hepatitis
n. inflammation of the liver, marked by diffuse or patchy areas of dead liver cells in the liver lobules. Symptoms, when experienced, range from mild, flulike symptoms to liver failure, which can be fatal. Jaundice and bilirubin coloring of the urine are usual signs. The different forms of viral hepatitis are identified by letters indicating the virus responsible. Hepatitis A is contracted by ingesting contaminated food or water, whereas hepatitis B is usually transmitted by transfusions of contaminated blood, the use of dirty hypodermic needles, or by sexual contact with an infected person. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most important causes of chronic liver disease in the United States; its modes of transmission are similar to those of hepatitis B. Nonviral hepatitis can be caused by toxic substances (e.g., alcohol, medications, chemicals), gall bladder or pancreas disorders, or autoimmune
disorders.