Hepatitis
Definition:
An inflammation of the liver.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Hepatitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, infestation with parasites, chemicals (alcohol or drugs), toxins, or immune diseases. It can be short-term (acute), long-term (chronic), or life-threatening (fulminant). Hepatitis can cause permanent liver damage.
The incidence, severity, and means of contagion vary with different forms of hepatitis. Some forms of infectious hepatitis are transmitted through blood products, some through eating contaminated food, some through sexual contact, and some through unknown means.
Specific types of hepatitis include:
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