens, which means that their primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected per...
